2018 Toyota Tundra Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Standard V8 power
- Roomy rear seating
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense driver safety and assist system
Cons
- Below-average fuel economy
- Ride quality is stiffer than on other trucks
- Feels larger than expected when driven on tight and congested roads
- Not as many customization possibilities
What's new
- New TRD Sport package for SR5 Tundra
- Standard Cab is no longer available
- Toyota Safety Sense package of advanced driver safety aids now comes standard
- Part of the third Tundra generation introduced for 2014
Shopping for a full-size truck can be a challenge. Though there are only a few models to choose from, deciding which is best can be daunting. Toyota's offering for consumers is the 2018 Tundra. Some shoppers will undoubtedly appreciate the Tundra's V8-only powertrains, and others will enjoy the relatively straightforward ordering process compared to domestic rivals. And though the Tundra doesn't have a wealth of bells and whistles to choose from, it does have appealing core competencies. It can tow more than 10,000 pounds and is quite capable on the occasional off-road trip.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$392/mo
Tundra SR5
vs
$346/mo
Avg. Large Truck
But rival full-size trucks have all benefited from recent overhauls, and the Tundra hasn't seen an all-new revision since 2007, which means the 2018 Tundra lags in advancements compared to the current segment leaders. Most manufacturers offer a diesel engine option for efficiency and torque over long hauls or turbocharged gasoline engines for superior performance and fuel efficiency. Even suspension technology has increased such that most rival trucks ride more comfortably.
Ultimately, the made-in-America 2018 Toyota Tundra has its share of good qualities, but it's not enough to push it to the top of the full-size truck category this year.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 Toyota Tundra is certainly a competent truck. It'll tow and haul just about anything you throw at it, and it's plenty capable off-road. But the Tundra is also getting dated, and it shows up in its lack of refinement and middling fuel economy.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1794 Edition (5.7L V8 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Tundra has received some revisions, including an upgraded infotainment system and new driver safety aids. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Tundra, however.
Driving
With its strong V8, the Tundra offers legitimate performance. It's quick, and it feels capable of hauling itself through any scenario a real truck user might encounter.
Comfort
The Tundra, when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, lacks ride comfort relative to competitors who don't couple a towing package to their biggest engine as Toyota does. The smaller 4.6-liter V8-equipped Tundra gets softer springs.
Interior
The interior of the Tundra's 1794 model is covered in perforated, stitched leather. These are among the nicest materials we've seen in a full-size truck.
Utility
The Tundra utilizes its space well. There's a massive center console big enough for multiple average-size laptops. The door pockets are large and fitted for large drink containers. The Tundra's tow ratings are generally lower than key competitors'.
Technology
The Tundra is equipped with Toyota's Entune system, which when combined with an app on your phone, allows you to integrate various systems. It's OK, but rival infotainment systems are easier to use.
Which Tundra does Edmunds recommend?
Picking a Tundra is all about what kind of truck you need and the features you want. But if you're having a hard time choosing, maybe go with the SR5 model with the TRD Off-Road package with options (the one that includes the SR5 upgrade package) for off-road parts that won't interfere with its towing and hauling capabilities.
2018 Toyota Tundra models
The 2018 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup that is available in one of five trim levels: the base SR, the value-conscious SR5, the flexible Limited, the upmarket Platinum and the specialized 1794 Edition. Two engines are available, both V8s: a 4.6-liter (310 hp, 327 lb-ft) and a 5.7-liter (381 hp, 401 lb-ft). From there, you'll pick a body style (the regular Double Cab crew cab or extra large CrewMax) and one of three bed lengths (5.5-foot short bed, 6.5-foot standard bed and 8.1-foot long bed). Note that Toyota limits certain combinations of the above, and feature availability can also vary depending on the region of the country in which you live.
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