2020 Toyota Tundra CrewMax
2020 Toyota Tundra Review
- Standard V8 power
- Roomy rear seating
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense driver safety and assist system
- Highly capable off-road TRD models
- Below-average fuel economy
- Stiffer ride than other trucks
- Feels especially large when driven on tight and congested roads
- Not as many customization possibilities compared to rivals
- Upgraded audio system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Base 4.6-liter V8 no longer available
- TRD Pro now offered with either Double Cab or CrewMax cab
- Part of the second Tundra generation introduced for 2007
The Toyota Tundra has received some updates over the years, including a fresh new look and even an impressive list of modern safety equipment. But the reality is that the truck underneath is
more than a decade old. On one hand, this means the Tundra holds some appeal as a no-nonsense workhorse with a robust V8 engine. But if you're looking for the latest and greatest, you're not going to find it here.
For 2020, the Tundra now only offers one powertrain: a 5.7-liter V8. Last year, a 4.6-liter V8 was standard and the 5.7-liter optional, but Toyota has ditched the smaller engine for now. Inside, the Tundra gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020. But there are still some disappointing cabin materials surrounding the infotainment interface, and the general cabin layout is dated.
If you're looking to tow or haul on the regular, the Tundra has you covered with the standard V8 and a standard 4.30 axle ratio — the combo lifts towing capacity right around 10,000 pounds on every trim level. Fuel economy suffers quite a bit, however, and virtually every rival has an optional towing package that will get you an even higher tow rating.
The Tundra is a capable truck, no doubt, and the TRD lineup offers some cool off-road options to choose from. But overall, we'd recommend taking a closer look at one of the Tundra's more recently redesigned rivals, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
Our verdict | |
Used solely as a work truck, the Tundra has a lot to offer, including impressive standard towing capability and interior utility. But modern trucks are expected to be family transportation, too. From a refinement and feature standpoint, the Tundra falls behind almost all its major rivals. | |
How does the Tundra drive? | |
The 5.7-liter V8 has plenty of thrust, but that's about the best thing we can say about the Tundra's performance. The brake pedal is numb and provides little driver confidence during emergency braking. Around corners, the steering is vague and the large steering wheel doesn't return to center well. Handling feels unsettled at times, too, especially on tight roads. We do like that Toyota offers the off-road-ready TRD Pro version. But for routine driving, nearly every full-size truck is more agile, maneuverable and modern. | |
How comfortable is the Tundra? | |
Comfort is below average in the Tundra. The seats are stiffly padded and aren't very supportive — most drivers will have issues getting comfortable. The Tundra rides OK over small ruts, but you'll definitely feel larger bumps and potholes because of the stiff and unforgiving suspension. We imagine a significant payload would settle things down a bit, but it's hard to live with every day. Wind and road noise is present most of the time. Our SR5 test vehicle didn't have many creature comforts, but the single-zone climate control is easy to master because of its logical layout and big, easy-to-grasp knobs. The small vents mean you have to crank up the A/C to cool down the cabin in a hurry. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Tundra's interior is functional but dated. The controls are large and well-labeled, and the redundant buttons next to the touchscreen are useful. It's spacious inside too, with enough room for adults in all the major seating positions. Forward visibility is good. However, there's a huge blind spot over both shoulders, and the blind-spot monitoring system doesn't always detect what's back there. The lack of visibility also makes maneuvering into a parking spot a challenge. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Technology is a weak point for the Tundra. The base stereo has an underpowered six-speaker unit that doesn't get very loud. But when you turn it up, it distorts easily. At least Bluetooth and USB audio connect relatively quickly on a consistent basis. The factory voice controls for music and phone calls work well but only under a very specific menu structure — the system doesn't respond well to casual language. On the plus side, the Tundra comes standard with features such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking and lane departure monitoring. On the minus side, some of these systems are overly sensitive to neighboring vehicles. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The max payload rating for the Tundra is competitive, but the bed's load-in height is high. You can't get a fancy tailgate like you can on some of the newer trucks either. Thankfully, the 5.7-liter V8 and standard 4.30 axle ratio give most Tundras a tow rating around 10,000 pounds. Plus, the Tundra comes standard with an integrated electronic trailer brake controller. The back seat is massive, so you can fit most child seats without a problem. But it's poorly laid out for hauling large cargo items because of a sizable hump in the center of the floor. Small-item storage is lacking because many of the spaces are small by segment standards. | |
How economical is the Tundra? | |
The Tundra's EPA ratings are well below average. The six-speed automatic holds it back, as does the standard high axle ratio. Other truckmakers hide the negative effects of towing axle ratios by making them optional, but at least with them, you get the choice. As a silver lining, we've found the EPA estimates to be achievable in real-world testing. | |
Is the Tundra a good value? | |
For a bare-bones work truck, the Tundra has some appeal. But when you start adding options, the pricing becomes less competitive. Almost every rival packs better bang for the buck. The cabin materials feel cheap and dated, even if the tolerances are tight. The standard three-year/36,000-mile warranty and five years/60,000 miles for powertrain coverage are about average for the segment. Scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance for two years/25,000 miles are on the house, which is nice. | |
Wildcard | |
What the Tundra lacks in objective performance metrics, it makes up for with a bit of personality. The 5.7-liter V8 gives you a great soundtrack, and any of the off-road packages will make you feel like a hero in the dirt. Plus, no matter where you go or what you do, this big Toyota won't let you forget that you're driving a brute-force pickup, not some compromised daily driver. | |
Which Tundra does Edmunds recommend?
Available with a number of optional upgrades, but reasonably priced, we recommend the Tundra SR5. It might be just one rung above the base SR, but the SR5 adds an upgraded 8-inch infotainment interface and has access to a larger fuel tank (via the Upgrade package) as well as some off-road equipment via the TRD Sport package.
Toyota Tundra models
The 2020 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup available in five trim levels: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro. All 2020 Tundras come with a 5.7-liter V8 (381 hp, 401 lb-ft) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. From there, you'll pick a body style (the regular Double Cab, crew cab or the extra-large CrewMax) and one of three bed lengths.
Save as much as $4,229 with Edmunds
2020 Toyota Tundra CrewMax pricing
in Ashburn, VA1794
5.7L 8cyl 6A
Edmunds Suggested Price$48,771
SR5
5.7L 8cyl 6A
Edmunds Suggested Price$44,248
Limited
5.7L 8cyl 6A
Edmunds Suggested Price$47,917
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Toyota Tundra.
Trending topics in reviews
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- comfort
- transmission
- seats
- ride quality
- handling & steering
- technology
- driving experience
- appearance
- infotainment system
- off-roading
- engine
- climate control
- visibility
- interior
- fuel efficiency
- towing
- acceleration
- value
- electrical system
- emission system
- spaciousness
Most helpful consumer reviews
4/5 stars, Trying something new
James Y.,
Limited 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Had 3 F150s with very few issues along the way, but the prices of the new ones are simply out of sight. So, I decided to give a Toyota a try this time around, given the lower price for similar equipment. I love the simplicity of the Toyota...no useless bling, baubles and eye candy...just a solid, good looking truck inside and out, with all the modern conveniences and a great reliability track record. Yes, it feels a little dated and a bit less refined than some of its competitors, but it's a good, bulletproof, comfortable, capable, truck that does everything I need a truck to do. And, importantly, it was priced right. As someone else said, if you want bling and baubles, you won't find them here. I've had two trucks like that and found all the 'cool', whiz-bang, stuff to be interesting but largely unnecessary, overly complex, and certainly not worth the extra investment. They were solutions to problems I never had, and just added complexity, distraction, and often frustration. The Tundra has good, intuitive, easy to navigate features which add to my driving experience in meaningful ways. In addition, it's ridiculously off-road capable...far more than my other trucks. My only gripe is with the fuel mileage, but it's the price I'm willing to pay to drive a V8 with all the simplicity, torque and horsepower I prefer. Love the Tundra so far. It's different from what I'm used to, but not in bad ways. It's very off-road capable with all the bells and whistles I need to enjoy my commute and travels.
5/5 stars, Love our 2020 Platinum series!
Jennifer D,
Platinum 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
We decided to "downgrade" from our Infiniti SUV QX80 .. but we are very pleased with all the upgrades to the 2020 Tundra which had most of the options our $100k SUV has! It even had keyless entry and push button start!!! Drives smooth, feels more luxury than just a TRUCK.. we are beyond happy with it! We have the Mesquite (brown) color with black interior... its stunning!
38 gallon gas tank is a bit spendy to fill, but hey we get almost 600 miles out of a full tank.
5/5 stars, Durable/reliable
Russ,
Limited 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
This is my 4th Tundra
I traded my 2007 for this 2020 because it will be my last truck and we will be doing alot of towing. The 2007 had 120000 miles on it and I was convinced it would go another 100k but my wife was nervous...
120k. No oil use between changes, u-joints still solid, NO problems at all. Towed a trailer from Tacoma to Cabo and back, Calgary and back and several trips tp Death Valley with nary a whimper!,
Keep all your bells and whistles I need a reliable tow vehicle —the Tundra!
5/5 stars, Truck of my Dreams
Charles,
TRD PRO 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Just pick up a Tundra TRD Pro from Milton Ruben toyota in Augusta Ga. I have been a truck guy all my life. Bouncing back and forth between Ford and Dodge. Toyota showed me that you didn't need to spend a fortune to get good truck. The fit and finesh is top notch. What you get from others for 60 to 90 thousand, Toyota gives you for 40 to 50 thousand.
Helpful shopping links
2020 Toyota Tundra video
2017 Toyota Tundra First Look
NOTE: This video is about the 2017 Toyota Tundra, but since the 2020 Toyota Tundra is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Looking for a capable full-size pickup truck that's one of the few in its class that's very serious about off-road performance? The 2017 Toyota Tundra might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Tundra safety features:
- Park Assist Sonar
- Warns if you're about to hit a car or object near your car. Extremely helpful for large vehicles parking in tight spaces.
- Blind-Spot Monitor and RCTA
- Lets you know if there is traffic in your blind spot before changing lanes and if there's oncoming side traffic when reversing.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Uses radar to automatically help keep the Tundra a set distance from the car ahead.
Toyota Tundra vs. the competition
2020 Toyota Tundra
2019 Ram 1500
Toyota Tundra vs. Ram 1500
The Toyota Tundra and the Ram 1500 are at opposite ends of the full-size truck spectrum. The Tundra offers a bare-bones approach, with one available engine and some brute-force towing capability. The Ram, on the other hand, is the most refined truck that money can buy, and it gives up nothing on the utility front either. There's a reason it's our No. 1-rated truck. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Ram 1500.
Toyota Tundra vs. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Available with a variety of optional engines, the Silverado can be customized extensively. It can be had with a V6, a turbocharged four-cylinder, or one of two available V8s. The Silverado also offers a lot more modern tech than the Tundra, including trailer-monitoring systems and a 360-degree parking camera.
Toyota Tundra vs. Ford F-150
One of the most customizable, capable and appealing trucks on the road today is the Ford F-150. Like the Silverado and the Ram, the Ford offers multiple powertrains to choose from. The Ford also provides impressive payload and towing capacities and has the Raptor trim to satiate your desire for off-road shenanigans. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Ford F-150.
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FAQ
Is the Toyota Tundra a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Tundra both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.7 out of 10. You probably care about Toyota Tundra fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Tundra gets an EPA-estimated 14 mpg to 15 mpg, depending on the configuration. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Tundra. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Toyota Tundra?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Toyota Tundra:
- Upgraded audio system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Base 4.6-liter V8 no longer available
- TRD Pro now offered with either Double Cab or CrewMax cab
- Part of the second Tundra generation introduced for 2007
Is the Toyota Tundra reliable?
To determine whether the Toyota Tundra is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Tundra. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Tundra's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Toyota Tundra a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Toyota Tundra is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Tundra and gave it a 6.7 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Tundra is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Toyota Tundra?
The least-expensive 2020 Toyota Tundra is the 2020 Toyota Tundra SR5 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,850.
Other versions include:
- SR5 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $40,900
- SR5 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $37,850
- Limited 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $47,185
- Platinum 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $51,825
- Limited 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $44,135
- 1794 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $48,775
- Platinum 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $48,775
- TRD PRO 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $52,930
- 1794 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) which starts at $51,825
What are the different models of Toyota Tundra?
If you're interested in the Toyota Tundra, the next question is, which Tundra model is right for you? Tundra variants include SR5 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SR5 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), and Platinum 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A). For a full list of Tundra models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more