While everyone is talking about the upcoming redesign that is scheduled for the next year, the 2020 Toyota Tundra came silently. However, that doesn’t mean there are no interesting changes, even though we are probably talking about the last model year of the current generation. There are several interesting novelties and the first thing that comes to mind is a new infotainment system, which comes with smartphone integration. Also, we should mention that the base 4.6-liter engine has been dropped, while the off-road TRD Pro version now comes in a Double Cab design as well.
Still, the overall design is pretty much the same. We are still talking about a model that has been around for about 12 years, so it’s no wonder that it seems outdated in many aspects, compared to much younger competitors. The Tundra is less capable and less efficient than rivals, while outdated interior definitely isn’t a benefit. Still, It remains the most reliable truck on the market, which is probably the main reason for relatively good sales numbers.
2020 Toyota Tundra Design
In terms of base design characteristics, there are no bigger changes. The new model continues in the same way, with a familiar design that has been around for more than a decade. Mechanics are completely the same, as well as the styling, which hasn’t been touched since 2015. On the other side, there are some nice updates on the inside, as well as for a performance TRD Pro version.
Interior
When it comes to interior design, there is a new infotainment system. The 2020 Toyota Tundra interior is equipped with a new, bigger touchscreen and a new infotainment system. Compared to the previous one, it works faster, has better graphics and more features. Probably the most interesting novelty is smartphone integration, so you can now count on goodies like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
Still, the overall interior layout has remained the same, which isn’t a good thing. The cabin of this truck looks outdated, considering that it hasn’t changed too much during all these years of production. The dashboard looks ancient, while materials are mostly hard plastics.
On the other side, we like the fact that this is one of the most spacious trucks on the market. This particularly refers to the 2020 Toyota Tundra CrewMax, which is very generous when it comes to the second-row legroom. Also, this is one of the rare trucks that feature the first-row bench, so seating capacity actually goes up to six people.
2020 Toyota Tundra Engine
Another big change that came with this model is in terms of powertrain. A 4.6-liter V8 engine that was reserved for base versions is no longer in the offer. Instead, all models come standard with a 5.7-liter V8 unit. This is a well-known engine, which is primarily known for exceptional reliability. Also, it delivers around 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it delivers pretty strong driving dynamics.
An obvious downside of this engine is the fuel economy. You may count on 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway, which is subpar by any standards of the automotive industry. Another drawback is max towing capacity, which goes around 10.200 pounds. Most rivals are more capable.
In the past several months, we’ve been hearing a lot of stories about the 2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel. However, this model didn’t happen, although there is no doubt that such an engine would provide higher towing capacity and, more importantly, much better mpg ratings. Still, reasons for not launching this more are pretty obvious. The next-generation model is around the corner, so further investments in the current generation make no sense, especially if we consider that a hybrid version is expected in the near future.
Trim Levels and Prices
Obviously, the trim level organization has remained the same as for the previous year model. Therefore, you may count on the following models – SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro. AS we’ve already mentioned, there is just one engine in the offer now. On the other side, you can choose between two cabin styles and three-bed sizes.
The base model is called SR and it goes around 33.500 dollars. Although a base model, it is fairly well equipped. You get a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration, as well as satellite radio, three USB ports, voice recognition, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. More importantly, you may count on an integrated trailer brake controller.
The SR5 starts at 35.000 dollars. For the price difference, you get a bigger 8-inch touchscreen, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, fog lights etc. Also, you can get bucket front seats, instead of a three-seat bench.
The 2020 Toyota Tundra Limited comes with LED headlights and fog lights. Also, you will find plenty of upgrades on the inside. Some of the highlights are things like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, a power sliding rear window, and navigation. This model costs slightly over 42.000 dollars.
Ventilated front seats, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a vertical power rear window and a 12-speaker JBL premium stereo are some of the highlights of the Platinum trim. Such upgrades would cost you additional 6.000 dollars.
The 1794 Edition features pretty much the same list of features as the Platinum trim. On the other side, it comes with a couple of exclusive styling details. The prices is the same as for the Platinum, which means around 48.600 dollars.
Those who want something more capable, a genuine off-roader will be glad to hear that the 2020 Toyota Tundra Army Green is available in the TRD Pro version, just like in the case of the updated Tacoma. This version features several distinctive styling details, including the blacked grille, new wheels and the aforementioned color option. More importantly, there are off-road mechanical upgrades like front tow hooks, a front skid plate, TRD Pro front shocks, Fox rear shocks etc. Starting from this year, the TRD Pro is available in a Double Cab version too. The price of this off-roader starts at 48.000 dollars.
2020 Toyota Tundra Safety Features
This has always been Tundra’s strong point and the new model is no exception. All models come standard with a pretty long list of features, which includes things like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights etc. In higher trims, you can also get more advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Toyota Tundra Redesign
As we’ve mentioned for a couple of times in this article, this will probably be the last model year of the current generation. The test mule of the new version has been spotted and we expect that the next generation will come as 2021 Toyota Tundra. A lot of changes are about to come with this redesign. We are about to see a completely new design, based on a new, F1 platform. Among interesting novelties, we should mention a new rear suspension design, probably with air components.
Another big novelty is a hybrid powertrain. According to the latest reports, that will be a V6 based system, which will be both powerful and efficient. Some sources suggest a max output of 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The new model should arrive in the second half of next year.