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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2020 Toyota Tundra Review
The 2020 Toyota Tundra receives a few updates and retains its burly V8. However, its refresh is still a couple of years out.
2020 Toyota Tundra – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota Tundra on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Toyota Tundra?
While a complete refresh is still a few years off, the 2020 Toyota Tundra receives a few updates to stay relevant. Among them are a pair of larger infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. In addition, Toyota’s Safety Sense P driver’s safety package comes standard on all trims.
There are also some additional changes for SR5 and TRD Pro trims. The former gets some extra standard features, and the TRD Pro is now available in a Double Cab or CrewMax (extended cab) configuration. Lastly, the smaller 4.6L V8 has been dropped from the lineup, leaving the 5.6L as the sole engine choice for 2020.
The Breakdown
Excellent reliability and resale rating
Powerful standard V8
TRD models are capable off-roaders
Many standard safety features
Poor fuel economy
No optional powerplants
Dated interior
A redesign is long overdue
2020 Tundra Specs
- 381 horsepower from base engine
- 401 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 10,200 lb maximum towing capacity
- 1,730 lb payload capacity
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Roomy interior
- 2 years of complimentary maintenance
2020 Toyota Tundra Powertrain
Now that the 4.6L has been dropped from the lineup, the only available drivetrain configuration for the 2020 Toyota Tundra is a 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque 5.6L V8 that is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. While that is decent for a full-size base model pickup, most of its competitors can be optioned with more powerful engines. Likewise, a six-speed transmission is behind the times, considering that eight, nine, and 10-speed gearboxes are the norm in many trucks today.
While the Tundra’s drivetrain is dated by 2020 standards, it is not a slouch by any means and can sprint from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. Suffice to say, there is always ample power on tap when you need some extra grunt on the highway. Likewise, the TRD Pro is a capable off-roader that can hold its own against similarly equipped models from Dodge, Ford, or GM on the most rugged terrain.
Unfortunately, the Toyota Tundra disappoints for anything beyond straight-line acceleration. The steering is sloppy and tends to float at highway speeds and staying in your lane can be a chore. Likewise, there is a fair amount of body roll when going around curves. Stopping power is average for the class, and the brake pedal feedback can be inconsistent at times, which hardly inspires confidence in emergency situations.
The Tundra is going on 14 years without any significant updates, its age is showing, and it continually falls behind the competition each passing year. With that said, a new drivetrain is long overdue.
Towing & Payload
Thanks to its powerful V8, the 2020 Toyota Tundra has a towing capacity of just over five tons. While this is not the best in its class, it is more than enough for hauling a small boat or camper. The payload capacity of 1,730 pounds is good, but again, it is outdone by its domestic rivals.
2020 Toyota Tundra Fuel Economy & MPG
Fuel economy is not a strong suit of any full-size pickup, but even with that consideration, the 2020 Toyota Tundra is abysmal. Of course, a six-speed transmission is not helping the situation. The 2WD model’s EPA rating of 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway places it near the bottom of its segment and adding 4WD will drop that figure to 13 mpg and 17 mpg, respectively.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2020 Toyota Tundra is at the top of its game when it comes to interior space. Both cab configurations have ample space, and the tallest of passengers will have no issues in the larger CrewMax cab option. On the other hand, the seats in the SR and SR5 are not the most supportive and err on the stiffer side. As such, they can get uncomfortable on longer trips. However, the Platinum and 1794 Editions do have better seating materials.
However, like the Tundra’s drivetrain, the interior is dated. While the controls are easy to use and well-placed, there is no getting around the cheap plasticky feel. Likewise, the Tundra lacks some tech features and creature comforts that are available in competitors’ models.
Despite being the interior functional, a refresh is obviously long overdue. Things are not so bad for the SR and SR5 as they are similarly equipped to rival offerings in their respective price range. However, the higher Limited and Platinum trims increasingly fall behind the competition, especially when taking into account the $50,000 price tag.
Entertainment & Technology
On a positive note, Toyota‘s Entune infotainment receives Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for 2020. The interface is a bit clunky, but it works well with most smartphones. The biggest disappointment is the underpowered stock audio system that distorts when you crank up the volume, so we would highly recommend the JBL audio package.
The bright spot for the 2020 Toyota Tundra’s available technology is the assortment of driver’s assistance and safety tech. The Tundra comes well-equipped with standard features like adaptive cruise control that are optional on many competitors’ trucks.
Safety Features
The 2020 Toyota Tundra receives an overall four-star NHTSA safety rating with five stars for side impacts. This is decent for a light truck and Toyota’s Safety Sense P comes with many standard features.
2020 Toyota Tundra Trims & Pricing
SR – $35,170
The base model 2020 Toyota Tundra comes equipped with a 7″ touchscreen infotainment system that now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Additional standard features are manually adjustable cloth seats, heated and power-adjustable outer mirrors, a six-speaker sound system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
In terms of driver’s assistance safety features, all models get Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite which includes forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
2WD is standard fare for the Tundra, although 4WD can be added to all trim levels. In addition, there are two cab configurations, Double Cab and CrewMax, but the availability and bed length varies by model.
SR5 – $36,840
Stepping up to the SR5 adds several extras like a larger 8″ touchscreen infotainment system, rear under-seat storage, fog lights, a sliding rear window, a higher capacity 38-gallon gas tank, and an upgraded audio system.
Limited – $43,865
The luxury-oriented Limited gets you dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and power-adjustable leather front bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power sliding rear window, and 20-inch wheels.
TRD Pro – $50,250
For those that like to venture off-road, the TRD Pro is worth a look. This trim is available in 4×4 only and has model-specific exterior and interior accents, a skid plate, lighter BBS wheels, tuned springs, and upgraded shocks.
Platinum – $50,370
The top-level Platinum builds upon the Limited by adding heated and ventilated front seats, a vertical power rear window, premium 12-speaker JBL audio, a sunroof, and additional driver’s tech and safety features.
1794 Edition – $50,370
The 2020 Toyota Tundra 1794 model essentially mirrors the Platinum, although it adds a few unique interior and exterior accents.
Warranties
The 2020 Toyota Tundra is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. While this is average for a light truck, Toyota does provide 2-years/25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
What we think
2020 Toyota Tundra – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota Tundra on Carsforsale.com
Even though it does enough to stay relevant, the 2020 Toyota Tundra has increasingly fallen behind the times. Rival models like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 offer more features, powertrain choices, and better fuel economy. Unless you are set on a Toyota, there are better options out there when shopping for a full-size pickup truck.
