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1955 Ford Crown VictoriaNew vs Used: Toyota Tundra Truck
Is a used Toyota Tundra a better value for your money than a brand-new Tundra? We compare all the details to find out.
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New vs Used: Toyota Tundra
The second-generation Toyota Tundra was on sale for more than a decade. Its replacement in 2022 was lauded as a major step forward for the pickup but those advancements come at a high price. With that in mind, we’re wondering if it’s better to buy a used Toyota Tundra, namely, the very last year model of the second-generation. To find out, we’ll compare everything from specs to driving performance, to trims and features before crowning a winner.
Specs
The all-new Toyota Tundra utilizes a twin-turbocharged V6 across the entire lineup. The base version develops 348 horsepower while a slightly warmed-up version makes 379. A hybridized variant bumps power to 437 ponies. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 12,000-pounds. Regardless of which power figure, the Tundra is shipped with, all send power to either the rear or all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Notably, the 2022 Tundra isn’t available with an automatic 4WD feature. On the plus side, it does come with a coil-spring rear suspension so it rides better than most of the competition on the market. The new Tundra’s MSRP starts at $37,745 but can cost north of $80,000 depending on trim and options.
A used Toyota Tundra from 2021 will likely start above $35,000. The most expensive 2021 Tundra we have listed on CarsForSale.com right now is listed at $75,000. No matter which 2021 Tundra one might pick, they’ll all come with the same 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8.
Just like the new Tundra, rear or 4WD is available but this truck employs an archaic six-speed automatic transmission. That contributes to an EPA-estimated 13 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway. The new truck gets up to 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. Towing maxes out at 10,200 pounds.
Driving and Performance
The new Tundra benefits from a modernized powertrain and suspension in every way over its older counterpart. The new coil-spring rear suspension allows for a deft precision that simply isn’t possible on a truck with leaf springs. In addition, turn-in and cornering stability is improved on the new Tundra. We also like the way that the twin-turbocharged engine delivers high-end power and torque. Not only does it feel linear and strong, but it doesn’t have the high-RPM drop-off in power that some other turbocharged vehicles experience.
At the same time, the engine from the used Toyota Tundra is no slouch. Being a naturally aspirated V8, it delivers more instantaneous torque when you put the pedal down. Beyond that one quality, it’s hard to argue that the 2021 Tundra is a better driver in any way. It’s bouncy over rough pavement, it’s slower to turn, and it feels more numb through the steering wheel too. All of that being said, it’s still a solid everyday driver that most people would never have a major problem with. Only in the light of this new and much-improved Tundra does it feel so lacking.
Comfort and Interior
The all-new Tundra features a largely updated interior with modernized squared-off design features. Large blocky elements like the center console, steering wheel, and center infotainment system look good and feel good too. Two different cab lengths, Double Cab and CrewMax are offered. Rear seat space is obviously better in the true four-door but we’ll be remiss not to mention the somewhat old-school conditions for passengers in the back. The seats sit more upright than expected and there is less legroom than we’d hoped for.
The used Tundra offers a classic design that most buyers will be very familiar with. Large knobs and switches make for easy navigation and operation of important controls. At the same time, the overall design aesthetic looks dated despite the fact that it’s only a few years old. That’s especially obvious when considering its much smaller 7-inch base infotainment system. Despite its older design, there’s no rear seat penalty for going with the used Tundra over the new one. Both trucks feature a bunch of storage cubbies to increase practicality.
Trims and Features
The new Tundra comes in seven trim levels. Most models come with RWD standard but 4WD is available on those models. An SX package is available for SR5 and above trims with darker badging and grey 18-inch alloy wheels. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 is standard across the lineup with forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.
The Toyota Tundra SR gets the 348 hp version of the V6 along with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cloth upholstery, and a sheet-molded compound composite bed.
The SR5 adds alloy wheels, LED fog lights, a towing package, adjustable tie-down cleats in the bed, and a rear-seat center armrest with cupholders. It also gets a 389-horsepower version of the V6.
The luxury-focused Limited trim adds a 14-inch central infotainment system, an integrated navigation system, a digital gauge cluster (when equipped with the hybrid engine), 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
More technology is the focus in the Platinum trim. Premium JBL sound system, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, premium LED headlights, a wireless device charger, a panoramic sunroof, household-style power outlets in the cabin and bed, a trailer backup guidance system, a 360-degree camera system, rear door sunshades, and leather upholstery.
The 1794 Edition pays tribute to the ranch where Toyota built the factory where the Tundra itself is built. It gets special badging and ranch-themed interior accents along with unique 20-inch wheels.
The off-road-focused Toyota Tundra TRD Pro gets a 1.1-inch front suspension lift, skid plates, a rear locking differential, crawl control, and special 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires.
The top Capstone trim adds 22-inch wheels, powered running boards, sound-reducing front windows, a heads-up display, and unique interior trim.
The used 2021 Toyota Tundra comes in six trim levels. They all use the same 381-horsepower V8 along with a six-speed automatic. Rear or 4WD is available across the lineup.
The base SR trim comes with a 7-inch infotainment system, six speakers, Android and Apple connectivity, an integrated brake controller, cloth upholstery, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane departure warning.
The SR5 trim gets a larger 8-inch infotainment system, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and foglights. This trim also opens up a number of different packages with concurrent features. That includes a larger fuel tank, a TRD Sport package, a Convenience package, Premium Audio with navigation, and a Trail Edition with a spray-in bedliner.
The Limited adds 20-inch wheels, a power-sliding rear window, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED lighting, and a silver grille with a chrome surround. Buyers can add a TRD Off-Road package with 18-inch wheels, skid plates, and tow hooks or they can opt for a Nightshade Special Edition with dark badging and black 20-inch wheels.
The Toyota Tundra Platinum trim gets leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a black grille, and an upgraded JBL sound system.
Just like the new Tundra, the 1795 Edition trim adds ranch-themed accents and a lot of chrome.
At the top of the used Tundra lineup, the TRD Pro gets 18-inch BBS Forged wheels, black leather upholstery, Fox shocks, a front skid plate, Rigid Industries fog lights, and a revised off-road suspension with a 2-inch lift.
The Verdict
2022 Toyota Tundra – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop Toyota Tundra on Carsforsale.com
Ultimately, these are two very capable trucks that should last for decades without major issue. Considering how hard it is to find a vehicle at MSRP right now, it might be much easier to justify paying thousands less for a used Toyota Tundra. At the same time, we highly suggest doing your research to find out if the new Toyota Tundra you’re interested in is available for near the price of a comparable used Tundra. The new truck is dramatically better in terms of the experience it provides so we’d aim for that and fall back on a used Tundra only if necessary.
