First Drive: 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Sport 5.7L V-8 4x4 CrewMax

All the big half-ton truck manufactures have given their models a recent refresh or a full redesign. Toyota though has soldiered on with its Tundra which was last redesigned in 2014. Let’s take a look and see if the 2019 model is still competitive. Prices range from $31,420 for the base SR 4x2 trim up to $50,430 for the Platinum 5.7L 4x4 CrewMax trim.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Sport model has multiple stylish and functional upgrades. Upfront the grille has been painted to match the body color, the hood scoop is specific to the TRD model, and the headlights are LED units. Underneath the 4x4 gear consists of Bilstein tuned Dampeners and TRD sway bars.

Under the hood is a 5.7-liter iForce V-8 engine makes 391 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. of torque. Fuel economy checks in at 14 MPG combined which is significantly worse than the competition. These poor figures are due in part to an outdated 6-speed automatic transmission when the competition has 10-speed transmissions.

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[bburns]

My company used to have a Chevy Fleet. The trucks were always in the shop so we switched to Ford. Things got no better. Now we have Tundras. Fuel prices stayed the same. Repair costs are way down. I bought a 2018 Limited CM for myself. I have driven them all. Tundras are the best by far. I’d you need a push button or a fancy interior, just make sure you pick shoes that match your dress.

[NL-inuj]

The ram looks nicest, Tundra takes second, but in terms of reliability, Toyota is king

[christopherstreet]

Yes it’s older, less fuel efficient etc... but the difference is that this won’t break !!!

[KZSoze]

When you show the fancier trucks, people complain they are too fancy and why can’t we make a more straight forward truck anymore. Show them a Tundra and the same folks complain the truck is too straight forward and not fancy enough.

[luislanda]

My 2006 tundra has now 228k with zero problems for the past ten years zero dollars into repairs.. And i know that the 5.7v8 is even better..

[JDOutdoors]

All the reasons I switched to the 2018 Tundra from my 6.2 Silverado High Country. The Silverado was in the shop 6 times before 27k miles, the radiator blew at 27k and I traded it in as soon as it returned from repair. Chevy has made many sacrifices for fuel economy and turned their trucks into soccer mom suvs with truck beds. The Tundra is a proven platform, if I ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I also average within 1mpg of the ‘15 6.2 Silverado I had on my daily commute. There is also no comparison when I tow my tractor or camper vs the Silverado, much more stable and the 4.30 gears make a noticeable difference. The larger brakes also feel more confident I can actually stop. The Silverado always made my ass pucker when towing heavy loads.

[joaopaulolemos]

This motor is so unbelievably reliable that Toyota doesn’t even try to make a new modern one being afraid it won’t be as good as this..

[Ekimsnegdoh]

This truck is amazing. Simplicity, reliability and I love the basic interior. Hope Toyota doesn’t jump on the bandwagon of the big 3. I’ve owned a lot of trucks and every tundra owner I know that uses there truck daily says please don’t change anything. I specifically ask every person at a gas station that owns a tundra if they don’t like it and never get a negative response.

[juancolon]

One thing I will say about the Toyota Tundra they hold their value.

[dannydimercurio]

I may be alone here, but I think the Tundra, although they haven't updated it lately, has the nicest looking front end. It seems like all of the updated 2019 trucks went for the bubbly look, while the Tundra still has a somewhat aggressive look to it.

[nickforet]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it keep it going Toyota

[brettoberry]

2018, the Tundra was the ONLY full sized pickup that was a "recommended buy" according to Consumer Reports. Haven't checked 2019, but considering the important parts have not changed, you can't go wrong with a Toyota when it comes to reliability and resale value.

[briand.]

Yeah its old, but guess what!? It won't break down! Toyota it is

[mixflip]

People: big 3 should make a simple reliable basic truck....less technology and flash.

Toyota: hold my

[max-grey]

So I see a lot of people complaining about the tundra lacking tech., bad fuel economy & dated interior.
The question, is the Tundra trying to be a luxury truck?
Also, Toyota was just honest with the mpg numbers, other "modern" trucks consume almost same amount of fuel. On the TFL towing test, the tundra did consume just about same as the competition.
Tundra doesn't have to be like the competition, it has to be a tundra.
Others are only good on paper, modern tech is overly hyped.

[songdaejong]

just bought 2015 tundra trd off road. did 5500km (about 3500miles) across canada trip to bring it home from east to west. drove 12-15 hours a day for 5 days straight and only thing i had to replace was windshield wipers from following semi tucks in the rain and snow. some highways in Manitoba canada was horrible for duration of 5 hours straight but truck handled it without any issues. i went for the reliability and didn't disappoint. im sure other brand of truck can handle these types of road trips but im only speaking from mine and one side of perspective

[jkben]

Love the Tundra the way it is. Reliable. Nobody gives any focus on reliable. That's number one to me. Love the kick ass 5.7 V8 ! Love this beast !!!
I don't want or need more fancy-ness.
I have seen it time and time has to be changed for the sake of change. Not to make it better because most of the time it is not better. Tundra rocks!!!

[John-nxtg]

Yea the ram looks nice on the inside so you have something to look at when your on the side of the road just sayin.. I own a tundra and I absolutely love my truck!! One word reliable

[chief]

Only Toyota makes a V-8 with a forged crankshaft! Engine will run forever!

[GuyHarvey]

That’s what I like about the Tundra is the simplicity. All these new trucks have too much technology. A truck is a truck not a Mercedes.