2020 Toyota Tundra TRD CrewMax

The new 2020 Toyota Tundra is not exactly new. Under the skin, this Toyota truck is the same as the one that was launched by Toyota in 2007. Yes, very outdated.

Available at a base price of $33,575, the 2020 Toyota Tundra Crewmax comes with a powerful 5.7-Liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine provides the Tundra with 381 horsepower and an acceleration of 0 to 60mph in about 6.4 sec.

The Tundra is offered in various trims but only one is capable of being called a fully-fledged off-roader. Mapping the tracks and passages not taken often the TRD Pro makes sure that none of the things on the way bothers you.It offers an unadulterated off-roading experience, to say the least.

Trim	Toyota Tundra TRD Pro crewman
MSRP	$52,930
Key Features	Aluminium front skid plate
	TOYOTA\u201d front grille with colour-keyed grille surround
	Matte black lower front bumper with colour-keyed end caps
	Multi-reflector halogen headlights with black sport bezels and manual level control
	Fog lights
	HomeLink 16 universal transceiver
	Chrome heated outside mirrors
	Silver billet-style grille insert
	Deck rail system
	Heated front seats with power driver and passenger seating
	Power sliding rear window
	Dual-zone automatic climate control
	Wood-style trim
	Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
	HomeLink 16 universal transceiver
	Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation13 and App Suite14
	Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

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Though Tundra Crewmax comes with good standard options, you can always upgrade your trucks with various options that the Toyota provides you with.

A 5.7 L naturally aspirated V8 (that debuted in 2007) is standard on all the trims. The old workhorse develops 381 bhp @ 5600 pm and 401 pounds-feet @ 3600 rpm. A smaller 4.6 L V8 is available in SR and SR5 trim is discontinued for the current year.

The engine is mated to a 6 speed automatic. While the engine performs adequately, it’s the old 6-speed automatic that really gives away the age of the powertrain. The shifts, although smooth, are slow and makes the Tundra feel a bit lethargic compared to the competition.

Models	Toyota Tundra Crewmax	Nissan Titan Crew Cab	RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab	Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT
Engine	5.6 L V8	5.6-L DOHC 32-VALVE V8	5.7L V8 HEMI VVT	Vortec 6.0L Variable Valve Timing V8 SFI
Transmission	6-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	381 hp @ 5600 rpm	390 hp	383 hp	360 hp
Torque	327 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	394 lb-ft	400 lb-ft	480 lb-ft

Gazing at the opposition, though the bottom trim with the 4.6-litre V8 engine was not up to the mark, the costlier trims with the 5.7-litre V8 engine give a ferocious struggle to its opponents such as the Nissan Titan Crew Cab, RAM 2500 Tradesman ant Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT.

Acceleration

The Tundra with 5.7 L V8 can do the 0 to 60 mph run in 6.4 seconds. The stat is very impressive when the fact that these are not race-runners but big luggers.

Models	Toyota Tundra Crewmax	Nissan Titan Crew Cab	RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab	Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT
0-60 MPH	6.4 sec	6.0 sec	8.8 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter mile	16.1 sec	14.9 sec	17.2 sec	15.6 sec
Engine	4.6L	5.6L	5.7L V8	6.0L V8
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	9.8	N/A	N/A

The conclusion of the match is identical. The Nissan Titan outshines everything and unapologetically obliterates its competition with ease. 

Ride and Handling

The suspension and steering are also as old as the rest of the vehicle and it really shows. You feel what kind of surface you are driving on as the suspension transmits most of the undulations to the cabin. The situation stays the same, whether at highway speeds or puttering about in the town (or ranch).

The TRD Pro trim comes equipped with upgraded suspension and that smoothens things a bit. The handling is equally unimpressive as the Tundra requires you to be active to keep the truck centred on the lane out on the highway. The leviathan rolls into corners liberally and you have to think before carrying speeds into the corners.

Braking

The brakes pedal feel in the 2020 Toyota Tundra is not linear. However, in terms of numbers, the Tundra is well ahead of the Ram 2500. The prime reason for the dismal performance of the Ram 2500 is its ponderous curb weight. 

Model	Toyota Tundra Crewmax	Nissan Titan Crew Cab	RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab	Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT
Brake Front (in.)	13.9	13.7	14.2	13.9
Brake Rear (in.)	13.6	13.5	14.1	14.1
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5250	5521	6306	6242
60-0 MPH (ft.)	130	133.8	135.5	138

If opposed to another contestant, its lighter weight becomes an edge, thus providing an upper hand to this vehicle on the grounds of its braking performance.

Towing Capacity

2020 Toyota Tundra has a maximum tow rating of 10,100 pounds and even in the least capable form, Tundra can tow 6800 pounds. That’s more than most of us need. However, if you genuinely need a serious towing capability (or you just want some bragging rights), the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 at 13,000 pounds are the ones to go for.

Model	Toyota Tundra Crewmax	Nissan Titan Crew Cab	RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab	Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT
Towing Capacity (lbs.)	10,100	9400	11520	13000

Off-Roading

Yes, very familiar. In fact, the bushes are the Tundra’s natural habitat. Even better, Toyota trucks are known worldwide to be tough and unbreakable. A good thing to know when you are thousands of miles away from civilization and your survival depends on your truck.

For those who need a lot more flash when going off the beaten path can take a look at the 2020 Tundra TRD Sport. This machine gets a heavy-duty off-road Bilstein shocks and TRD wheels. In the interiors, you get signature TRD black leather seats with contrasting red stitching that reminds you of the capability.

This is the single most important area where the Toyota Tundra really show its age. No doubt, competitors are not going to be a darling of eco-mentalists but the Tundra is even thirstier.

At 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 15 mpg, the 5.7 V8`s fuel economy figures are scary in the present age of hybrids and electrics.

Model	Toyota Tundra Crewmax	Nissan Titan Crew Cab	RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab	Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT
MPG (city)	13	15	11	11
MPG (highway)	17	21	16	16
MPG (combined)	16	18	14	14

The Tundra conquers the next place in the competition after Nissan Titan followed by the RAM 2500 and the Silverado 2500HD in terms of Fuel Economy.

The old and outdated theme continues to the 2020 Toyota Tundra interior as hard plastics and cheap and rubbery materials are used liberally. However, there are many thoughtful details such as large knobs that are usable when wearing gloves – like when scaling Mount Everest. This is indeed one serious off-roader.

The blind spots are larger than the competition in the Toyota Tundra, thanks to beefier A-pillar and the driver is perched at a height that’s comparable to the competitors. A thing to note is that the SR and SR5 trims only get manually adjustable single-zone climate control. For more modern HVAC, you have to at least get the limited trim.

Seating and Comfort

The seats and interior amenities will satisfy you no doubt. However, modern trucks have moved well beyond the needs and luxuries like massaging seats, heated steering wheels etc. are becoming commonplace. The Toyota offers none of these in 2020 Tundra TRD. However, cooled and heated seats are on offer.

Those in need of great interior appointments and ultimate in ride comfort in their full size pick up should get a Ram 2500 and option it with air suspension. However, if you are also a die-hard Tundra fan, get the Toyota Tundra 1794 edition and enjoy the thick brown leather in the seats.

Space matters, especially on the inside!

This is where the Toyota Tundra holds well and even performs better against the more modern competitors. The rear seat of the Crewmax Toyota Tundra has among the best in class legroom. The front seat legroom is equally impressive and the headroom is comparable to the competitors.

Model	Toyota Tundra Crewmax	Nissan Titan Crew Cab	RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab	Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT
Passenger capacity	6	6	6	6
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.7/65.7/42.5	41.0/63.3/41.8	41.0/66.0/41.0	42.8/64.8/45.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.9/65.5/42.3	40.4/63.6/38.5	39.9/65.7/40.3	40.5/64.3/40.9

There are plenty of cubby holes for the occupants to stow away small items in this Toyota truck. Although other cubby holes are quite small, the centre console box is huge. Plus, the seat squab of the rear seats in the Tundra folds upwards making room for loading tall bags – very clever.

Interior Features

Let’s have a look at what do we have along with the spacious and comfortable interiors on the inside:

• Entune Audio Plus with Connected/ Integrated Navigation
• Integrated backup camera
• 60/40 split fold-up rear seats
• Cruise control
• Carpet flooring

Infotainment System

In the Tundra, you get Toyota’s Entune system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen (6.1-inch touchscreen in base SR trim). Although the infotainment system is not exactly modern, the touchscreen is crisp and intuitive.

The TRD Pro and limited trim get upgraded audio system and an integrated navigation system. If the in-car concert is your thing, a 12 speaker JBL audio system is standard in platinum and 1794 trim but optional in limited trim.

Infotainment Features

• AM/FM CD player
• MP3/WMA playback capability
• 6 speakers with auxiliary audio jack
• USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control
• Advanced voice recognition
• Hands-free phone capability
• Phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology
• Siri Eyes Free
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Integrated backup camera display

Cargo volume

The Tundra is available in three-bed lengths depending on the cab style – 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8.1 feet. The 5.5 feet bed is available only in Crewmax while the 8.1 feet bed is only available in the Doublecab.

The cargo volume of smallest and largest available bed length in Tundra is considerably larger than the cargo volume of the smallest and largest available beds in the competitors.

Model	Toyota Tundra Crewmax	Nissan Titan Crew Cab	RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab	Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	55	50	57.5	61.0

The Crewmax has a relatively less freight space when opposed to the RAM 2500 and Chevy Silverado 2500. It anyways has an edge when matched to the Nissan Titan

The Tundra is a full-size truck and looks like one. The Huge front engine compartment, giant grille, huge rearview mirror, and bedroom size beds are all there.

Style and Exterior Features

The exterior of the Toyota Tundra is a departure from the more modern trend of crisp, flat lines and surfaces in trucks – a giveaway of its age. The front grille looks hugely imposing – good if you want to intimidate the drivers in front.

However, it’s the Tundra TRD pro that looks properly post-apocalyptic with dark menacing wheels and grills. Those all-terrain tires will rip away the flesh of any zombie that bothers you. Okay, back to real-life – Power exterior mirrors come standard while the power sunroof is reserved for the Tundra Limited, Tundra Platinum and Tundra 1794 edition.

Model	Toyota Tundra Crewmax	Nissan Titan Crew Cab	RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab	Chevy Silverado 2500 HD WT
Curb weight (lbs.)	5250	5521	6306	6242
Length(in)	228.9	228.1	237.4	239.5
Width(in)	79.9	79.5	79.5	80.5
Height(in)	75.8	75.4	76.9	78.2
Ground clearance (in)	10.2	8.3	6.1	9.6
Wheelbase (in)	145.7	139.8	149.0	153.7
Track width (in) F/R	67.9/67.9	68.5/68.5	66.4/66.4	68.8/68.8

The Toyota Tundra is considerably shorter in overall length compared to the competition in similar body configuration. However, the Tundra is one of the widest truck and its ground clearance is particularly large – a boon when going off-road. The Tundra is also one of the taller pickups.

Exterior Features

Let’s see what we get on the exterior of our good looking companion

• Multi-reflector halogen headlights with manual level control
• Daytime Running Lights
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Windshield wiper de-icer
• High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass
• Easy lower and lift tailgate
• Front and rear mudguards
• Front tow hooks (4x4)
• Front skid plate

This is the area where the Tundra really shines above the rest of the pickups. For 2020 Tundra, Toyota offers Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) bundled with the following active safety features:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Sway Warning System (SWS)
• Automatic High Beams (AHB)
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

Some of these features are not available in competitors even in higher trims but the Toyota offers these as standard – even in base trim! Also, with an impressive complement of active safety features, the Tundra gets a host of passive safety features like a full array of airbags child seats. The Tundra also gets 4 star NHTSA rating.

Toyota Tundra CrewMax vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500

The Silverado 1500 has better materials in interior trim and it has excellent in-cabin noise insulation. The Silverado looks menacing with high headlights but that’s about it. The Tundra, however, trumps the Silverado in resale value and off-road capability.

Toyota Tundra CrewMax vs Ram 2500

The Ram 1500 is more modern, more powerful and more has a turbo diesel on offer – not to mention its unrivalled ride comfort. However, Tundra scores when the road ends and has the trust of the Toyota brand. All in all, Ram 1500 proves to be a better pick if cabin comfort is your top priority.

The Tundra is one of the most rugged, reliable and off-road capable truck on the market. It’s in the market for over a decade, so spare parts availability will never be an issue. However, the Tundra is now getting old and is in urgent need of an overhaul. The engines do not hold well among the competition and driving dynamics is crude compared to rivals. The interior does not impress either.

The competitors offer a far more modern and well-rounded package – The Tundra is underwhelming in comparison and there is very little going for it.

The availability of active safety features as standard across all trims has surely brightened things. The Toyota is also unrivalled when the road ends along with unbreakable reputation. Get this if you genuinely want to go far away from civilization. Within civilization though, there are far better options.