The Toyota Tundra is a popular truck model that has been highly regarded by consumers since its inception in 1999. Designed as a full-size pickup truck, the Tundra serves as the bigger brother to the Tacoma and an alternative to SUVs like the Sequoia and Land Cruiser.
With an array of engine options, modern technologies, and cutting-edge styling, the Tundra continues to be one of Toyota’s most popular models. Consumer reports have noted its reliability, comfort, and highway safety features over the years.
The Tundra has undergone several updates and revisions, including new engine options and advanced safety features. Despite some initial skepticism about its smaller size in comparison to other full-size pickup trucks, the Tundra Toyota truck has proven itself to be a strong and reliable vehicle that is highly regarded by both drivers and automotive experts.
We do love Toyota trucks here because of their reliability, so it was a bit tough for us to whittle down this best years list. Whether you’re looking for a rugged off-road truck or a versatile daily driver, the Toyota Tundra is an excellent choice that offers something for everyone.
2009 Model Year Toyota Tundra (2nd Generation)
The 2009 model year is widely considered to be one of the most reliable Toyota Tundra models in the history of the popular truck, and for good reason. Toyotas have an excellent track record for being reliable, and the Tundra from this year was no exception.
Another quality that earned the praise of Toyota Tundra owners back in 2009 was the truck’s overall design and aesthetics. 2009 Tundras weren’t a radical departure from 2008 models, but there were enough differences to keep the design fresh and modern.
In addition to its sleek design, the 2009 Tundra also came equipped with plenty of great features that increased convenience and comfort for drivers and passengers alike. These included options like advanced infotainment systems, powerful engine configurations, and a variety of other high-tech features at the time like Bluetooth, navigation, and backup camera.
The 2009 Tundra was available in two trims: the LTD or SR5. Each trim offered different engine options and transmission choices, allowing drivers to customize their Toyota trucks based on their specific needs.
And in terms of engine options, truck owners could choose from a 4.0-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8, or a 5.7-liter V8. Toyota also offered 5-speed or 6-speed automatic transmissions. And with 236 to 381 hp and 266 to 401 lb-ft of torque, there was definitely a lot of power on offer.
The 2009 Toyota Tundra was priced competitively compared to other trucks on the market, with prices ranging from around $20,000 to $40,000 depending on the trim and engine options. And when it comes to used models, these trucks are still widely available and can be found for around $16,000.
2013 Model Year Toyota Tundra (2nd Generation)
The 2013 model year is also considered to be one of the best Toyota Tundra years. Thanks to its excellent reliability, sleek design, and array of advanced features, the 2013 Tundra offered everything drivers were looking for in a full-size truck back then – and that still holds true for many today.
Having learned its lesson from the numerous engine problems that plagued 2012 Tundras, Toyota made sure that the 2013 model year didn’t suffer the same fate.
As such, it came with a number of engine options that allowed drivers to choose the configuration and power they needed for their driving style. These included a 4.0-liter V6 that delivered 270 hp, a 4.6-liter V8 with 310 hp, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 hp.
These engines were paired with either a 6-speed automatic or 5-speed automatic transmission, depending on the engine option chosen. And you could get between 278 to 401 lb-ft of torque accordingly if you needed to max out your towing capacity.
In 2013, Toyota offered the Tundra in either an LTD or Platinum trim, which each came with different power and feature configurations.
With new prices ranging from around $26,000 to $50,000 based on the configuration and features you chose – and even lower used – the 2013 Toyota Tundra was an excellent choice for drivers looking for a powerful, reliable full-sized truck.
If you’re looking for a used Toyota Tundra from the 2013 model year, you’ll be able to find many in good condition at relatively affordable prices. Used models are widely available starting around $20,000 or so, depending on the features and engine configuration chosen.
2015 Model Year Toyota Tundra (2nd Generation)
As one of the most popular models in the Toyota Tundra lineup, the 2015 version is heralded for its sleek, updated interior, modern design, and powerful engine options. With a choice of two powerful V-8 engines and a range of transmission options, the 2015 Tundra is able to keep up with even the most demanding driving needs.
The 2015 Toyota Tundra comes in a wide variety of trims, each with its own engine and feature configurations. These include options like the SR, SR5, LTD, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro.
Some key features of the 2015 Tundra include its advanced infotainment system with a touch-screen display and built-in navigation, as well as its powerful V-8 engines that provide between 236 to 381 hp and 266 to 401 lb-ft of torque.
To buy a 2015 Tundra new, you could expect to pay between $28,000 and $41,000, depending on what it had under the hood. And when it comes to used models, you can generally find them for slightly less at around $30,000 or so.
2019 Model Year Toyota Tundra (2nd Generation)
The next best-rated model in the Toyota Tundra lineup is the 2019 model year, which comes with all of the great features that drivers love about this popular truck – modern design, sleek interior, and impressive engine options. It’s no wonder that so many people chose to buy a 2019 Tundra – 11,673 were sold in 2019 alone.
Like the 2015 version of this truck, the 2019 model year also offered six trims (SR, SR5, LTD, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro) and came with a wide range of engine options, including the 5.7-liter V-8 engine that has been so popular in previous models. In addition to the 5.7-liter engine, the 2019 Tundra also has a 4.6-liter V-8 and a 4.0-liter V-6 available.
And in terms of horsepower and torque, the 2019 Tundra delivers between 310 to 381 hp and 327 to 401 lb-ft, depending on the engine chosen.
When it comes to features, many drivers love the innovative technology built into this truck, including its infotainment system with a large touch screen, multiple USB ports for easy charging, and Apple CarPlay for seamless integration with your smartphone.
To buy a 2019 Tundra new, you could expect to pay anywhere from $32,000 to $50,000. And when it comes to used models, they’re typically available for closer to $35,000 due to their high resale value and demand.
2021 Model Year Toyota Tundra (3rd Generation)
Finally, Toyota’s 2021 Tundra is among the most sought-after trucks on the market today. Consumers love it for its modern design aesthetics, stellar reliability, and the vast number of advanced features and safety options. It can be equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense system that includes lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control.
For trim levels, nothing’s changed here. You still get to choose from the same six trims as previous Toyota Tundra years – SR, SR5, LTD, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro.
As far as engine options go, all 2021 Tundra models boast a 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 engine with up to 381 hp and 401 ft-lbs of torque. When properly equipped with the towing package, the SR trim can pull up to 10,200 lbs.
When it comes to pricing, you can expect the 2021 Toyota Tundra to start at around $34,000 for a new model, though used models can fetch that and higher based on features.
Which Model Year Is Right for You?
As you’ve seen, Toyota’s popular Tundra trucks come in a wide range of models and configurations, each offering something special for drivers. Whether you’re looking for more power or an impressive array of modern features, the best Tundra year for your needs largely depends on your personal preferences.
