2018 Toyota Tundra Overview

Although it’s overshadowed by the iconic American pickups, the 2018
Toyota Tundra butters its bread with a Toyota nameplate and off-road prowess.
Unlike American rivals, the Tundra is a V-8-only lineup. There’s a standard
4.6-liter V-8 and an optional 5.7-liter that unleashes 401 lb-ft of torque.
Both six-speed automatic and rear. 

Paired with four-wheel drive. Packing in
people is simple with a cavernous crew-cab interior. Too bad it’s let down by
the poor quality and dated design. Similarly, the Tundra’s bulbous body stands
out, but its shape is elongated in the teeth. Toyota has kept its aging pickup
relevant through steady updates, such as the addition of standard active safety
features this year. Still, the Tundra remains a modest pickup truck option
until it gets a much-needed makeover.

What is new in the 2018
Toyota Tundra?

Far from a major update, the 2018 Toyota Tundra receives minor
front-end updates and standard active safety equipment. Regular Cab and TRD Pro
models are no longer available. Depending on the trim, there’s a new bullet-style
grill or a honeycomb version. Every Tundra has updated exterior lighting, with
some models getting the LED treatment. The interior features a revised gauge
cluster with a larger 4.2-inch driver display. This suite of advanced safety
aids includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane
departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These
additions put the Tundra on par with its domestic rival, the Ram 1500.

Engine, transmission,
and performance

Compared to newer and more advanced powertrains, the 2018 Toyota
Tundra engine and single transmission are positively prehistoric. Its
top-of-the-line V-8 hasn’t been updated since George W. Bush was president. Its
automatic transmission offers only six gears. The base engine is a 4.6-liter
that makes 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque. The optional 5.7-liter
V-8 is good for 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Four-wheel drive is optional on both setups. Not for Cab and bed configurations. We’ve spent several hours with the Tundra’s big engine. It is
reasonably fast and can be quite fast. Put a heavy foot on the throttle,
however, and the big V-8 makes a noise like a leaf. The six-speed automatic shifts
slowly and is older than its rivals’ eight- and 10-speed automatics. Driving
the Tundra is like listening to CDs – it’s tolerable, but it still feels like a
blast from the past. While it’s not terrible to drive, it does feel primitive
compared to the competition. Because of its firmer suspension, every bump is
transmitted into the Tundra’s cabin. It makes for a lumpy ride on rough
surfaces, and really hard bumps feel violent. Upgraded shocks on models with
the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road packages improve the ride quality slightly. At
least these dampers reduce body roll and handle bumpy roads better. Those
looking for a great pickup will prefer the Ram 1500, which is equipped with its
optional air ride suspension.

The economy of oil

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over
time. For the most up-to-date numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the
EPA website and select Find and Compare Cars.

Interior, comfort, and
cargo

The Jitterbug cell phone designers seem to have contributed to the 2018
Toyota Tundra interior. Large features and hard plastics detract from the
spacious environment. The Tundra gauge cluster has been redesigned to include a
larger 4.2-inch driver information display. The Limited model has new
wood-style trim with a matte finish. The TRD Off-Road Package adds branded
floor mats on the SR5 and Limited. The all-new TRD Sport features a TRD shift
knob and TRD Sport floor mats. What you see is what you get inside the Tundra.
Buyers who order bucket seats will have to live with the comically large
shifter in the center console. The only salvation is the 1794 Edition, which
has luscious saddle brown leather-trimmed seats and ultra-sound accents. Plenty
of cargo and storage space is expected with a pickup, and neither the Tundra nor
its rivals fail in that regard. 

The Toyota is just adequate in most areas. But
it has an advantage in the goods department. The 2018 Toyota Tundra has three
cargo bed lengths, but not all of them are available with every cab
configuration. The smallest is 5.5 feet and is only available with CrewMax. The
Double Cab can accommodate a 6.5- or 8.1-foot bed. The latter is exclusive to
single cabs. The 81 cubic feet of volume in the Tundra’s largest bed leads the
segment.