2019 Toyota Thundra Overview 

Although it’s overshadowed by newer full-size pickups, the 2019
Toyota Tundra butters its bread with a Toyota nameplate and plenty of
capability. Unlike its competitors, the Tundra is the only V-8 lineup. There’s
a standard 4.6-liter and an optional 5.7-liter, both with a six-speed automatic
and rear- or four-wheel drive.

 Packing in people is easy with the available
crew-cab interior, though the limited quality and outdated styling are
disappointing. Still, Toyota has kept its aging pickup relevant through
constant updates, such as the addition of standard driver assistance features
and special edition models.

What is new in the 2019 Toyota Tundra?

Building on the minor styling updates and standard driver assists
added last year, 2019 Toyota Tundra models are highlighted by an updated paint color
palette and the return of the four-wheel-drive TRD Pro Off-Road model, which
features a New is the Fox interior. Bypass. 18-inch BBS wheels with all-terrain tires. LED head- and fog lamps, a protective skid plate, and a TRD Pro
exhaust system. And much more. It is only available as a Crew Cab. There’s also
a new SX package for SR5 Double Cab models, with rear- or four-wheel drive,
which includes front bucket seats, monochrome exterior trim, and black 18-inch
wheels.

Pricing and which one to buy.

The SR5 is the most popular
model and the entry point to our favorite Tundra. We’d choose the CrewMax cab
for its spacious back seat, and we’d choose the larger 5.7-liter V-8 for its
greater towing capacity than the 4.6-liter, plus the ability to add TRD off.
will do The Road Package (18-inch TRD wheels with all-terrain tires,
trail-tuned Bilstein shocks, and engine and fuel tank skid plates), which is
not offered with the smaller engine. We’ll add the SR5 upgrade package with its
tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable driver’s seat with
front bucket seats.

Engine, transmission, and
performance

Likes: Decent V-8 grunt, useful towing ability, off-road
upgrade available.

Dislikes: Rides and drives like an old-school truck,
vague steering, relatively heavy.

Compared to newer and more advanced powertrains, the 2019 Toyota Tundra engines and single transmission are dated. The base engine is a 4.6-liter V-8
that makes 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque. The optional 5.7-liter V-8
is good for 381 horses and 401 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Four-wheel
drive is optional on both setups. But not for all cab and bed configurations.
The Tundra’s big engine is reasonably peppy but emits an unsatisfyingly weak
exhaust note, and its six-speed automatic shifts slowly. The Tundra’s maximum
tow rating of 10,500 pounds will be more than most people need, and even its
least capable configuration can tow at least 6,800 pounds.

While the 2019 Toyota Tundra isn’t terrible to drive, it does feel primitive
and a little off the pace compared to lighter and more powerful rivals. Because
of the Tundra’s firmer suspension, every bump is transmitted into the cabin,
making for a lumpy ride when driving over rough surfaces. Upgraded shocks on
models with the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road packages marginally improve ride
quality, as well as better manage body motions in corners. The Tundra’s light,
apathetic steering separates the driver from the road and requires constant
correction at highway speeds. The Tundra’s brakes are adequate and can take the
truck down 190 feet at 70 mph, but the brake pedal offers little feedback and
its travel is inconsistent.