Coming back to Tundra

I had a 2011 Tundra and loved it, but when we decided to get a 15K 5th wheel, I moved to a RAM 3500. We are selling the RV now and I am looking forward to a newer Tundra. Here is my dilemma. Do I get a Gen 3, or find a nicely outfitted Gen 2.5? I really like some of the new technologies in the Gen 3 as the Gen 2 was getting a bit long in the tooth!

My main concerns are:

Build Quality – I have read many reviews of people saying the metal is thinner and dents easier (my 2020 RAM was this way too. I barely touched the bed with a plastic box and it left a dent ☹). ). Plastics, dash, and other interior material appear to be cheaper as well.

Electronics – Infotainment system as well as other electronics seem to have issues. I realize in any new model there are issues/bugs that need to be fixed, however it appears Toyota has been slow to address at this point.

Subscription services – I don’t like the direction manufactures are going with services like remote start, navigation, etc. selling subscriptions. I realize you don’t need to subscribe, but you also lose out on some conveniences when you opt out.

New Engine (Hybrid) – I am not concerned about gas mileage. If I was, I would buy a Prius . The 5.7L V8 is a reliable engine. Is the new V6 turbo worth considering if it only gives you a few more MPG’s?

Appreciate the perspectives on these issues and others as I make this decision in the coming weeks.


TIA.

 

Do you really need a truck? If not, I would buy a 4.0 4Runner and maybe a small trailer or a big hitch cargo basket for hauling. Second choice, 2.5 gen.

 

2021 and older. You know what your getting.

 

Welcome back.

Test the 3rd gen. No replacement for first hand experience.
2mchfun makes an excellent point too.

If all else fails, you can always get the best gen

 

I went F150 over Tundra but if I did Tundra lean heavily towards Gen3. It's a lot of money and 10-plus more years of my life to have the same basic platform
I'd driven since 2009.

I traded my 09 because I was ready for new tech and an updated platform. When I was shopping in early 2022 I was told by a couple of Toyota dealers my chance to test drive a Gen3 would have to be when I took delivery. I think that's changed in a lot of the country now so you should really try to drive one to see what the driving experience means to you. My inability to test drive a Gen3 any time close to when I was ready to buy was a big disqualifier for me.

 

Great question! I had a 2013 4Runner between the 2011 Tundra and the RAM. I liked the Runner, but it is waaaay under powered . I thought about the small utility trailer idea, but it's a bit of a pain to store and then hook up when you head to Home Depot, etc. I like being able to throw stuff in the bed when needed.

 

We have a 2020 ES350 and just received a notification that our trial period for the subscription services is ending. There are four subscriptions and they want $8/mo or $100/yr for each one. The only one I would miss at all is the voice nav.

It sucks tho when you pay a premium for these options you don't use. I would buy a more bare bones vehicle but my wife likes the bells and whistles.

It's no effort tho to let them expire and just enjoy the other upgrades.

I don't think anyone can predict the longer term reliability and resale. I personally would pretty much ignore those at this time and just get the brand that meets my other requirements if buying today.

 

Sequioa then?

 

Supercharger! JK. Well sort of! Don't forget that cargo area is a little bit more secure than a truck bed for most items too unless you have a really high quality bed cover, decked system, or a giant tool box. Just sharing my opinion, personally I have both and they both have advantages. Good luck with your search!

 

2.5 Gen IMO.

Don't buy depreciation. Don't buy a high interest rate loan. Don't buy into 3rd gen's problems.

Get the 2.5 or S/C a 4Runner. Then never buy another vehicle ever.... Save that money!

 

Well. For my money it’s a pretty ez decision. Low mileage Tundra ‘20-21
(may go down as best ever model years) Good Luck!!

 

I was in the same situation. I was leaning towards a 2023. I thought get the new one if only about 10k more. However, I got a great offer on trade in for my daily and picked up a 2021 SR5 with 31k miles, factory warranty, for 39k. I'm glad I went with the 2.5 for reliability, and I'm glad I saved over 15k. Maybe in 3-5 years I'll get a new truck with exact color I want, and think 2.5 will retain good value, so can trade or keep it. I'd say if you drive a lot MPG could be an issue. I'm getting 17mpg average so far and don't drive a lot. I'm pleased with the interior of the 2021. After software update CarPlay works fine. I also dislike the subscription for the app. This was free on F150 and useful have unlock if locked keys in car. I only test drove a Gen 3 for short drive. I would think it might be more fun to drive? Little more peppy for daily driving? I thought I'd need to get used to it, and take it for more test drives. I'm over 6' and wasn't sure about view. I had a 2019 F150 5.0 that was like a rocket and got 19mpg, but had tranny issues at 60k miles. The 2021 Tundra feels more heavy duty better for towing and I got it for reliability. Getting wheels balanced and alignment really helped a lot. In the end I think they are all full size pickups. I like stock wheels and tires so YMMV. So think the 2.5 is best bang for the buck if you drive about 12k miles a year or less.

 

Wanted to add: I love driving my 2021 now that wheels are balanced and aligned. Even new air filter helped I think. It's a great truck. Cold AC. I'm driving it easy to see how good I can get the MPG. I liked the Gen 3 but unsure about the front end so that would limit what trims I could drive. Also what if these two years, 22 & 23 become the years to avoid for reliability? Carmax and such are already overloaded with 2022 that no one is liking. The Gen 2.5s are in more demand right now based on people liking them which means they are following them, adding to favorites, interested buying. Then all the people who bought a 2022 and sold it and got a 2023. Lots of people buying them, doing mods, then selling in less than 6 months. Or what's the point of improving MPG if you are just going to put big ass tires on it? A lot is personal preference. My goal is always to spend about 2k-3k a year for a vehicle. That means if I buy one for 30k drive it 10 years and sell it for 10k, I spent 2k a year. That will probably go up with inflation and more expensive truck, but I'm not into pouring money into trucks.