Tundras vs other fullsized

Hi all, I’ve had my sights set on a 2021 tundra to replace my 2015 Tacoma. I found one with 14k miles on it that matched what I was looking for and I’m headed to pick it up next week. I’m getting a lot of flak from my truck buddies on it though since it’s “old tech”. They’re pushing the F150, Silverado or Ram from that same era. I prioritized longevity/reliability over everything since I’ve enjoyed having zero major issues with my Tacoma over the last 150,000 miles.

Anyway, I wanted to get people’s opinions on the ride quality and features of the Tundra vs the competition. Does it really feel that dated? I don’t think it will bother me that much as my Tacoma felt dated from the day I bought it too. It looks like the majority of what I’m missing going with the Tundra are creature comforts and quality of materials used in the interior.

 

If creature comforts, ride quality, tech bells and whistles, etc, etc, are what you want, I'd shop around.

If you drive a lot, and you want to put half a million miles on your next truck, Toyota is the only choice.

EDIT: My advice is keep what you have.

 

Reliability and 500k miles is my priority which is why I came to the same conclusion….Tundra is the answer. I was just curious how much “worse” the Tundra was in the other departments

 

What do you need - 1/2 vs 3/4 ton? Crewmax vs Double Cab? Do you tow a lot? Tundra 5.7 is reliable but might not be as powerful. Chevy has had problems with lifter failures due to that stupid DFM on their V8s. Tundra interior a little more spartan than the others. Entune radio is also junk. Tundra seats not as comfortable as GM. That said do I like my Tundra - you bet!

 

If your Tacoma felt dated when you bought it and were ok with it, there isn’t really anything you’d miss in a tundra. Enjoy the HP, torque, and space.

 

If you want luxury and a smooth ride and a quiet cab, get one of the other trucks. If you just want a truck to do truck stuff and don’t care about bells and whistles, get the tundra.

 

You don't need to buy what your friends say you should buy.

You seemingly liked your Toyota Tacoma experience. A Tundra from 07-21 will be about the same, only bigger!

 

Trust me, I want to keep the Tacoma. It’s paid off and I bought it new and it’s exactly what I wanted in a truck. But then my wife got pregnant somehow and our new little blessing won’t fit in the access cab

 

We like to camp so I wouldn’t mind towing a camper a bit. I did do truck stuff with my Tacoma and overloaded it a bit too often so I’m definitely looking forward to having a larger truck.

 

I know Tundras are considered spartan these days, but my 2020 Tundra is about the most luxo thing I've had (Honda Odyssey, Subaru Foresters), big and comfy. Super reliable. Seat jackers needed, and radio just never sounding that great are only things.
And it's a TRUCK!

 

Oh these things need the seat jackers too? I installed them on the Tacoma and it made a hell of a difference on long trips

 

+1

 

It’s a 2006 design. It rides like it. Does not bother me, but “ride quality” is not a consideration for me when I bought my truck. The drivetrain is also from 2006. It is powerful and thirsty. You’ll run out of payload before you ever get close to not being able to pull something. Lots of us live on the edge when it comes to payload. I am a bit over when fully loaded down for a camping trip with my family. Some are a bit over pulling a camper. Be smart about it. It’s not a 3/4 ton truck.

What features do your buddies think they need that no trim level of a ‘21 Tundra has? My SR5 has CarPlay, dual climate, auto LED headlights, and push button start. It also has cloth seats, which I am fine with.

It would be fitting for you to go from the last year of a gen 2 Tacoma to the last year of a gen 2 Tundra.

 

Yeah, my wife and I both felt like we were sliding off the front of the seats, stock. Seat jackers made a world of difference!

 

I think it’s more of the luxury stuff and refined driving. I could not care less about most of the luxury stuff though. I do want heated leather because I’m getting older now but I’m planning on adding katskinz. I agree on the last year…I much prefer the last year of a proven generation than the first of a new generation.

Here’s the truck…it’s an SR5 with a lot of upgrades and only 14k miles.

 

To maintain reliability on the 2019+ definitely add the aftermarket transmission cooler first thing. My new 2020 with 30k I bought used had the transmission close to 230 degrees without a load. My 2017 I sold rode at 185. To me it’s the easier option compared to the drain and fill every 30k

 

I didn’t really consider the big 3 when I bought my 2019. Like you, I had a Toyota truck (2000 Tundra) and just wanted something newer with more power and capability, including room. I do not worry about my engine and transmission in my Tundra. I would if I was in one of the Big 3 trucks, they all have issues. Everyone I know with a newer truck from the Big 3 has something about the drive train that needs addressing. Constant check engine light, hard shifting, one lost an engine to broken valve springs, one needs a new transmission but just keeps changing the fluid to help with the shudder and hard shifts. All that trouble for 3mpg, no thanks. My 2019 has given me zero issues in the 30k miles I’ve owned it. My 2000 has been rock solid for 18 years and 170k miles of ownership. You know what to do.

Edit: oh yeah, and I kept my old Toyota truck. I literally can’t bear to part with it. It will always be in the family. And I don’t care about stuff at all. It’s been like a trusty hunting dog, or your favorite pair of boots. Just keeps going and never lets me down, how do you send it away? I couldn’t.

 

Good call. Is there a thread that goes over this? I’m assuming there’s an OEM setup I can add? I’ll google lol

 

genuine cooling system.com is the closest to stock you can get. Pricey compared to ordering all the parts yourself but the kit comes with everything including Toyota AT fluid

 

I tow heavy with mine, 6-8 trips a year with an 8000# loaded TT to the lake and back. I tow occasional 16’ trailer with machines on it. I tow in S4 using the tow/haul mode and have not added the trans cooler yet. Performs flawlessly. I will probably add it at some point, but honestly think it’s not needed if you follow the recommendations for towing in the manual and do occasional drain and fills to keep your fluid refreshed. I 100% believe it is a good mod that’s worth doing, but not 100% necessary.

 

Very cool. That truck will treat you well for a very long time. What upgrades?

 

I just meant upgrades over a base SR5. It has TRD sport, factory spray bedliner, SR5 upgrade package, convenience package and audio upgrade

 

My son calls the interior of my 2020 a space shuttle. It has plenty of bells and whistles. Yes, there are things the others have that my Tundra doesn't, but I know I won't have any problems with reliability. It was a no-brainer.

 

Are your buddies men that do work and need trucks, or middle school girls?
Not judging you on who you hang out with, just gathering more data, as to give a more adequate response.

 

Might ask the dealer about including that before taking delivery. I ended up getting the CM over the DC because we now have 2 little blessings and the space is truly appreciated. Good luck with your decision, calvary blue is a great color.

 

Lol. I do more work than they do but they all need trucks (we ride motocross).

 

Yea I’m a little nervous about doing the DC over the CM since it’ll be tight but I’m a big fan of the larger truck bed. I’m valuing that above the extra cabin space and hoping I don’t regret it haha.

 

My answer to them would be:
If you want a giant iPhone with wheels that matches your purse so you can look cool and bench race on FB, you do you. But I'm an adult and need a boring, reliable machine, for the reasons that grown ups do things.