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How much different does a 2015 vs a 2010 drive?

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by BHTundra, Dec 19, 2020.

  1. Dec 19, 2020 at 1:05 PM
    #1
    BHTundra

    BHTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2020
    Member:
    #55633
    Messages:
    24
    I’m currently looking for a truck and a 2010 Tundra popped up about an hour away that seems like a good deal (for sale by owner). I’ve only ever driven a Tundra once for about 15 minutes about 10 years ago. I don’t really want to waste the guy’s time or drive 2 hours so I’ve been trying to find one to test drive closer to home. There’s a 2015 at the dealer in town. I realize this is gen 2 vs gen 3, but how different is the driving experience? Are the seats much different?

    I guess what I’m trying to ask is if I drive the 2015 and like it (but it’s a lot more than I want to spend) will I be disappointed in any way in the 2010 because there are drastic differences in comfort, ride quality, or handling?
     
  2. Dec 19, 2020 at 2:55 PM
    #2
    rebmo

    rebmo 2020 Crewmax Limited 4wd Silver/Black

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2014
    Member:
    #827
    Messages:
    411
    Gender:
    Male
    Rural SE Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2020 CM LImited 5.7L V8 4WD
    I previously had a 2010 SR5 DC and loved it. I now have a 2020 Limited Crewmax. The 2010 rode a little nicer with the 18" rims. The 2020 is a limited so the leather seats feel stiffer and different than the cloth seats in the 2010. The 2020 rides stiffer but handling/road feel is slightly better with the 20" wheels. I did put 18" wheels on the 2020 (my 2012 TRD rims and Michelin LTX tires which were my summer wheels on the 2010) and the 2020 ride is more like the 2010. The steering wheel on the 2010 with the leather wheel is nicer than the 2010 SR5 rubber wheel (which wasn't bad). The 2010 had a sliding arm rest, armrest storage compartments, a second "secret" glove box, dual behind the seat storage pocket which the 2020 does not have. So the seats, features, wheels can make a difference in how the truck drives and feels, but in a lot of ways they are pretty much the same. Also, suspensions could be different TRD/Standard? If the 2010 is rust/accident/damage free and well maintained I'd definitely give it a test drive. I loved my 2010 and the 2020 (3rd gen) is very nice too. I went with the 2020 for Apple car play, adaptive cruise, and some other features not on the 2010. But the 2015 may be more similar feature wise and not that different.
     
    BHTundra[OP] likes this.
  3. Dec 19, 2020 at 3:02 PM
    #3
    belanger9

    belanger9 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2018
    Member:
    #13326
    Messages:
    1,489
    Gender:
    Male
    Edmonton, AB
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Off Road Inferno
    A bunch
    Used to have a 2010, now have a 2016, both SR5 trims. The 2 main differences in usability were going to the touchscreen, and the 2010 throttle is much more sensitive. At full throttle they feel nearly identical, but how they ramp up to that is different. The 2010 is more linear while the 2016 has more of a exponential feel. If you put the 2015 into tow/haul mode the throttle will feel much closer to the 2010. By driving a 2015 you can get a close enough feel for the ride that you will be able to focus on the truck specific stuff when you go to look at it.
     
    BHTundra[OP] likes this.
  4. Dec 19, 2020 at 3:03 PM
    #4
    Rube207

    Rube207 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2019
    Member:
    #35813
    Messages:
    454
    First Name:
    Rob
    Atlanta
    Vehicle:
    2010 Pyrite Mica Limited CM
    Suspension is exactly the same from 2007-2021 (with the exception of TRD trucks) so aside from the shocks potentially being worn on the 2010, there should be no appreciable difference in ride quality between the two. Wheels and tires will be far more responsible for ride discrepancies (17” vs 18” vs 20”).

    One of the major differences is the interior styling. The entire dash including gauge cluster and stereo is different, and arguable nicer in the 2015. I don’t dislike the interior in my 2010, but I do think they improved it in the 3rd gens. The seats are different, but I’ve never driven a 3rd gen, so I can’t speak to the feel.

    Also, make sure you are comparing apples to apples on the trim level. A Platinum/Limited 2010 will be nicer (from a creature comforts standpoint) than a 2015 base (with the exception of the updated styling).

    The 3rd gen should give you a decent idea of what it’s like to drive a Tundra, just try to ignore some of the newer features.
     
    BHTundra[OP], snivilous and belanger9 like this.
  5. Dec 19, 2020 at 3:39 PM
    #5
    BHTundra

    BHTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2020
    Member:
    #55633
    Messages:
    24
    Thanks for the replies, exactly what I was looking for. I have gotten somewhat used to some of the newer car features like carplay so they’d certainly be nice to have. This would not be my primary vehicle except in winter though so I can probably survive without that stuff. If I was going to only have one vehicle I’d definitely go for the newer model.
     

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