Thoughts From a New Tundra Owner

45 days ago took delivery of Windchill Pearl 1794 I-Force Max. Random thoughts:

• Leasing and so didn't consider resale or long term reliability.
• 1st time 1/2 ton pickup truck owner. No brand loyalty. Before deciding on the Tundra, test drove Silverado, Sierra, KingRanchF150, RAM Limited. Was looking for a decked out truck in lieu of a high priced SUV.
• Finalists were F150 and Tundra. Took the latter due to the devil I know (own multiple Toyotas) and the slightly lower payment.
• Silverado High Country has the lowest MSRP but the ride was comparatively the worst. "Worst" in this sense is actually quite good if you haven't ridden the others. Sierra was slightly better (materials, ride insulation). That said, I LOVE the Duramax Diesel.
• RAM has the best overall ride and interior but truck is WAY overpriced compared to the others.
• F150 is the best of all, doesn't excel in any one thing but the total package is unbeatable. Best balance among ride, truck utility, lux features and interior thoughtfulness.
• OK, my thoughts on the Tundra; 1.5 month and 1k miles later:
  • Pet Peeve: the LED dash cannot display ODO and Trip simultaneously
  • Very quiet and composed ride for a body-on-frame. No rattles, so far...
  • MPG so far: 18.5 on regular.
  • Massaging seats function is good. The screen process to get there is not.
  • WWWEEEAAAKKK A/C. In mid-high 90s, need to get all the way to "Lo" to cool down. Wife's Highlander will chill us even at 67.
  • No dedicated remote start button on Keyfob.
  • Remote start shutoff the moment one opens the door. Not a big deal, just push the button again. But the competitors don't make you do this one additional step.
  • CHEAP looking Keyfob. Even rattles when wrapped in your pant's pocket.
  • Test drove the IForceMax side by side with the non-hybrid. The former, being a few hundred pounds porkier, rides noticeably better. Am willing to put up w/ lack of underneath back seat storage.
  • Lack of a 2nd glove box unlike the other trucks is a minus.
  • Infotainment glitches abound (i.e. map lost the satellite image function one day and didn't come back, couldn't find a cure; Android Auto connection sometimes cut out for no reason...).
  • Tundra's JBL Sound System is subpar at this price range compared to the Ford's B&O.
  • Safety Suite gremlins. Usually from a remote start on a hot afternoon: car shuts down when door is open and when I push to start car again, one (front camera unavailable) or multiple (front camera, pre-collusion, RCA...) error messages pop up but I suspect it's really not an actual error since, for example, the front camera works fine. Overall I don't experience a function loss (though, thankfully, haven't had a chance to test the pre-collusion). Dealer contacted me to bring car in but they can't replicate the issue. All error messages would go away after a hard stop and restart; that is, until the next remote start under the hot sun.
• Would I take the Tundra again now, knowing all these, I'd have to say no. Would've chosen the F150. Does it amount to a "regret", nope. Really it's between good vs better. Anyhow, am happy to live w/ the Tundra for the next 3 years.

 

Life is short. Trade it in early or wreck it. Lease a Ford or RAM. Be happy. Toyota won't give a shit.