Used 2018 Toyota Tundra CrewMax

Still a serious contender in the full-size-pickup market, the 2018 Toyota Tundra is beginning to lose some of its luster. It now struggles against newer pickups like the Ford F-150, Nissan Titan and Chevrolet Silverado, all of which offer more power and features. That said, the Tundra still enjoys a sterling reputation for reliability and resale, and while it may not be able to claim best-in-class in any category of merit, it still has the muscle to tackle the jobs most half-ton pickup buyers demand. Having no diesel-engine option or HD versions, the Tundra gets by with offering a wide range of models and powertrains, although with the loss of the Regular Cab this year, those options have been somewhat slimmed down.

Toyota’s 2018 Tundra pickup knows how to be tough when it counts and comfortable when it’s needed most. A standard V8 is unique in this field, but for those seeking more power than the 4.6-liter engine can muster, there’s a larger 5.7-liter V8 putting out 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough grunt to tow up to 10,200 pounds, although the Chevy Silverado’s 12,500-pound rating does leave the Tundra at the back of the trailer-hauling pack. The 2018 Tundra’s fuel economy also lags behind the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 equipped with the diesel-engine option. On the road, the Tundra surprised us with its quiet cabin and pleasant road manners. Off-road, the TRD Sport 4X4 showed it has what it takes to tackle rugged terrain, steep hills and fast-moving creeks, despite the absence of a proper locking rear differential.

As with most full-size pickups, the 2018 Toyota Tundra’s interior spans from that of a basic truck with a 3-passenger fabric bench seat to a luxurious family hauler with brown leather interior and wood trim. Double Cab and CrewMax Cab variants seat up to six with a bench in front, or five with the more comfortable bucket seats. Even base SR trims have a 6.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system in the dash, a far cry from the dial radio in your dad’s pickup. Knobs and controls are easier to reach than in past Tundras, and sturdy enough to be used with gloves on.

The Toyota Tundra half-ton pickup for 2018 is available in two cab configurations and two bed lengths. Double Cab models can be had with a standard bed (78.7 inches) or long bed (97.6 inches). The CrewMax has the biggest cab of the bunch and is available only with a short bed (66.7 inches). The SR5 and 1794 models have unique front-end styling. As with other full-size trucks, the Toyota’s grille appears to just get bigger and bigger. At the other end, the lockable tailgate automatically lowers slowly to prevent the dreaded tailgate slam.

REPLACEABLE BUMPER PANELS
Pickup trucks may be the least pampered vehicles on the road, which is why it’s nice that Toyota offers a 3-piece bumper design making it easy to replace a panel should it get scraped, dented or worse.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE-P
Standard on every 2018 Toyota Tundra pickup, the TSS-P system includes the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, auto high beams, radar-guided cruise control and lane-departure alert.

Even if you buy the least expensive version of Toyota’s 2018 Tundra pickup truck, you’ll get a nicely equipped vehicle with a V8 engine, rearview camera, power windows and door locks, and 6.1-inch touch-screen audio/entertainment system with AM/FM/CD player, USB and auxiliary inputs and Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity. These models also come with a fabric-trimmed 40/20/40-split fold-down front bench seat with 4-way-adjustable driver and passenger seats (tough vinyl is available with the Work Truck package). All Tundra pickups include the TSS-P system as standard equipment.

Most extras for the 2018 Tundra are bundled into trims. SR5 models add a larger, 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, sliding rear window and the storage compartment under the rear seats, while Limited trims bring premium audio and navigation, power-operated leather-trimmed and heated front bucket seats, 20-inch wheels, chrome mirrors and door handles, and power-operated sliding rear window. The top-line Platinum and 1794 Edition offer heated and cooled front seats, moonroof, JBL premium audio and blind-spot monitoring. The TRD Off-Road package, in Double Cab or CrewMax form, includes all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, TRD-tuned springs, a front skidplate, and unique badging.

Toyota’s 2018 Tundra is powered solely by a set of V8 engines. A 4.6-liter V8 is the standard engine in lower-trim models, while the powerful-yet-thirsty 5.7-liter is available across all Tundra models and is standard on higher trims of Toyota’s full-size truck. Both V8s are connected to a 6-speed automatic. All Tundra engines run on regular gasoline, the big 5.7-liter V8 is E85-capable, and the truck can be had in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive (2WD, 4WD). The Tundra’s maximum towing rating is 10,200 pounds and applies to a 2WD Double Cab model with the 5.7-liter V8. Additionally, models with that engine can be had with an integrated trailer-brake controller.

4.6-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
327 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg (2WD), 14/18 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
401 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg (2WD), 13/17 mpg (4WD)