Used 2020 Toyota Tundra CrewMax

#6 in Best Pickup Trucks of 2020

With its sterling reputation for quality and reliability, one would think the 2020 Toyota Tundra might lead the full-size-pickup segment. But an aging platform and fierce competition from newer, better-equipped and more capable competitors have put the Tundra on the defensive. To keep the Tundra competitive, Toyota equips it with a number of standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and auto high beams, as well as must-haves such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The standard V8 has plenty of power for towing or hauling, although the Tundra doesn’t post best-in-class figures (those belong to the Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150) in either area. There’s also the off-road TRD Pro that looks to take on the Ford F-150 Raptor and Chevy Silverado Trailboss.

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Packing a V8 engine as standard is unusual for a half-ton pickup truck these days, and for 2020, Toyota is making its 5.7-liter powerhouse the standard engine across the line. With 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, the 5.7-liter V8 brings the Tundra’s maximum towing ability up to an acceptable 10,200 pounds. That’s probably sufficient for the majority of buyers, but the new Silverado can handle 13,400 pounds and the Ford F-150 13,200 pounds. The new Ram 1500 diesel gets a reported 32 mpg on the highway and can tow 12,600 pounds.

For off-roaders, the 4-wheel-drive TRD Pro can tackle challenging off-road conditions such as steep hills, fast-moving creeks and generally rough terrain, despite the unavailability of a mechanical locking rear differential.

As a daily driver, however, the Tundra can feel a bit rough. The ride is stiff, the handling a bit sloppy and the noise levels in the cabin are higher than in comparable rivals from Ram and Ford. There are luxury touches on higher trims that make the Tundra feel less like a work truck, but again it is missing some of the more advanced features found in its domestic rivals, things like the Ram’s massive touch-screen infotainment setup, or the advanced trailering aids found on the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra.

The cabins of pickup trucks usually run from bare-bones utility to lavishly leather-wrapped family accommodation. This applies just as much to the 2020 Tundra range. Both the Double and CrewMax cabs seat up to six with a 3-person bench up front, or five with the pair of more comfortable front bucket seats. The entry-level SR trim has that front bench covered with fabric (some manufacturers use vinyl, which is available here in the Work Truck package), while also featuring a 6.1-inch touch screen for the infotainment system. Speaking of touch, all the main controls can be manipulated easily by a gloved hand. Speaking of leather, the 1794 Edition has really nice, perforated upholstery.

The Double-cab version of the 2020 Tundra still has four doors, but the rears are slightly disguised. This cab can be paired with a 6.5-foot bed or an 8-foot bed. The larger CrewMax cab comes only with a 5.5-foot bed. The SR5 and 1794 Edition models have their own particular front-end stylings that are variations on the “big-grille” theme. The TRE Pro is offered on both CrewMax and Double Cab. At the rear end, the lockable tailgate is damped to save it from slamming down.

One unique and very cool feature offered only on the CrewMax versions is a power vertical-sliding rear window. Just like the power rear windows on the big station wagons of the past, this feature allows the entire rear glass window to lower, opening up the cab to maximum fresh air.

REPLACEABLE BUMPER PANELS
If you’re using your pickup the way it was intended, you’re likely going to be bumping into more than just the occasional parked car. No worries as the 2020 Toyota Tundra has a 3-piece bumper that allows individual sections to be easily replaced if damaged. This design saves money, as the panels are far less expensive than an entire single-piece cover.

ANDROID AUTO AND APPLE CARPLAY
Finally, Toyota has brought the Tundra into the 21st century by making Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard on all trims. Now Tundra owners can integrate their smartphones into the truck’s head unit, allowing access to apps, emails and text messages as well as music and navigation features.

Standard on the base SR Tundra are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 5.7-liter V8 engine, fabric-covered front bench seat (that splits and folds in a 40/20/40 arrangement), lockable tailgate and a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Also onboard are power windows and locks, heated side mirrors, 18-inch steel wheels, rearview camera, 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, USB port and an auxiliary audio input.

Standard safety equipment includes Toyota’s Safety Sense P system that brings pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and auto high beams.

Toyota’s Tundra has 4-wheel drive available across the range. Naturally, 4WD is standard in the TRD Pro version. Navigation comes standard on Limited and TRD Pro, as do Smart Key entry and push-button start (also on the SR5 with the TRD package). At the SR5 level is a sliding rear window, and storage beneath the rear seats. A new SR5 upgrade package adds leather bucket seats and a power driver’s seat.

The Limited trim brings an upgraded audio system, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated/power-adjustable front seats, and chromed mirror caps and door handles. The TRD Pro has its specialized equipment, and the Platinum and 1794 Edition models have heated/ventilated front seats, moonroof, blind-spot monitoring and a JBL premium audio system.

Standard on every 2020 Toyota Tundra is an excellent 5.7-liter V8. With 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, the Tundra’s V8 has no issues with pulling, hauling and accelerating, although its fuel economy is only bearable as long as gas remains around $3 a gallon. A 6-speed automatic is also standard, and while more gears might help with fuel economy, this unit works perfectly well in the Tundra and has an excellent reputation for durability and longevity.

The Tundra burns regular gasoline and can also accommodate E85. Two-wheel-drive (2WD) Tundra models include an automatic limited-slip rear differential for better traction in snow and sand. Unlike a conventional limited-slip axle, the Tundra’s automatic setup uses the vehicle’s brakes to limit wheelspin. Four-wheel-drive models use an on-demand 4WD system with a hi-lo range.

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)