Used 2019 Toyota Tundra

The 2019 Toyota Tundra is a tough full-size pickup truck, but these are tough times when many rivals are newer and offer more features. The qualities that keep the Tundra in consideration are its remarkable reliability and strong resale values, standard active-safety features (adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams), and spacious cabins. It also has the muscle that most people need from a half-ton pickup to get the job done. The TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Pro brings another dimension with extra off-roading talent. By all means, check out the Ford F-150, new-for-2019 Chevrolet Silverado, new-for-2019 Ram 1500, and the Nissan Titan, but don’t freeze out the Tundra just yet.

Packing a V8 engine as standard is unusual for a half-ton pickup truck these days, but the 2019 Tundra in its basic form comes with a 4.6-liter unit developing 310 horsepower. Or there’s a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter version bringing the Tundra’s maximum towing ability up to an impressive 10,200 pounds. That’s probably sufficient for the majority of buyers, but the new Silverado can handle 12,200 pounds. The all-wheel-drive TRD Pro can also 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. Yet the Tundra can also be quiet and pleasant on the tarmac, although versions with the 5.7 V8 have stiffer springs than those with the 4.6 because of that higher tow rating.

The cabins of pickup trucks usually run from bare-bones utility to lavishly leather-wrapped family accommodation. This applies just as much to the 2019 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 2019 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 only comes 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. At the rear end, the lockable tailgate is damped to save it from slamming down.

REPLACEABLE BUMPER PANELS
Pickup trucks are work vehicles and therefore subjected to occasional rough treatment. Toyota’s 3-piece bumper on the 2019 Tundra makes it easy to replace a section that’s been treated a bit too rough.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE-P
This array of safety features includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, radar-based adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alerts. It’s standard equipment in every 2019 Tundra.

In addition to the aforementioned TSS-P safety features, 4.6-liter V8, fabric-covered front bench seat (that splits and folds in a 40/20/40 arrangement), lockable tailgate and 6.1-inch touch screen, the 2019 Tundra’s standard equipment in the base SR trim also includes power windows and locks, heated side mirrors, 18-inch steel wheels, rearview camera, 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio and a CD player, Bluetooth, USB port, auxiliary audio input, and 4-way adjustments for the driver and front-passenger seats. This might seem quite sparse, but some rivals have even less.

All-wheel drive and the bigger V8 engine are available across the range. Naturally, all-wheel drive is standard in the TRD Pro version, while the 5.7 V8 is standard in the Limited trim upward. At the SR5 level is a 7-inch touch screen, HD/satellite radio, sliding rear window, and storage beneath the rear seats. The Limited trim brings an upgraded audio system, navigation, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated/power-adjustable front seats, and chromed mirror caps and door handles. 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.

A 4.6-liter V8 is standard at the lower end of the 2019 Tundra range; the 5.7-liter is optional until the Limited trim, where it becomes standard. Both are linked to a perfectly fine 6-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the default setup; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional in all but the TRD Pro version. Regular gasoline is fine for either engine, but the 5.7 can also run on E85 (at 10 mpg combined). This bigger engine is wonderfully strong, but woefully thirsty. Versions with the 5.7 can be specified 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)