2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came in various trim levels including SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and 1794 Edition, each providing its own blend of style and sophistication. As you moved up the trim ladder, the Tundra's features became progressively more luxurious. You could choose between Double Cab and CrewMax cab styles with three bed lengths, depending on the configuration. Pricing ranged from $33,425 to $52,930 before adding any destination charges or options.

A test model of the 2020 Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax in an exclusive Army Green color showcased a tough, military-grade look accentuated by black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. The black leather interior with red stitching and "TRD Pro" embroidery added to its rugged charm, although the hard industrial-grade plastic materials were a bit of a letdown for a high-end truck.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra, while solid in its own right, carried a somewhat awkward appearance, a relic of its mid-2000s design origins. The huge grille contrasted against its comparatively small headlights, making for a unique, if somewhat unorthodox, aesthetic. Our test truck boasted the “Cement” paint color, which, paired with blacked-out wheels and badging, lent a modern touch to the otherwise dated design.

The 2021 Tundra’s interior also exhibited a dated look but retained contemporary amenities. Hard plastics and large monotone panels harkened back to mid-2010s styling. Despite this, the controls were straightforward and easy to use. The addition of a standard 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa brought a welcome update to the largely utilitarian cabin.

Both models provided similar trim levels, including the special Nightshade Edition for the 2021 model. This particular trim, available with the Limited package, offered a dark chrome grille, black wheels, and several darkened exterior accents in select colors.

The powerhouse behind the 2020 Toyota Tundra was its steadfast 5.7-liter V8 engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This robust setup delivered 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. Depending on the configuration, the Tundra could tow up to 10,200 pounds and haul a payload of up to 1,730 pounds. However, these statistics applied to the SR Double Cab with rear-wheel drive (RWD); other configurations had lower capacities.

The TRD Pro model came standard with a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, a TRD-tuned exhaust system, and an aluminum skid plate. This truck exuded power and performance, though its loud exhaust and bulky nature were points of contention. Despite the stiff ride and excessive wind noise, the Tundra showcased commendable reliability and a tighter-than-expected turning radius.

For the 2021 model, Toyota retained the I-Force 5.7-liter V8 as the sole engine option, a shift from previous years when a less powerful 4.6-liter engine was available. The 2021 Tundra produced 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, consistently delivered via a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift functionality. Like the 2020 model, it could tow 10,200 pounds and had a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds, though these figures were eclipsed by competitors like the Ford F-150, which could tow up to 13,000 pounds.

While the 2021 Tundra wasn't known for exceptional fuel economy or ultra-modern transmission technology, its six-speed automatic was dependable, providing a smooth and confident ride. The truck’s size lent stability on highways, albeit with light and vague steering at lower speeds.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's interior, built like its home state of Texas, offered ample space. Rear passengers in the CrewMax cab enjoyed an expansive seating area, particularly favoring long trips. The front seats were sizable and highly supportive, suitable for extended drives. Despite the truck's large size, the glove compartment was surprisingly small, and the under-seat storage in the back was minimal. Storage solutions in the bed were rudimentary but functional, emphasizing simplicity over gimmicks.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes—Double Cab and CrewMax—and three bed sizes, including 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8.1-foot options. Our experience with the CrewMax highlighted the luxury of immense rear legroom, even with the front seats pushed back. Rear seats could fold up, creating a protected cargo space. The in-bed storage lockers included in our test model resembled a scaled-down version of the RamBox system but were convenient nonetheless for protecting items from the elements.

In comparison, both models had comparable payload and towing capacities, each allowing up to 1,730 pounds of payload and 10,200 pounds of towing. Yet, the 2021 Tundra’s attempts at in-bed storage and cab comfort marked an improvement from the 2020 model's simpler approach.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra’s interior technology was somewhat deceptive, combining dated design aesthetics with contemporary software capabilities. Standard on lower trims was a 7-inch display, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Even with its antiquated looks, the system included satellite radio, USB ports, and a JBL 12-speaker premium sound system on the TRD Pro variant. This system was robust if a bit cumbersome due to small touchscreen buttons and a dated visual interface.

For the 2021 model, Toyota carried over the revamped infotainment system from 2020, integrating a standard 7-inch touchscreen with optional upgrades to an 8-inch screen featuring navigation and Amazon Alexa. The system maintained its practicality with redundant physical buttons, multiple USB ports, Bluetooth, and a three-month WiFi hotspot trial. The SR5 trim and above benefitted from an improved speaker system, culminating in the 12-speaker JBL premium audio option for audiophiles.

Safety was a mixed bag for the 2020 Toyota Tundra. While all models featured Toyota Safety Sense, including collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control, crash-test ratings were concerning. The IIHS rated the CrewMax poorly in small-overlap frontal impact tests, awarding Marginal and Poor scores for driver and passenger protection, respectively. The truck’s headlights also earned a Marginal rating. The NHTSA rated the Tundra better overall, with a 5-star rating for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance (3 stars for RWD versions).

The 2021 Tundra continued to include the Toyota Safety Sense P suite as standard, maintaining features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were optional. Eight standard airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller rounded out the truck’s safety features.