With an all-new Toyota Tundra on the market for 2022, we were curious how the previous version, which was around for years, fared in reviews when new. We chose the 2020 Tundra as so many are coming off of leases now. That means used truck buyers are shopping for Tundras. Let’s take a look at what the top three consumer groups, JD Power, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports, had to say about the then-new 2020 Tundra.

Edmunds 

“The Toyota Tundra has received some updates over the years, including a fresh new look and even an impressive list of modern safety equipment. But the reality is that the truck underneath is more than a decade old. This means the Tundra holds some appeal as a no-nonsense workhorse with a robust V8 engine. But if you’re looking for the latest and greatest, you’re not going to find it here.

“The Tundra is a capable truck, and the TRD lineup offers some cool off-road options to choose from. Overall, we’d recommend taking a closer look at one of the Tundra’s more recently redesigned rivals, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500.”

Pros

• Standard V8 power
• Roomy rear seating
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense driver safety and assist system
• Highly capable off-road TRD models

Cons

• Below-average fuel economy
• Stiffer ride than other trucks
• Feels especially large when driven on tight and congested roads
• Not as many customization possibilities compared to rivals

JD Power

Choose from six models starting with the SR and moving through the luxuriously appointed 1794 Edition. Every Tundra is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 that puts out 401 pound-feet of torque. Tow up to 10,200 pounds. The Tundra’s double-wishbone front suspension comes standard with coil-overs. Add a TRD Package and you’ll get Bilstein shocks, TRD anti-sway bars, dual-rate springs, skid plates, LED headlights, and more. 

What owners said after 90-days of ownership.

Likes: Comfort of the rear seats, the experience of making and receiving phone calls in your vehicle, and how well you feel your vehicle would protect you in an accident.

Problems experienced by owners of the 2020 Toyota Tundra during the first 90-days of ownership.

•  Overall fuel economy and the driving range of your vehicle/driving range and speed of charging your vehicle
•  The sound quality of your vehicle’s audio system

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was a two-time JD Power Award Winner

Quality: JD Power awards this to the brands or models with the fewest problems reported per 100 owners during the first 90 days of ownership.

Dependability: Awarded to the brands/models with the fewest problems reported per 100 owners during the past 12 months with their 3-year-old vehicles.

Consumer Reports:

“While all of the major players have been fully redesigned since this Tundra came out, the Toyota solders on, virtually unchanged except for a cosmetic facelift in 2014. Ironically, while the Tundra was once considered the Camry of pickups; fully modern and easy to live with, it now is one of the least refined and most dated.

“Easily the Tundra’s best attribute is its 5.7-liter V8, which produces effortless power and a still-competitive 15 mpg. Off-road capability is impressive as is towing capacity. A neat feature is a hydraulically damped tailgate that you can raise and lower easily. The Tundra is also the most reliable full-size truck on the market.

“But shortcomings abound. While most big trucks are quiet inside and have matured into delivering a reasonably comfortable ride, the Tundra’s ride remains jittery, especially with the TRD off-road package. More modern designs are also more maneuverable and easier to drive than the hulking Tundra. Competing models offer a wider variety of build configurations and options as well.”

Highs and lows

Highs: Powerful 5.7-liter engine, high tow ratings, standard advanced safety equipment.

Lows: Lacks the refinement and ride comfort of the more-modern competition. A limited array of build configurations compared to the domestics. Fuel economy.

Best Version to Get: Consumer Reports says go for the Limited, which offers blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning without forcing you into the overly-stiff TRD off-road suspension package. 

Trouble Spots

Fuel System: Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Climate system: Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.