When it comes to evaluating a particular vehicle’s dependability, J.D. Power is one of the most trusted consumer resources. For dependability data, the organization uses surveys to review actual vehicle ownership experiences over the previous three model years. It’s not often that a model earns a perfect score. But the Toyota Tundra did just that.

It’s a pretty impressive accolade, considering the fiercely competitive truck segment. While it may be surprising to see how the Tundra ranked against the likes of the Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150, dependability falls right in line with Toyota’s overall reputation.

What goes into the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)

For more than 30 years, J.D. Power has performed an analysis of all vehicle segments, to best determine how to rank each model with regard to dependability. The data is based on surveys from car, truck, SUV, and van owners nationwide.

The study reviews ownership history for three-year-old rides, outlining what has gone wrong and right with each. When publishing the report for 2019, J.D. Power includes ownership score of eight, nine, or 10, on a 10-point scale for overall dependability.

The Toyota Tundra earns a perfect 10

For the 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the Toyota Tundra was evaluated on ownership data from the 2016 model year. Despite having an old design back then, the Tundra was J.D. Power’s most dependable full-size, light-duty truck in the report.

The 2016 Tundra offered a variety of trim levels, cab styles, and bed lengths. Owners had the choice of two V8 engine configurations, as well. Consumers who bought the 2016 Toyota Tundra, enjoyed a bigger gas tank, standard trailer braking, and an improved infotainment system.

Based on reported problems, the Tundra scored a scale-topping 10 among those pickup owners. Not even the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado scored that high.

How the Toyota Tundra rates against the Chevy Silverado

When it came time to rank the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, for the 2019 VDS publication, the same ownership data was analyzed. That year, the Silverado offered a ton of configuration options, from basic work truck levels to high-end, luxurious trims.

It made selecting the perfect pickup easy for consumers. While it performed well for truck owners over the last three years, it scored a nine out of 10 in dependability, falling short of the Toyota Tundra’s perfect mark.

Ford’s F-150 dependability rating fell even shorter

America’s most popular selling pickup showed up strong in 2016. Ford had made serious improvements to its Sync 3 infotainment system. The automaker added a more luxurious Limited trim level and debuted its Pro Trailer Backup Assist system.

Consumers responded favorably to the enhancements. But in the subsequent years of ownership, there were a few hiccups for some truck owners. When J.D. Power analyzed the F-150 data, the pickup fell even shorter than its Chevy and Toyota counterparts. The F-150 earns an eight out of 10 in dependability.

Toyota promotes a strong reputation for dependability overall

Ford and Chevy trucks may be more popular in some consumer circles. It’s clear the Toyota Tundra deserves a look. Toyota strives for dependability over its entire portfolio of vehicles, and it’s clear the Tundra keeps with that overarching Toyota reputation.

New this year, the Tundra’s popular TRD off-road models now present options for CrewMax cab or double cab configurations. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity features are now included, as well. Toyota Tundra owners will also enjoy a robust menu of driver aids and safety equipment, as part of the standard Toyota Safety Sense platform.

Of course, not every vehicle is perfect all the time. But when it comes to earning a perfect score in dependability, the Toyota Tundra wins all around. It’s a pickup contender worth considering, especially now, knowing ownership history is positive with those who have purchased this truck over the years.