It’s interesting how differently reviewers perceive vehicles. A perfect example is how U.S. New has reacted to the Toyota Tundra over the past several years. While Consumer Reports has ranked the pickup well in the full-sized truck category, U.S. News has been harsh. 

The 2015 Toyota Tundra is rock bottom on U.S. News’ best-trucks list

In 2015, U.S. News looked at all the full-size half-ton trucks and ranked the Toyota Tundra fifth in a field of six. The publication scored only the Nissan Titan below the Tundra. U.S. News determined the 2015 model couldn’t compete in function and performance. 

U.S. News had very little good to say about the Tundra that year. But it liked the legroom in the CrewMax model.

The 2016 Toyota Tundra fails to impress again

In 2016, U.S. News deemed the Chevy Silverado 1500 the best full-size truck and placed that year’s Tundra at the bottom of the field. Once again, the publication thought the truck’s rear seat offered a good amount of space, but it didn’t think the truck’s spaciousness made up for its less-than-stellar fuel economy and lack of engine choices.

The 2017 Tundra still gets no love

U.S. News‘ reviewers softened their attitude toward the 2017 Toyota Tundra. They still thought it was the least desirable full-size truck that year, but they had more nice things to say about it.

They said it had the most impressive collection of standard features, and they complimented its off-road capabilities. However, they didn’t think those perks made up for the lack of a V6 engine option.

The 2018 Tundra ranks sixth out of six

It should come as no surprise that the 2018 Toyota Tundra ranked six out of six on U.S. News‘ list. The vehicle’s engine, spacious interior, and reliability pleased the reviewers. But they didn’t like the low-quality feel of the interior and the Tundra’s stiff handling. The truck’s lower towing capacity was another black mark.

The 2019 Tundra is dead last yet again

True to form, U.S. News put the 2019 Toyota Tundra at the bottom of the six-truck pile. The publication’s complaints hadn’t changed from previous years. The handling was still stiff. The fuel economy was still poor. The cabin still felt cheaply constructed. They didn’t like all the standard features or the powerful V8 engine.

What is the deal with U.S. News’ lack of love for the Tundra?

Don’t assume that just because U.S. News has shunned the Toyota Tundra over the years that you should avoid purchasing one. Even last place doesn’t mean it’s a bad vehicle. Even U.S. News admitted it’s a nice truck worthy of consideration.

“Yes, the 2019 Toyota Tundra is a fine option if you’re shopping for a used full-size pickup truck. The Tundra has an excellent predicted reliability rating, hefty payload and towing capacities, and a pair of muscular V8 engines to choose from. It’s sensible for families too. The interior is spacious, especially CrewMax cabs, and all models are packed with safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.”

U.S. News

Though the truck finished six out of six in the publication’s line-up, it still scored a respectable 7 out of 10 on the scorecard.

If you’re wondering whether a new Toyota Tundra is right for you, check out our full coverage of it.