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Toyota Tundra

Why Is The 2020 Toyota Tundra The Worst Truck?

The results are in, and on the list of the best full-size pickup trucks for 2020, the Toyota Tundra is in last place. It seems to be falling behind its competitors for a variety of reasons. Let’s check out why the 2020 Toyota Tundra is ranking so low.  Why Is The 2020 Toyota Tundra In …

The results are in, and on the list of the best full-size pickup trucks for 2020, the Toyota Tundra is in last place. It seems to be falling behind its competitors for a variety of reasons. Let’s check out why the 2020 Toyota Tundra is ranking so low. 

Why Is The 2020 Toyota Tundra In Last Place?

After evaluating several trucks and their features, the U.S. News ranked the Toyota Tundra in last place because it can’t keep up with its more capable rivals. 

Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundra | SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

First of all, the Toyota Tundra is pricier than other options, even when it’s considered to be less capable. It starts around $33k while the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado both start around $28k.

It was ranked poorly partly because of its low fuel economy. It only gets 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. 

Wow, trucks are notoriously bad on gas, but not that bad. It’s competitors get over 30 mpg in the city and close to, if not over 30 mpg in the city. The Toyota Tundra is a decade behind on fuel economy. 

2021-Toyota-Tundra-Trail-Edition
2021-Toyota-Tundra-Trail-Edition

The Toyota Tundra also has a lower towing capacity than its contenders. When properly equipped with the most powerful engine and towing package, the Tundra can tow up to 10,200 lb. However, the Ford F-150 can tow over 11k lb. 

Also, the Tundra receives complaints about having a stiff, bumpy ride. Also, the Tundra hasn’t had a full redesign in 13 years, meaning it’s old and feels outdated. 

This is especially true when it comes to the interior. It has an older look with chunky dials and plastic, cheap materials. 

Is The Toyota Tundra A Good Truck? 

Despite being ranked last, the Toyota Tundra still might be able to suit your needs as a reliable truck. It has a score of four out of five in predicted reliability from J.D. Power. Plus, the Toyota Tundra is known for holding its value. 

The Tundra starts at a higher price because the base model incorporates more tech features and safety features than its rival base models.

It competes against trucks with less tech, meaning they may make better work trucks instead of daily drivers. 

Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Toyota

Plus, the Tundra is powerful. It has one engine option for every model, and it’s a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 385 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. What other base models come with a V8? 

For towing, the Tundra has an integrated brake controller that can be adjusted depending on the weight of your load and the trailer sway control helps you stay stabilized. 

The multi-information display also displays essential information about your trailer brake controller and more right behind your steering wheel, where you need to see it most. 

A Toyota Tundra TRD Pro on display at an auto show
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Best of all, the Toyota Tundra is loaded with advanced safety features such as blind-spot detection, a latch for child seats, lane departure assistance, forward collision prevention, and more. 

Plus, it has cool features such as seats that fold up for more cargo space, a lockable truck bed, a rear power window, and more. Ranking the Toyota Tundra in last place might be a little harsh and unfair. It’s still a great truck.