Test Drive: 2020 Toyota Tundra Limited Crewmax is the prime choice for the long haul

The 2020 Toyota Tundra is shown in Cavalry Blue. / Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy
The 2020 Toyota Tundra is shown in Cavalry Blue. / Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy

While the 2020 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup doesn't boast the sales volume of competitors from Ford, Chevy, GMC and RAM, it's still a solid choice for the long haul.

The smaller Tacoma is the trendy choice for Chattanooga-area buyers of Toyota trucks, but the Tundra offers full-size space and a powerful 5.7-liter, V-8 engine in a bullet-proof package. While the design may be aging - the last full redesign was in 2007 - we think the Tundra has old-school charm with enough modern conveniences to keep it current.

This week's tester, provided by the manufacturer for a one-week test drive, looks especially fetching in Cavalry Blue paint, a cool hue that sets the Toyota apart from the other brands.

Proportionally, a Crew-cab configuration is our favorite Tundra shape. The back seat space is immense and the short bed gives the truck a handsome profile. It's also a family-friendly design that can help you justify the Tundra as an all-purpose vehicle. Three full-size adults can sit comfortably in the second row of seats.

Tundras are available locally at Capital Toyota on Lee Highway, Toyota of Cleveland and North Georgia Toyota in Dalton. Late this week, all of the area dealership showed an ample supply of Tundras in digital inventories. We counted about 70 units among the three dealerships.

FAST FACTS

* Model: 2020 Toyota Tundra Limited Crewmax 4x4* Exterior color: Calvary Blue* Interior color: Gray* Engine: 5.7-liter, V-8* Horsepower: 381* Transmission: 6-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 17 mpg highway, 13 mpg city* Local Dealer: North Georgia Toyota, Toyota of Cleveland, Capital Toyota* Price (as tested): $51,839

photo The gray leather interior is upscale but also tough and functional. / Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy

WHAT IS IT?

The 2020 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck with a standard 5.7-liter, V-8 engine that makes a stout 381 horsepower.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

A base Tundra starts at about $33,500. Our high-end Limited tester starts at $47,035. After options and delivery fee is added, the tester rings up at $51,839 before discounts.

photo The short bed on the 2020 Tundra Crewmax has great design proportions. / Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy

WHAT WE LIKED

Some of our favorite features on the 2020 Tundra Limited are the 8-inch touchscreen, 20-inch 5-spoke wheels and the light-blue color. New for 2020, Android Auto and Apple Carplay smart phone interfaces are both standard.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Fuel economy is modest. The city rating is 13 mpg, and the highway rating is 17 mpg. If gas prices spike, this could be a pain point.

photo Leg room in the second row is ample. / Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

The Tundra is a big truck, so navigating parking lots can be difficult. The V-8 accelerates nicely for a vehicle with a curb weight approaching three tons. Handling is, well, truck-ish. The $1,535 Limited Premium package adds blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, two safety-tech features we consider essential on a vehicle this big.

BOTTOM LINE

The Tundra radiates reliability. This is definitely a "buy and hold" vehicle that should last for a generation.

In the market for a new vehicle? To access hundreds of Mark Kennedy's Chattanooga Test Drive columns visit www.timesfreepress.com/testdrive.

Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.


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