For years, the Toyota Tundra has been one of the most popular and sought-after full-size pickup trucks in the country. If you are looking for a used Toyota Tundra, however, you might quickly become frustrated with too many options or not even know where to start. We see that all the time and although we are always happy to answer questions and work with customers to figure out exactly what they need, it can make your car-buying process a lot faster to have a sense of what you are looking for ahead of time.
There are two different generations of the Toyota Tundra available, with the first generation spanning the years of 2000 to 2006, while the second generation began in 2007 and has continued through to today. The differences from one year to the next can be pretty minor sometimes, while other times there have been redesigns and new features introduced even within a generation. Knowing just what to look for can make it a lot easier for you to find the right used Toyota Tundra to meet all your needs.
Before you start looking for a used Toyota Tundra for sale, take a look at the different model years available and the features that you can find on each one. Not only will this save you time in the long run, but it can help you avoid regret afterward if you buy a used model and later discover that a different year would have been a better match for your needs. Of course, there are always different trim levels and other options available for these years too, so you have to keep the total package in mind as you look at the Tundras out there and find just the right one for you.
If you find a 2007 used Toyota Tundra for sale, then you know you have found something special: the start of the modern Tundra generation. 2007 models are larger than the first generation and their overall design and development was clearly informed by the Toyota Tacoma. The 2007 models had three engines available when they were released including a 4.0L V6 that offers up to 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7L V8 that can provide up to 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque for exceptional performance.
An early used Toyota Tundra like this can be in one of nearly three dozen different configurations based on multiple bed lengths, cab sizes, and wheelbases. That can be a bit overwhelming, but just be sure to pay special attention to the length of the bed, type of cab, and the type of transmission you need before buying a used Toyota Tundra for sale. Even though 2007 models are more than a decade old, you can still find some that include features such as a backup camera, Bluetooth support, and a large center console that is much more practical and useful than the console in older models.
There were not a huge number of changes or improvements introduced in 2008, so a used Toyota Tundra from this year is going to be very similar to a 2007 model. You might be able to find a 2008 model a bit cheaper; some people view 2007 as more collectible since it started off the current generation. More variations were introduced in 2008, so there are even more options available, the most notable of which was the introduction of the “Tundra Grade” trim level, which was targeted at trade workers and similar professionals.
In most ways, a used 2009 Toyota Tundra for sale will be quite similar to those from 2007 or 2008. The most notable change in 2009 was that all Tundra’s with the 5.7L V8 engine could use E85 fuel standard. The TRD Rock Warrior package was also introduced in 2009 and updated the TRD Sport package, so look for those options in particular if they meet your needs.
Improvements were a bit more noteworthy for 2010 compared to 2008 and 2009, so this is a good year to find when looking for a used Toyota Tundra for sale. It received a visual update to the tail lamps and the grille, both of which are noticeable and make the Tundra stand out among its competitors. A new 4.6L V8 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission was introduced in 2010, which replaced the 4.7L V8 previously available.
Only minor changes really mark the shift from 2010 to 2011 for used Toyota Tundras. The most important one to keep in mind is that the 4.0L V6 engine offered on models from previous years was upgraded in 2011. Prior to 2011, this engine could produce up to 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, while the improvements in 2011 provided up to 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque for better overall performance and power.
Since a major revamp to the Tundra came in 2014, the years leading up to that did not provide much in terms of huge changes. Model year 2012 is noteworthy for a few reasons, however, particularly that a rear backup camera became standard on the Limited trim level. This was before such cameras became legally required in pickups, so keep that in mind as you look for a used Toyota Tundra.
Very little changed for the Toyota Tundra in 2013, and in most respects, this year is comparable to 2012. If there is something you find particularly appealing in a 2012 or 2013 model, then rest assured it is still a very solid pickup truck. Since this year falls at the end of a design, you might be able to find a used Toyota Tundra from 2013 for less money than later models with additional features.
At the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, the revised 2014 Tundra was introduced to the public. For those seeking a used Toyota Tundra for sale, this incarnation is a good option to start your research with. Toyota's engineers redesigned the exterior with a larger grille, enhanced fenders, and new tailgate and taillights. The cab and the doors carried over the same sheet metal from previous models, the hood line was raised, and the tailgate received a spoiler.
In addition, the interior also got a complete overhaul. A new 3.5-inch information display was the most prominent change, but other new features included a rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity. Drivers and passengers were also treated to new seats and new controls & gauges within a revamped dashboard. Ergonomics were also improved interior materials were upgraded with metallic-like flourishes.
Under the hood, the Tundra retained the same engine options as before - a 4.0L V6 generating 2760horsepower and 278 pounds-feet of torque, a 4.6L V8 capable of 310 horsepower and 327 pounds-feet of torque, and the monster 5.7L V8 which pumped out a whopping 381 horsepower and 401 pounds-feet of torque. Toyota kept the suspension system mostly the same as well but tweaked the steering rack to allow for more precise handling.
As far as safety, this version of the Tundra continued Toyota's standard for excellence in this regard with an extensive airbag system and technological innovations such as anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, traction control, and electronic brake force distribution. These figures, along with the Tundra's excellent performance during crash tests at the time, earned it a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and of the top features for any driver looking to get into a used Toyota Tundra.
The new Tundra TRD Pro trim level was added in 2015, bringing the total available trim levels up to six, along with the existing SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794. The SR5 and Limited Double Cab models received a new under-seat storage tray, and the 3.5-inch multi-information display became standard equipment.
It wasn't all additions though for the 2015 Tundra. Toyota made the decision to ax the lower tier 4.0L V6 engine, leaving the 4.6 and 5.7L V8s as the only options. It was during this year that the TRD supercharger was also discontinued. This optional feature could boost the already monstrous 5.7L V8 to a staggering 504 horsepower with 500 pounds-feet of torque.
2016 was a good year for the Tundra, as a host of new features were unveiled across the board. The Entune 2.5 system was introduced, which allowed drivers to access the latest apps and amenities in trucks equipped with an in-vehicle entertainment system.
Tundras powered by the larger 5.7L V8 received an integrated trailer brake controller which offered better braking performance when towing large loads. Also on trucks with the same engine, drivers had the option to upgrade the fuel tank from 26.4 gallons to 38 gallons. This larger tank had already been standard on the Limited, Platinum, 1794 and TRD Pro trim levels. For all 4x2 models of the Tundra, Toyota's Fuel Flex technology became available as standard.
Also new for 2015, the SR5 and the 1794 trim levels received a chrome front grille and both the 1794 and Platinum models blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert functionality. One more addition on the 1794 was a TRD off-road package.
On the exterior, the 2016 Tundra also shook it up with some color changes, with the addition of Blazing Blue Pearl (which replaced Blue Ribbon Metallic), Sunset Bronze Metallic (SR5 only), and Inferno (SR5 and Limited with TRD off-road package). Color choices on the SR were reduced to Super White, Black, and Radiant Red.
2017 was a relatively quiet year for the Tundra, with very few changes being made over the previous models. Perhaps the most significant was the addition of a tow hitch received as standard gear on trim levels with the 4.6L V8. The Limited also received new power front bucket seats.
Other than that, the truck stayed mostly the same, being offered in three cab styles - a two-door regular cab, four-door double cab with rear doors and the extra spacious CrewMax with larger rear doors and a roomier rear seat. The available bed lengths remained unchanged at 5.6, 6.6 and 8 feet long, depending on the particular model. Toyota also kept the same engine lineup from the 2016 Tundra, and no diesel or heavy-duty models were on the roster.
When it went on sale, the 2018 Toyota Tundra had undergone relatively few changes since four years earlier, and that would continue with only a few select modifications.
The regular cab option was discontinued, leaving buyers with only the double cab and CrewMax choices. The TRD Pro also went on hiatus, perhaps to return in the future (this also happened when the 2015 TRD Pro went away for a while, only to return in 2017). Also on the subject of trim levels, an all-new TRD Sport was added to the lineup, fitting in between the SR5 and Limited models. The other remaining trim levels - SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 - all received a new grille and updated headlight appearance. On the inside, they were graced with an improved gauge cluster design and larger 4.2-inch multi-information display.
2019 continued the trend of modest updates for the Tundra, with only minor features and upgrades being added to fine-tune what Toyota already had going.
A new SX package was introduced on the SR5 4x4 double can models plowed by the 5.7L V8, mostly focusing on appearance and convenience. The exterior saw the addition of a color-keyed front grille, body color bumpers and larger 18 black alloy wheels. Also available with the SX package were additional Black Metallic and Barcelona Red Metallic paint schemes. In the cabin, the SR5 received upgraded front seats and a bigger 6.1 inch Entune touchscreen multi-information system.
The TRD Pro received some tweaks as well, adopting a vintage-looking grille design with the TOYOTA name lettered out, a new hood scoop and accented lighting. TRD Pro logos adorn the seats, center console, floor mats and shift knob on the inside and the interior upholstery is detailed with red stitching accents. A moonroof was also made available as an option.
On the performance side, the TRD Pro also benefited from the addition of all new 2.5-inch shocks, which allowed for extra wheel travel and increased lift.
Not new, but a carryover from earlier models of the Tundra is Toyota's Safety Sense P. This innovative suite of safety features includes a pre-collision system with deceleration capabilities which can also detect both pedestrians and cyclist during the day or at night and a lane departure alert with road edge detection to keep drivers in their lane. Lane tracing assists in providing steering support to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane and dynamic cruise control offers enhanced acceleration and deceleration performance no matter the speed.