2021 Toyota Tundra 4x4 SR5 CrewMax Review

In our first look we noted the 2021 Toyota Tundra 4x4 SR5 CrewMax was a bit long in the tooth, an old-timer looking around at its once contemporaries and wondering where it stepped astray. It hasn’t though, and the second-generation Tundra is still kicking nearly one and a half decades since its 2007 debut. Toyota faithfuls and the model’s durability kept things going. What’s old certainly isn’t new again, but the Tundra still has some redeeming qualities.

As Toyota prepares to usher in a new Tundra, the focus of which is a twin-turbo V-6 engine, we can’t help but smile every time the big 5.7L iForce V-8 rumbles to life. The engine’s sounds and linear power delivery are special in today’s age of forced induction. Same goes for effortless low-end torque, but we certainly expect the new powerplant to improve on the as-tested low-teens fuel economy. That said, thanks to the optional 38-gallon fuel tank, the current Tundra still manages a theoretical unladen 600-plus-mile highway range. Towing drops that number as does around-town driving.

All the V-8′s power and torque are routed through a six-speed automatic that’s simultaneously buttery-smooth and yet behind the times. It shifts like trucks of the past, without power interruption to the pedal but dropping the truck out of its optimal powerband with each gear change. The Tundra is rated to pull 9,800 pounds, and we know from experience that it handily manages the weight. It’s a durable, simple drivetrain that’s happy to tow, happy to work, and happy to suffer daily life. And yet, it feels old.

The Tundra looks it too. It’s still an attractive design, but mostly because it’s fairly restrained compared to today’s other over-the-top offerings. The styling has somehow maintained a current feel as the years ticked by.

The Tundra’s bed has a factory bedliner and movable, locking tie-down points. We’re not as sold on the Trail Edition package’s side storage boxes. They won’t sit well with those hoping to load ATVs or UTVs into the bed. They eat significantly into bed width and don’t offer easy access from outside, unlike Ram’s RamBox. Still, the rear window rolls down and that nearly makes up for the missteps.

About that Trail Edition package: We’re not convinced it’s worth the money. For the $2,930 price tag there’s a fair amount of kit that comes with the investment, but the tires should be more aggressive and a huge chrome grille simply doesn’t feel the part of “trail rig.” Especially when the Tundra TRD Pro exists, we wish for more from what’s effectively an appearance option.

Inside the Tundra is a similar proposition. The redeeming quality is the CrewMax’s massive back seat. It’s perfect for kids or larger adults, as there’s no other 1500-series truck that offers this much room. The 42.3 inches of legroom will spoil those in the back seats, but front seat occupants are left wanting more as the seats are slightly short and have zero bolstering. Comfy for trips, not great for spinal support. Sadly, despite the presence of the SR5′s recently improved infotainment, it still feels like a step into yesteryear. Our time with the 4Runner TRD Pro’s tells us Toyota can do better. Somehow, the Tundra’s interior feels built to a budget that’s well below the nearly $50K as-tested MSRP.

Overall, we like the Tundra. There’s a few options we would skip on our tester, like the Trail Edition package. We would buy a standard SR5 and outfit it with our own choice of wheels and tires. The 2021 Toyota Tundra 4x4 SR5 CrewMax starts at $41,370 and is $49,020 as tested. It’s a hard number to swallow given the Tundra TRD Pro’s MSRP of $49,125. If it were our money, we’d just buy the TRD Pro; Much like with the Honda Ridgeline’s HPD package, the Trail Edition package and other add-ons just aren’t worth it.

The Tundra 4x4 SR5 CrewMax is perfect for those who want a truck they never have to worry about, one that is a workhorse and brings confidence in long-term ownership and revels in the back seat space and durability. Those looking for a “modern” pickup should look elsewhere. Today’s Tundra is like going back in time, and it’s also very ready for a new era. But in 2021, this is the truck for those who crave a big V-8 and the confidence of knowing their vehicle will withstand a lifetime of use sans issues. Buy it now before the new era is ushered in. As for us? We welcome it with open arms.