2018 Toyota Tundra Preview

Introduction

Toyota’s full-size, half-ton, Tundra pickup truck sees a handful of changes for 2018. Grille design and lighting changes debut, and Toyota makes its Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance technologies standard on all versions.

A new TRD Sport trim level also arrives for 2018, joining the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro versions of the truck. Regular cab styles are offered only in SR trim. Double Cabs come in SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Pro, and Limited trim. CrewMax cabs mirror the Double Cab lineup, dropping SR trim but adding Platinum and 1794 Edition versions.

• 2017 Toyota Tundra Overview
• 2017 Toyota Trucks, SUVs, and Vans Buyer's Guide

Exterior Features

For 2018, all Tundras have LED daytime running lights. Additionally, some versions of the truck get a new mesh grille, while the Limited and 1794 Edition variants have a billet-style grille. These two trucks, plus the Platinum, TRD Sport, and SR5 with TRD Off-Road package, also have new LED headlights and fog lights.

Interior Features

Toyota makes no changes to the 2018 Tundra’s interior.

Optional Features

Key highlights of the SR5 trim level include a Double Cab or CrewMax body style, extra chrome trim, fog lights, intermittent wipers, upgraded infotainment system with a connected navigation app, sliding rear window, and broader availability of option packages, including a TRD Off-Road package.

The TRD Sport adds color-keyed bumpers, mirrors, and grille surround, as well as a 5.7-liter V-8 engine and a sport-tuned suspension. A hood scoop signals sportiness, along with a mesh grille insert, 20-in. wheels, and a bedside graphic. Inside, this version has a TRD shift knob and TRD floor mats.

The TRD Pro is custom-built for off-roading at speed. It has special suspension tuning, unique 18-in. wheels with all-terrain tires, performance exhaust, front skid plates, and a premium infotainment system with embedded navigation, leather seats, and minor design detail changes.

The Limited adds luxury touches, swapping body-color trim for chrome and installing a billet-style grille and 20-in. wheels. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power sliding rear window await.

Platinum trim installs special styling details, unique wheels, and power-folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators and auto-dimming glass. A blind-spot warning system is also standard, along with a rear cross-traffic alert system, power sunroof, and the top-shelf infotainment system with a JBL premium sound system. Premium carpeting, floor mats, and interior trim are also included with this truck.

The Tundra 1794 Edition truck is basically the same as the Platinum, but with a special design treatment inside and out.

Under the Hood

Toyota offers a choice between two V-8 engines in the 2018 Tundra. The 4.7-liter V-8 makes 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 5.7-liter V-8 generates 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. Both are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and 4-wheel-drive is an option.

Depending on configuration, EPA fuel-economy ratings range from 13 mpg city to 19 mpg highway. The Tundra also tows up to 10,500 lbs. and hauls as much as 2,080 lbs. of payload.

Safety

The Toyota Safety Sense package adds a dynamic radar cruise control system, forward-collision warning system with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning system, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Technology

Four different Entune infotainment systems are available for the 2018 Tundra.

The most basic version is equipped with a 6.1-in. touch-screen display and features Bluetooth connectivity with music-streaming capability, quick-charge USB port, voice recognition with Siri Eyes Free, and a reversing camera. Stepping up a level, Entune adds a larger 7-in. display plus a Scout connected navigation app. Satellite and HD Radio are also included in this version of the system.

The third rung on the infotainment ladder installs an embedded navigation system and Entune App Suite, which allows access to popular smartphone applications right from the touch-screen display. Upgrade this system with a JBL premium sound system and you’ve got the top version of Entune.

Additional Research

• 2017 Toyota Tundra Overview
• 2017 Toyota Trucks, SUVs, and Vans Buyer's Guide