2009 Toyota Tundra
MSRP: $22,490 - $41,605
Invoice: $20,688 - $38,068
MPG: 15 City / 19 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.6
Performance:8.3
Exterior:7.6
Interior:8.1
Safety:9.4
Reliability:10.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine
  • Class-leading towing capabilities
  • Insurance Institute's Top Safety Pick for full size pickups

 

  • Substandard interior materials
  • High price, especially with additional features

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Toyota Tundra - What the Auto Press Says

For 2009, the full-size pickup class has grown more competitive and the Tundra finds itself fighting to stay near the top of the pack.

Completely redesigned in 2007, the Tundra is both larger and more powerful than the previous generation. Some say the Tundra's biggest flaw is that it's as good as, but not better than its competition. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says though the truck "cannot be described as revolutionary, the Tundra has a number of features to distinguish itself from the competition." The Fort Worth Star-Telegram adds that the Tundra, "should be able to hold its own among the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram."

However, since those reviews came in, Dodge introduced its redesigned Ram, and Ford released the all-new 2009 F-150.  When compared to the very latest that the market has to offer, several reviewers say the Tundra doesn't look as good as it once did.  Several reviewers say the Tundra's ride is bouncy when compred to the F-150 and the Ram, while others say that the interior refinement that buyers can opt for on other trucks isn't available on the Tundra.  Still, the concensus seems to be that though the Tundra is outclassed by newer trucks in some areas, like most full-size pickups, it is still an excellent all-around choice.

One extra the Tundra offers is its excellent safety scores. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2009 Toyota Tundra one of its Top Safety Picks, an honor the Toyota shares with the Ford F-150.

If you're shopping for a full size pickup but not convinced of the Tundra's qualifications, consider the class leaders, the Chevy Silverado or Ford F-150.  Both have better fuel economy than the Tundra.

Come check out this month's Best Toyota Deals where we have done the research to get you the best offer.

  • "Finally, a Toyota truck with no excuses. And it sure won't need any." -- Car and Driver
  • "It's big, it's powerful, and it promises more potency than a Viagra commercial." -- Detroit News
  • "The current Toyota Tundra, which came onto the scene in 2007 fresh from a redesign, matches or beats domestic full-size pickups when it comes to size, performance and price." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "It's exactly what I thought it would be: a half-earnest, half-mocking tribute to the American pickup truck, bigger and saccharine-sweeter than its competitors, with major-league engineering...and focus-group features galore, including half a dozen of the biggest cup holders this side of the NFL." -- Los Angeles Times
  • "The new trucks from Dodge and Ford are impressive, but so are the GM full-sizers -- and don't forget about Nissan's Titan, which still holds appeal for buyers who don't require a wide range of body styles and options. Nonetheless, the 2009 Toyota Tundra remains a well-built and thoroughly competent truck. Make sure it's on your to-drive list if you're shopping for one of these beasts of burden." -- Edmunds

Tundra Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2009 Tundra has one of the most powerful V8 engines in the class. Automobile Magazine says, "The big V-8 purrs silently in cruise mode. When tasked to move a hefty load, the samurai warrior buried in its soul lets out a fierce yowl." While the engine wins praise, reviewers complain about the Tundra's too-big handling and ride that some say is bouncy when compared to the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150. Read More

Tundra Exterior - 7.6 (Good)

Reviewers aren't sure if the 2009 Toyota Tundra's looks surpass the competition's. The New York Times says, "We don't think any of the three Tundra models is particularly attractive on the outside -- their chrome grilles are Dodge Ram wannabes," but later notes, "the rest of the package looks like a winner." Read More

Tundra Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

Although the Tundra gets attention for a spacious cabin, its interior is seen as nothing special by many reviewers.  While other trucks offer upscale amenities and handy storage options, the Tundra plays it safe.  As Motor Trend says, "The interior falls short -- perhaps the last thing over which you'd expect Toyota to stumble."   Read More

Tundra Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

The Tundra does well in government crash tests and is recognized as one of the Insurance Institute's "Top Safety Picks" for 2009. Among full-size pickup trucks, it's an honor the Tundra shares only with the all-new Ford F-150. Read More

Tundra Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Toyota Tundra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Toyota Tundra is covered by a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 6/17/09