5 Things to Know About 2021 Toyota Tundra Before You Buy

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Here are 5 important things you should know about 2021 Tundra before buying, including new trim levels and colors.

When it comes to Toyota Tundra, potential buyers and current owners pretty much know what to expect. They know they have a tough full-size truck they can trust over time.

But what about the 2021 Toyota Tundra? There are a few important updates, along with some things that have remained the same, that may be important to you.

Things you may want to know before you begin researching, and potentially buying, your next Tundra.

2021 Tundra Trail Specs

We have two new trim levels (of sorts) for 2021. One is the Tundra Trail Edition. Let me explain.

You may have already seen this brand new 2021 Toyota Tundra trim level at your local dealer and dealerships across the country. They started arriving early this month.

The popular SR5 CrewMax Tundra is the base for new Tundra Trail Special Edition. This may prove practical for those people who enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking and fishing. Additional storage seen on Tundra Trail is something truck fans have been suggesting for years.

Buyers looking for Tundra Trail Edition will need to research a 2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 CrewMax and then select the Trail Edition Package. It does not have its own trim level. Trail is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

I mentioned extra storage because 2021 Tundra Trail has lockable bed storage on both sides. The driver side storage bin is insulated so you can keep drinks (and maybe fish) chilled. Like a magical cooler. I do enjoy magic.

Tundra Trail Edition features 18-inch dark gray wheels with Michelin all-terrain tires, spray-on bed liner, black badging and chrome front grille.

Look for black fabric seats with tan stitching, along with all-weather floor mats, inside the cabin.

Trail Edition package retails for $2,930 according to 2021 Tundra window sticker.

2021 Toyota Tundra Nightshade

Tundra Nightshade Special Edition for 2021 will be based on the luxurious Limited grade and can be purchased in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

Nightshade Tundra is not its own trim level, however. When researching, look for a 2021 Toyota Tundra Limited with the Nightshade Special Edition Package. This should be a $1,000 upgrade on your window sticker.

Look for interior highlights that include black leather-trimmed seats and darkened accents.

Exterior features include 20-inch black alloy wheels, a smoked chrome front grille with body color surround, black badging, black door handles, black mirror caps and black exhaust tip.

The 2021 Tundra Nightshade joins several other popular Toyota models, like Toyota Camry and Toyota 4Runner, with Nightshade trims.

2021 Tundra TRD Pro color

Lunar Rock has been chosen as the exclusive 2021 Toyota TRD Pro color. This means Lunar Rock will be offered on all 2021 Tundra, 2021 Tacoma, 2021 4Runner and 2021 Sequoia TRD Pro trucks and SUVs.

This replaces Army Green, which will be available on other trim levels of these popular models.

2021 Tundra Powertrain

One of the most reliable and trustworthy engines in Toyota history is the 5.7-liter V8 engine. This is standard for all 2021 Tundra trucks, and it produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. torque.

A 6-speed automatic transmission completes this dependable powertrain.

VIDEO: I discuss 2021 Toyota Tundra updates in my video preview.

The Toyota Tundra is not being redesigned for the 2021 model year, so it will keep its current powertrain combo.

Rumors circling the Toyota world may indicate a 2022 Tundra redesign, but that is still up in the air as far as specifics. Maybe we will even see a Tundra Hybrid sooner than later.

Toyota Tundra Resale Value

Along with being reliable and dependable, owners probably also know how well Tundra holds its value over time.

According to studies by both kbb.com and iSeeCars.com, Toyota Tundra continues to stay near the top across all brands in lowest depreciation and in highest resale value.

Time for your thoughts on 2021 Toyota Tundra

What Toyota vehicle impresses you most with its changes – 2021 4Runner or 2021 Tundra or 2021 Tacoma?

Are you in the market for a new truck or SUV, and will you consider a Tundra or another Toyota? How do you feel about Tundra Trail Edition and Tundra Nightshade Edition?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I talk about a 2021 Toyota Tacoma update that will help.

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Submitted by Jeff Vines (not verified) on December 9, 2020 - 1:20PM

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Jeff,
I just purchased a new '21 Tundra 4x4 Crew Cab yesterday (12-8-20). This is my fourth Toyota purchased and my third Tundra, (my first Toyota was a Tacoma). I wanted to comment on your take of the resale value. I for one can attest that Toyota does hold its value, these are outstanding vehicles that can take a beating without missing a lick. The truck I traded yesterday was a 2014 Tundra Crew Cab 4 x 2 that had just over 101,000 miles. I was offered $22,500.00 as trade-in, which is about half of the cost of the truck when purchased new six years ago.
Thanks,
J. Vines

Submitted by steve (not verified) on December 29, 2020 - 4:00PM

In reply to by Jeff Vines (not verified)

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QUOTE - "I was offered $22,500.00 as trade-in, which is about half of the cost of the truck new six years ago".

REPLY - What did you expect? You used almost half its useful life and youre not satisfied with half its original value? Put yourself in the shoes of the next owner, if I bought your half used truck for 75% of its original value, I'd be a fool. There would be a high incentive to fork out another $10K and buy a brand new truck in lieu of yours.

You completely missed the tone of his comment. He said he can ATTEST and was very satisfied with half of original sticker at trade in. It was a positive comment about great resale.
Sheesh. People are so quick to bring out the pitchforks these days.

Seriously lol that's pretty good on trade in, probably could've gotten about 5k more from the dealer though IMO. Like you said about the 75% for half of the trucks life is what dealers are selling them for. I looked for used tundras...80k miles for 30-35 thousand...ended up buying a new one for 38. I honestly think that's what the dealers want you to do though.