Pros and Cons for the 2020 Toyota Tundra

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Submitted by Jeff Teague on August 12, 2019 - 12:50PM

Fans are ready to see 2020 Toyota Tundra and the updates it brings, and it will be coming sooner than later. See what changes impressed us and some that did not.

A new truck model year is an annual tradition. It is around this time of year we get to see what our favorite vehicle has updated and what has remained unchanged.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra brings with it some pretty cool upgrades we were impressed with. It also left some out.

What are the pros for the 2020 Toyota Tundra?

For our Pros section, here are the updates we were excited about.

Thanks for adding CarPlay and Android Auto to 2020 Tundra

Toyota is adding the popular applications Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to all models as quickly as it can, beginning with the 2020 Tundra. A lack of Android Auto is a reason many truck shoppers gave for why they have not yet upgraded their Toyota.

It makes sense, too, as these apps make listening to music, finding navigation destinations, sending and receiving texts and many other functions both convenient and less distracting.

2020 Tundra will have larger screen sizes

It is not like people say they will buy or not buy a truck based on multimedia screen sizes, but this critique used to come up all the time with vehicles like Tundra and 4Runner. Toyota is correcting this by upgrading the screen size for both the 2020 Tundra and 2020 4Runner.

Tundra will see a 7” multimedia screen size in the SR grade level, and it will jump up to 8” screen on all levels SR5 and above.

Smart Key Features added to Tundra

All 2020 Toyota Tundra trim levels that are SR5 and above will have standard smart key with push button start. This feature makes opening and starting your vehicle both more convenient and it adds a level of safety, since you do not need to take time fumbling for your keys before you open your doors.

2020 TRD Pro Tundra has more options

Toyota opened up the options for customers looking to buy a 2020 Tundra TRD Pro. Truck buyers can choose from Double Cab or CrewMax cab configurations, depending on whether they want more space in the cab or the bed. The larger cabin CrewMax comes standard with a 5.5’ bed while the Double Cab has a 6.5’ bed.

Also, the exclusive TRD Pro color for 2020 is Army Green and customers can choose this color, along with Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic or Midnight Black Metallic for their TRD Pro. The 2020 Tacoma, along with the 2020 Sequoia and 2020 4Runner TRD Pro models will have Army Green as a color option.

Tundra owners will benefit due to resale value

The Toyota Tundra has an excellent projected resale value. Kelley Blue Book placed the 2019 Tundra in its Top 5 (it ranked number 3) for highest resale value across all brands at the beginning of the year. On a side note, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma had the highest resale value in the entire country.

This bodes well for owners of the 2019 Tundra, and definitely for people who end up buying the new 2020 Tundra as well. They will have an incredibly dependable, high quality full-size truck that holds its value well over time.

The 2020 Tundra has a couple cons

Toyota Tundra is celebrating its 20th year anniversary with the 2020 model year. This is a very dependable, tough full-size truck with an excellent reputation for long-term reliability. However, it has been several years since undergoing major changes.

2020 Tundra Body Style Unchanged

Although in its 20th year, Toyota is still on its 2nd generation Tundra. The first generation was from 2000 to 2006, while the 2nd generation is from 2007 until its present model year. It has been awhile and is due a redesign.

The most recent refresh year was 2014, which featured an updated grille, more enhanced fenders in the front and rear, a redesigned tailgate and taillights, as well as redesigned interior styling.

With a complete redesign coming in the next 1-2 years, there was no need for a new refreshed exterior. However, it is still worth noting.

2020 Tundra Powertrain Relatively Unchanged

The lone engine changes were the discontinuation of the 4.6-liter V8 engine along with the 5.7-liter V8 flex fuel option.

Toyota is riding solo with just one engine choice for the 2020 Tundra model year. However, this 5.7-liter delivers 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. torque, and it is one of the most dependable engines in the entire Toyota fleet. Drivers should appreciate this simplified engine selection.

Final thoughts on the 2020 Tundra

Since it is not a complete redesign year, Toyota could have easily decided to leave the 2020 entry completely unchanged. But, luckily for people in the market for a new full-size truck, Tundra is receiving some valuable updates that customers have been suggesting and asking about for years.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra in any form is definitely worth strong consideration.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story where I am discussing 5 reasons why the Toyota Tacoma is so popular these days.

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at ToyotaJeff1.

Submitted by Ron Sanders (not verified) on August 18, 2019 - 12:48PM

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Toyota has lost their chance to keep me in the fold. I can't wait forever for them to upgrade this vehicle. Their powertrain is so far out of date, there is absolutely no reason to waste money on this truck if you are looking for a new pick-up no matter how good a resale value it has. If the best reason to buy this model is that the resale won't cost you much to upgrade the truck in 2021, no thanks!

Good article to highlight very few changes though. Thanks

Submitted by Charlie (not verified) on August 21, 2019 - 2:59PM

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Toyota has done a horrible job innovating for better fuel efficiency. GM, Dodge and Ford trucks all get way better gas mileage. This goes for the 4Runner, and Tacoma. It's like they're not even trying, or just don't care. It's keeping me from going with Toyota.

Submitted by Matthew Schweiger (not verified) on August 28, 2019 - 10:49PM

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I agree I am a all Toyota guy I own the 19 Avalon touring,19 Toyota corolla hatchback and 17, Camry SE, I like the new Army green Tundra but if you really use the truck its gas mileage is horrible to say the least. Toyota is spoiled and obviously does not need to compete. I will keep my 06 Tundra until they make a truck with decent gas mileage.

Submitted by Justin (not verified) on September 18, 2019 - 2:56PM

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Very disappointed that the exterior and interior of the Tundra are largely unchanged since 2007 (which I own). It also make zero sense to me that you can get the rear power outlet in both the Tacoma and 4Runner, but not the Tunda???? I have always been a Toyota guy and have owned Tacomas, several 4Runners, currently have a '16 Highlander and '07 Tundra - but I am done buying full size trucks from Toyota, they simply won't update anything. I am going to buy a GMC AT-4. The only thing I will really miss from the Tundra is the rear window that rolls down. Toyota, please provide us with a completely redesigned (inside & out) Tundra in the future.

Submitted by Bill (not verified) on November 17, 2019 - 8:19PM

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I am hoping the LA Auto Show will reveal a new Tundra prototype but I’m not holding my breath .
I have owned multiple Toyota cars & trucks all over the world but am amazed that Toyota hasn’t delivered a new Tundra to the Nth American truck buyers since its 2014 face lift of their 2007 design
The crash tests prove this truck is unsafe in a off center passenger side frontal collision. For me that’s one big reason not to buy the current Tundra