2017 Toyota Tundra 4.6L V8 6AT RWD (314 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota added another refresh for the Tundra’s second generation for the 2018 model year, adding more TRD packages and improving the vehicle’s safety.

After a mild facelift introduced in 2013, the Tundra’s sales were still going strong. Still, customers needed something fresh on the market, so the automaker introduced a second update for the vehicle in 2017 for the 2018 model year at the Chicago Auto Show. While the vehicle was basically the same, there were some upgraded parts both on the exterior and interior. The engine and the drivetrain, on the other hand, remained the same because the automaker considered that it didn’t need any improvements. Its decision was motivated by the million-mile Tundra, a vehicle that was heavily used by a customer between 2007 and 2016 and gathered the seven-figure number on its odometer without any significant technical problems and still running like a champ.

Toyota improved the front fascia of the 2018 Tundra with the addition of LED headlights for higher trim levels, such as the Platinum, the 1794, and the TRD Pro. At the same time, the SR and the SR5 grades were fitted with halogen-based headlamps. Another improvement for the 2018 Tundra was the main grille, which received billet styling or a chromed one. Furthermore, the TRD Pro featured body-colored front and rear bumpers, making the full-size Tundra more street-oriented. Still, the automaker improved the A-TRAC (Active Traction Control) system that featured Limited Slip Differentials on both axles.

From its profile, the 2018 Tundra featured body-colored door mirrors, and customers could also have the car with side steps that eased the ingress and egress. At the back, an integrated step into the rear bumper helped them reach better into the bed. The SR and the SR5 grades came with 18-inch steel wheels, while the upper trim levels featured a set of 20-inch light alloy ones.

The cabin was also upgraded with an improved Optitron instrument cluster, making the dials look larger and more visible to the driver. Depending on the grade, the upholstery was different, and the TRD Pro got its specific pattern for the fabric on all seats. Another essential update was for the infotainment system that adorned the center stack. While the SR and the SR5 got a 6.1” touchscreen for Toyota’s Entune unit, the others featured a 7.0-inch touchscreen and, as an option, a 12-speaker JBL sound system.

However, the most essential upgrade was for the safety systems, including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology. In addition, customers could get the 2018 Tundra with the TSS-P (Toyota Safety Sense P) system featuring pedestrian detection, pre-collision, lane-departure warning, and Radar Cruise Control. In the event of a crash, eight airbags were there to protect the passengers.

Under the hood, Toyota installed the same choice of two V8 engines: a 4.6-liter and a 5.7-liter V8, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox that sent power to the rear or in all corners. In addition, the TRD Pro featured thicker anti-roll bars and Bilstein dampers for better road handling.