2018 Toyota Tundra Review
Price Range: $28,556 - $47,998





+371
Edmunds' Expert Review

by Calvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Standard V8 power
- Roomy rear seating
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense driver safety and assist system
Cons
- Below-average fuel economy
- Ride quality is stiffer than on other trucks
- Feels larger than expected when driven on tight and congested roads
- Not as many customization possibilities
What's new
- New TRD Sport package for SR5 Tundra
- Standard Cab is no longer available
- Toyota Safety Sense package of advanced driver safety aids now comes standard
- Part of the third Tundra generation introduced for 2014
Shopping for a full-size truck can be a challenge. Though there are only a few models to choose from, deciding which is best can be daunting. Toyota's offering for consumers is the 2018 Tundra. Some shoppers will undoubtedly appreciate the Tundra's V8-only powertrains, and others will enjoy the relatively straightforward ordering process compared to domestic rivals. And though the Tundra doesn't have a wealth of bells and whistles to choose from, it does have appealing core competencies. It can tow more than 10,000 pounds and is quite capable on the occasional off-road trip.
For sale nearby
21 listings
- $28,556good price$1,312 below market
- 119,868 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5'7” bed, 5.7l, 8cyl
- Driveway (1,710 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Billings, MT
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Satellite Radio,Tow Hitch,Steel Wheels,Power Door Locks,Satellite Radio,Brake Assis...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
14 Combined MPG (13 City/17 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TFDY5F19JX681789
Stock: 52898
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $35,895fair price$1,039 below market
- 65,091 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 5'7” bed, 5.7l, 8cyl
- Driveway (74 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Paramus, NJ
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Rare Find,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Satellite Radio,Tow Hitch,Steel Wheels,Bed Liner,Power Door Locks,Satelli...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
14 Combined MPG (13 City/17 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TFDY5F13JX763534
Stock: PHP8913
Certified Pre-Owned: No
But rival full-size trucks have all benefited from recent overhauls, and the Tundra hasn't seen an all-new revision since 2007, which means the 2018 Tundra lags in advancements compared to the current segment leaders. Most manufacturers offer a diesel engine option for efficiency and torque over long hauls or turbocharged gasoline engines for superior performance and fuel efficiency. Even suspension technology has increased such that most rival trucks ride more comfortably.
Ultimately, the made-in-America 2018 Toyota Tundra has its share of good qualities, but it's not enough to push it to the top of the full-size truck category this year.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 Toyota Tundra is certainly a competent truck. It'll tow and haul just about anything you throw at it, and it's plenty capable off-road. But the Tundra is also getting dated, and it shows up in its lack of refinement and middling fuel economy.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1794 Edition (5.7L V8 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Tundra has received some revisions, including an upgraded infotainment system and new driver safety aids. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Tundra, however.
Driving
With its strong V8, the Tundra offers legitimate performance. It's quick, and it feels capable of hauling itself through any scenario a real truck user might encounter.
Acceleration
The Tundra's 5.7-liter V8 hauled our 5,872-pound test truck to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is about as quick as most competitors. The six-speed automatic never hunts for gears in Drive and offers full manual control.
Braking
Consistent, powerful braking is a Tundra strength. Brake feel is good, and our testing shows the truck's brakes are more than sufficient.
Steering
The Tundra has steering that is accurate enough to place the truck precisely. The turning circle, at 44 feet, is respectable for a truck this long.
Handling
As truck handling goes, the Tundra isn't bad, but it is big, which can make it uncomfortable on small roads. It will manage, but you'll need to take your time, place it carefully and pay attention to lane discipline.
Drivability
Ample torque and low gearing mean the Tundra is jumpy off the line if you're not careful. But we quickly adjusted to the truck's power delivery. A manual shift option is useful for engine braking and gear holding.
Off-road
The Tundra's automatic limited-slip differential and availability of the TRD Off-Road package give the truck genuine off-road capability.
Comfort
The Tundra, when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, lacks ride comfort relative to competitors who don't couple a towing package to their biggest engine as Toyota does. The smaller 4.6-liter V8-equipped Tundra gets softer springs.
Seat comfort
Seat adjustability in the 1794 edition includes a 12-way adjustable power driver seat with power thigh and lumbar adjustability. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. But overall comfort is only average.
Ride comfort
Because Toyota pairs stiff springs for towing with the 5.7-liter engine, there's no getting away from the Tundra's stiff ride, which is a shame. Driving around town, you'll constantly be reminded that your truck is capable of towing a small RV.
Noise & vibration
Typical of Toyota trucks, the Tundra is loud when it's first started (fan noise, mostly), but it's also rather noisy even during cruising. Engine racket during acceleration isn't overly obtrusive, though.
Interior
The interior of the Tundra's 1794 model is covered in perforated, stitched leather. These are among the nicest materials we've seen in a full-size truck.
Ease of use
Climate and audio controls are within easy reach.
Getting in/getting out
Four-wheel-drive Tundras are, like most 4x4 trucks, tall, which makes entry and exit awkward. The large, wide-opening doors help. The optional running boards are definitely worth the money.
Roominess
The upshot of being huge is having lots of space. That's the case in the Tundra. The CrewMax cab is absolutely massive in the back. Three adults easily fit.
Visibility
Front visibility and rear-quarter visibility are adequate from the driver seat. A standard rearview camera works wonders in tight parking situations. Parking sensors, included on upper trims, helps in close-quarters situations.
Quality
High-quality leather and simulated suede covers the seats and interior pieces, giving the Tundra an upscale look. Small details, including a poor-fitting trim piece on the steering wheel, keep the Tundra from scoring higher.
Utility
The Tundra utilizes its space well. There's a massive center console big enough for multiple average-size laptops. The door pockets are large and fitted for large drink containers. The Tundra's tow ratings are generally lower than key competitors'.
Technology
The Tundra is equipped with Toyota's Entune system, which when combined with an app on your phone, allows you to integrate various systems. It's OK, but rival infotainment systems are easier to use.
Which Tundra does Edmunds recommend?
Picking a Tundra is all about what kind of truck you need and the features you want. But if you're having a hard time choosing, maybe go with the SR5 model with the TRD Off-Road package with options (the one that includes the SR5 upgrade package) for off-road parts that won't interfere with its towing and hauling capabilities.
Compare 2018 Toyota Tundra trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2018 Toyota Tundra models
The 2018 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup that is available in one of five trim levels: the base SR, the value-conscious SR5, the flexible Limited, the upmarket Platinum and the specialized 1794 Edition. Two engines are available, both V8s: a 4.6-liter (310 hp, 327 lb-ft) and a 5.7-liter (381 hp, 401 lb-ft). From there, you'll pick a body style (the regular Double Cab crew cab or extra large CrewMax) and one of three bed lengths (5.5-foot short bed, 6.5-foot standard bed and 8.1-foot long bed). Note that Toyota limits certain combinations of the above, and feature availability can also vary depending on the region of the country in which you live.
Highlights for the base SR (Double Cab body only) include 18-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a damped tailgate, a rearview camera, an integrated trailer brake controller, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port. Also included is forward collision warning and mitigation (with automatic braking), lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
Going with the SR5 gets you foglights, variable intermittent windshield wipers and an upgraded tech interface that includes a 7-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radio, traffic information and a navigation app. The crew cab adds a power-opening rear window and an overhead console.
The SR5's Upgrade package adds front bucket seats with a power-adjustable driver seat, a center console (with storage and console shifter), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a larger 38-gallon gas tank when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8. There's also a TRD Sport package that adds 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a hood scoop, body-colored mirrors and bumpers, LED headlights and foglights, TRD shift knob, floor mats and graphics.
The Limited builds on the Upgrade options package equipment with 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, movable tie-down cleats, automatic dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, an upgraded power driver seat and a power-adjustable passenger seat, a power horizontal-sliding rear window (extended cab), a navigation system and additional stereo speakers.
At the top of the heap, the Platinum trim level comes with distinctive styling elements, LED daytime running lights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory functions and a 12-speaker JBL sound system.
The 1794 Edition really only differs from the Platinum in terms of its exclusive exterior and interior styling elements.
A TRD Off-Road package can be added to the SR5, Limited and 1794 Edition. It includes 18-inch TRD wheels, off-road tires, LED headlights, trail-tuned shock absorbers, skid plates and tow hooks.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#6 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Tundra from 2008-2022.$608/yr
vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.79x/yr
vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).19.5%
vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck
for Average Fullsize Truck
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Toyota Tundra Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(48%)
4(27%)
3(15%)
2(4%)
1(6%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Absolutely the best! Don’t look anywhere else
5 out of 5 starsJoe Gilliland, 05/17/2018
2018 Toyota Tundra Limited FFV 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
To start, I have owned various full size trucks in the last 15 years from all of the domestic manufacturers. This is my first tundra and I am overly impressed. I read the media reviews of the f150, ram, and gm twins and keep thinking “wow these folks have to be getting paid to write these”. To start I went shopping for a new truck looking into all options. Value, features, reliability … and residual value were all important to me. First off the tow ratings are well more than adequate. The other competition is not leaps and bounds higher read the fine print. Second fuel mileage. Yes the eco boost and gm 5.3l can return better highway mileage unloaded. Put a load and use the trucks and that advantage disappears.
Trim level to trim level: I bought a 2018 tundra limited trd 4x4. Sticker was 50k, I paid 46k with 0.9 financing. The other trucks with equivalent equipment were thousands more, the ford in fact was 12k more! That’s a lot of $$.
Driving wise, it’s a beast, and is a great truck. I honestly drove them all, and for me the Toyota does everything I want in a truck. If you’re going to buy one of the big 3’s products make sure you like the coffee in their service department. My Gmc was in the shop 37 times in 2.5 years, my fords a handful each as well. Just because the Toyota is an older design doesn’t mean it’s outdated. You give up a lot to get fuel mileage. Weight reduction, lighter designs, etc. and way more complicated power plants (twin turbos or cylinder management, etc) they all look good on paper until you have to drive them everyday.
I could go on and on, but In closing the tundra is #1 by a landslide. Not considering one you are falling into the media and sales hype of the big 3 and you are missing out. Is the tundra the best in class on paper? No, but in the real world it shines brighter than the rest.
Outdated but Dependable
5 out of 5 starsSteve P, 06/08/2018
2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 4dr Double Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
I have been buying and driving pickup trucks for 40 years. Mostly Ford, some Chevy and this is my second Toyota Tundra. It is my opinion, the biggest positive of this truck is Toyota dependability and reliability. After owning countless pickup trucks over 40 years, I would say that it is an indisputable fact that the Tundra is head and shoulders above its competition as far as … dependability and reliability. This translates into Toyota's holding their resale value way above its peers. As far as negatives, without a question the Tundra is outdated. Ford, Chevy and Ram trucks will definitely have more power and get better mileage. Toyota has simply not made the necessary investment in updates to keep up with the competition. As other reviewers have rightly said, the electronic technologies in this truck are not well conceived. The radar cruise control, making the truck slow down whenever a vehicle is in front of you, is way too sensitive, to the point it makes it totally unusable. As others have said, the entire radio/navigation screen and controls are overly complicated and not very user friendly. There are more exterior safety sensors with warning lights and noises, than you can shake a stick at. One of the most bizzarre things, is the automatic high beams, which will not allow you to put on the high beams unless the truck thinks it's a good idea. Very strange. All this being said, overall the Tundra is a very dependable and solid truck, I definitely do not regret buying my second Tundra and definitely would recommend it to others. ***Update: I have owned my Tundra for 2 years and 1 month, and I still feel exactly the same about my Tundra. I have had zero problems with it, and still feel that while it may be outdated compared to the competition, it is truly a reliable workhorse.
Former F150 Owner - Now Tundra Owner
4 out of 5 starsJoe Dokes, 02/02/2018
2018 Toyota Tundra SR 4dr Double Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
I have owned several F-150s that I bought new and kept each for several years. The most recent was a 2007 F-150 XLT that I drove for 11 years with very minor repairs . I recently decided it was time for something new. I did not like the twin turbo charged V6 engines, direct fuel injection, 10 speed transmissions or aluminum bodies offered for the new F-150s. Decided to look at other … makes/models. I eventually selected the Tundra with the 4.6 liter V8. This is the same size V8 that I had in the 2007 F-150. I wanted to continue driving a truck with V8 engine but wanted the fuel economy of the smaller V8. Also wanted a less complex engine and transmission. The Tundra provided for these in their base model. I've only owned the Tundra for a week. So far, I'm very pleased with it. It has most of the creature comfort items that I had in my F-150 XLT. The really big difference is the ride comfort. The F-150 had a noticeably softer ride. I'm not sure if that's just because it was older and more worn but I don't think a stiffer ride will be hard to get used to. Bottom line, after driving the Tundra +/- 500 miles in the first week, I'm very pleased with it and believe the purchase to be a good decision.
2018 Tundra replaced an F150--good move
5 out of 5 starsJim H, 03/26/2018
2018 Toyota Tundra Limited 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Great vehicle, excellent dealership support. I had an issue with the pre-collision monitoring system right out of the box. The dealership and Toyota worked hard to find and fix the problem--it took a bit of effort but the truck is 100%. The drive experience is very good, a bit firm, but I like that stiffness in a truck. The truck handles well in snow. The interior fittings are very well … done as is the exterior fit and finish. The technology is great. The gas mileage is not as good as my F150 but I can live with that. The price point was surprising, to get the same trim level (Limited/Off Road) in a Ford, I'd have had to pay $8,000 to $10,000 more for the truck, making the Tundra a great value. I am pleased with my purchase.
After 18 months of ownership, I believe that the Tundra is the best vehicle that I have ever owned.
2018 Tundra Highlights
CrewMax Cab
SR5
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,450 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $249/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
rear wheel drive | |
Max Towing Capacity | 6,700 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Tundra models:
- Park Assist Sonar
- Warns you if you're about to hit a car or object around your car. Extremely helpful with large vehicles parking in tight spaces.
- Blind-Spot Monitor and RCTA
- Lets you know if there is traffic in your blind spots before changing lanes, and if there's oncoming side traffic when reversing.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Uses radar to automatically help keep the Tundra a set distance from the car ahead.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover21.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestAcceptable
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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