The 2021 Toyota Tundra lasts over 300,000 miles with only minor paint and battery draining issues reported. At $34,475 to $54,125, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the best full-size trucks on the market.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Toyota Tundra since it offers outstanding reliability paired with a comfortable cabin. Owner reviews praise the passenger room, safety technology, along with the stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are good for a larger truck, the seats are very comfortable on longer drives, there are also three bed lengths offered.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread mechanical problems on the 2021 Tundra. Models from 2009 through 2021 are all extremely dependable trucks.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from the standard V8 engine, although the towing capacity isn’t as high as some other full-size trucks.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Tundra is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include front and rear parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is bad at up to 15 MPG, giving 570 miles of range out of the 38 gallon tank. Gas costs are $54 higher than average at $337 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Toyota Tundra is costly, although slower-than-average depreciation makes it a great value.
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Tundra?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota Tundra is built to take on a lot of the American full size trucks, with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Tundra at 4.5/5, praising the roomy cabin, but doesn’t like the stiff suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Tundra a 4.5/5, enjoying the powerful V8 engine, but owners don’t like the lower towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota Tundra Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota Tundra include chipping paint on the front bumper, the battery draining fast, along with excessive oil consumption. Overall, these problems are very minor for a large truck, leading to low ownership costs as the Tundra ages.
Chipping paint on the front bumper is the most widespread complaint for the 2021 Tundra in its first 30,000 miles. The large vertical faces of the front bumper make it prone to rock chips when driving at highway speeds. The only way to fix paint chips is by repainting the affected areas, at a cost of $1,000 per panel.
The battery draining fast is another issue reported by some 2021 Tundra owners at around 20,000 miles. The Tundra has more electrical accessories than in earlier years, and in some cases they drain the battery while the truck is off. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $50, while fixing it can cost $20 to $150.
Excessive oil consumption also shows up on some 2021 Tundra models in the first 15,000 miles. Toyota engines in particular are known for excessive oil consumption as they use more oil to prevent wear and tear to the engine components. We recommend checking your oil level regularly and topping it off as needed.
There are three recalls on the 2021 Toyota Tundra, which is better than some other large trucks. The two most serious recalls cover the power steering gear assembly, which may leak oil. Toyota will replace the power steering gear assembly on affected models for free. The other recall covers a headlight electrical connector, which Toyota will also replace for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota Tundra Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Toyota Tundra can last over 300,000 miles, which is longer than other popular full size trucks including the Ford F-150. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than other trucks, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $500 per year.
As a used 2021 Toyota Tundra reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the oxygen sensor for $350, horn switch costing $155, along with the suspension ball joints which cost $455.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include an 8-inch touchscreen along with stronger stereo system choices.
Standard safety features are excellent for a full size truck offering:
- Rearview camera
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Tundra is a good value since it’s one of the most reliable trucks on the market, giving it low ownership costs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $34,475 to $54,125, making it more than a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra. When new, the price range was $34,125 to $53,500. In current market conditions the Tundra does not depreciate, although in normal situations we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Tundra?
There are six main models of the Toyota Tundra offered for 2021, from the base SR all the way through to the off-road focused TRD Pro. The Tundra comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
SR is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Upholstery
- Manual Adjustable Front Seats
- Power Side Mirrors
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Sound System
- Satellite Radio
- Three USB Ports
SR5 adds items such as:
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Universal Garage Door Opener
- Tilt-and Telescope Steering Wheel
- Fog Lights
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Seven-Speaker Sound System
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Leather Seats
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Silver Grille
- Standard LED Lighting
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Front Seats
- Power-Sliding Rear Window
Platinum is a step up which adds:
- Ventilated Front Seats
- 12-Way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Vertical Power Rear Window
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- 12-Speaker JBL Premium Sound System
1794 Edition focuses on luxury while adding:
- Unique Interior Trim
- Premium Leather
- Upgraded Exterior Styling Elements
TRD Pro is the off-rod focused model which has:
- 18-Inch BBS Forged Aluminum Wheels
- Skid Plates
- 2-Inch Suspension Lift
- Fox Shocks With Remote Reservoirs
- Sunroof
- TRD Pro Decals
What Engines Come In the Toyota Tundra?
The engine found in the 2021 Toyota Tundra is a strong 5.7L V8 which produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 15 MPG. It comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, while the towing capacity is lower than other trucks at 10,200 pounds.
What Colors Does the Toyota Tundra Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Tundra?
The 2021 Toyota Tundra is a perfect fusion of power, practicality, and comfort, making it a top choice for drivers seeking a full-size pickup truck that doesn’t compromise on passenger experience. Its spacious cabin, plush seating, and an array of convenient features create an inviting atmosphere that makes sure every drive is a delightful experience.
Step inside the Tundra, and you’ll be greeted by a well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. The available extended cab and CrewMax configurations offer ample space to comfortably accommodate up to six passengers, with generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear occupants. Additionally, the Tundra’s front seats can be upgraded to include power-adjustability, heating, and ventilation, taking your comfort to new heights.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Tundra Have?
The 2021 Toyota Tundra’s 6.5-foot standard bed offers an impressive 81.7 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the 5.5-foot short bed in the CrewMax model provides a generous 56.4 cubic feet. There’s also a larger 8-foot bed, which is available on special order. With such abundant space, you’ll have no trouble loading your gear, tools, or even a small ATV for an unforgettable weekend getaway.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Toyota Tundra was launched for the 2007 model year, and was replaced by the third generation for 2022.
2015: New TRD Pro model offered with better off-road performance, V6 engine discontinued.
2016: Upgraded stereo system with standard trailer brake controller.
2017: No serious changes.
2018: 2-door regular cab model discontinued, Toyota Safety Sense available as an optional upgrade.
2019: Upgraded suspension on the TRD Pro model, new BBS wheel choices offered.
2020: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added to the lineup, 4.6L V8 removed.
2021: New Nightshade and Trail models added with exterior styling changes.
How Does the Toyota Tundra Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Toyota Tundra is one of the best full size trucks on the market since it pairs the latest safety technology with outstanding long-term reliability ratings with its strong 5.7L V8 engine.
The Ford F-150 is a popular competitor which starts at around $2,000 less. Where the Ford F-150 stands out is with a higher towing capacity, while the Toyota Tundra offers more standard safety features. We recommend the Toyota Tundra for most shoppers since it’s more affordable to own long-term, although both are very good trucks.
The Nissan Titan is another full size truck which is available for about $4,000 less. Interior materials are a bit more luxurious on the entry-level Nissan Titan, while the Toyota Tundra can tow more, has better tech, and lasts longer. We recommend the Toyota Tundra since it has significantly fewer problems.
