Body Styles

The Tundra was offered in three cab styles—Regular Cab, Double Cab, and CrewMax—combined with 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8.1-foot bed lengths. Its design was bold and upright, featuring a large trapezoidal grille, flared fenders, muscular hood bulge, and vertical taillights. Later models (especially post-2014 refresh) received LED lighting, larger grilles, and chrome or color-matched trim depending on trim level. The 1794 Edition added western-themed elements, while TRD Pro brought blacked-out details, heritage grilles, and off-road tires. The truck’s wide stance, high ground clearance, and prominent wheel wells gave it an aggressive yet classic American pickup profile.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

“Tundra” was chosen by Toyota to evoke imagery of rugged, untamed wilderness—vast frozen plains and strength against nature’s extremes. It aligned with the brand’s goal of building a pickup that was not just durable and powerful, but uniquely American in name, size, and spirit.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Tundra” is an English word of Russian origin referring to the treeless, permafrost-covered plains found in arctic climates. It suggests durability, endurance, and capability in harsh conditions—making it a fitting name for a full-size pickup. Its simple pronunciation and familiar, nature-oriented connotation contribute to strong brand identity across global markets.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Tundra was offered in a broad range of colors throughout its production run, including Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black, Cement, Inferno (TRD Pro exclusive), Quicksand, Barcelona Red, and Army Green. The TRD Pro trims featured matte-black grilles, body-color bumpers, black badging, and unique off-road elements. The Platinum and 1794 Edition trims added chrome accents, power-folding mirrors, and distinctive color palettes with metallic finishes and woodgrain trim.

Interiors varied from functional cloth in SR and SR5 trims to rich leather in Limited, Platinum, and 1794 models. The 1794 Edition featured saddle-brown leather with suede accents, wood inserts, and western-style badging. Upper trims included heated and ventilated front seats, sunroof, JBL premium audio, navigation, and dual-zone climate control. The dash layout was straightforward, with large knobs and an emphasis on durability. Later models received larger infotainment displays (up to 8 inches), Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (from 2020), and upgraded camera systems.

Wheel sizes ranged from 18-inch steel wheels on work-oriented trims to 20-inch split-spoke aluminum wheels on luxury versions. TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models featured blacked-out or forged BBS wheels wrapped in all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. The truck’s tall profile and fender clearance allowed aggressive wheel/tire combinations with minimal modification.

Top Expensive Options

• TRD Pro Package (Fox shocks, BBS wheels, Off-Road Styling): $8,000
• 1794 Edition Premium Interior Package: $4,200
• JBL 12-Speaker Premium Sound System: $1,100
• Power Moonroof and Rear Sliding Glass: $1,300
• Front and Rear Parking Sonar System: $800
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: $600
• Integrated Navigation with 8-Inch Touchscreen: $950
• Spray-On Bedliner and Deck Rail System: $595
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: $750
• Towing Package with 4.30 Axle Ratio and Brake Controller: $1,100

vs Competitors

The Tundra competed directly with the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, and Nissan Titan. While it lagged behind in interior tech and fuel economy, it consistently scored high on long-term reliability, resale value, and mechanical durability. Unlike Ford and GM rivals, Toyota retained a naturally aspirated V8 instead of turbocharged engines, appealing to buyers who favored simplicity and dependability. The Tundra’s ruggedness and low-maintenance drivetrain made it a worksite favorite, though it lacked the ride comfort and fuel efficiency of newer Ram 1500 or hybrid-equipped F-150s. In off-road guise (TRD Pro), the Tundra was one of the most capable factory-built desert runners in the segment.

Fun Fact

The Tundra became the first full-size pickup truck built in America by a Japanese automaker, with production starting in San Antonio, Texas. Its 5.7L V8 powered the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final move across Los Angeles in 2012—pulling 150,000+ pounds across an overpass using a bone-stock CrewMax 4WD with the standard tow package.