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Updated on Nov 18, 2024
Shopping for a new pickup can be an endeavor; you not only need to sift through brands and models but also trim levels for whichever model you land on! If you’ve narrowed your choices to the Tundra, Toyota offers the flagship full-size pickup in seven unique configurations, but what are the differences between them, aside from price?
In this article, we’re comparing each of the Toyota Tundra’s available trim levels, discussing what they are and the technological features, aesthetics, and other qualities that set each apart.
So, what are trim levels in the first place?
A trim level refers to a manufacturer’s, in this case, Toyota’s, pre-selected option groups for a model. These option groups compile several performance, aesthetic, convenience, and technological features; as a rule of thumb, the more features, the higher the price tag!
Each pickup owner desires different aesthetics and features from their pickup. As a result, manufacturers create several trim levels, offering different groupings of options at different price points to satisfy the needs and budgets of every consumer. For example, while a tradesperson likely prioritizes cargo space and towing/payload capacity over massive infotainment screens and heated leather seats, the opposite may be said for the individual shopping for a new family hauler/daily driver. Trim levels allow for these customizations without requiring consumers to hand-select each option.
Now that we understand trim levels basics, it’s time to turn our attention to the Toyota Tundra. Toyota offers the current-generation Tundra in seven unique trims, each offering different features at different price points. In this section, we’re covering each of these trims, their standout features, and entry-level prices.
Staring at $39,965
The Tundra SR is Toyota’s entry-level trim configuration, dating back to the earliest Toyota Tacoma and Tundra pickups. This package is what we’d refer to as a ‘work truck spec’ pickup, featuring nothing more than bare-bones convenience features and limited aesthetic upgrades. This trim level is ideal for trades workers, budget-minded pickup owners, and those who view a pickup as nothing more than a tool.
The Toyota Tundra SR includes such standard features as:
3.4L i-FORCE twin-turbocharged V6 pumping out 358 hp and 406 lb/ft of torque
10-speed automatic transmission
18-inch silver-painted steel wheels wrapped in all-season tires
Black bumper trim, door handles, and grille fascia
Aluminum-reinforced composite bed
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility
Smart key system with push-button start
Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5
Staring at $45,500
The Tundra SR5 is Toyota’s mid-tier trim level, coming standard with several convenience and aesthetic features not offered on the base SR. This trim level is ideal for the budget-minded daily driver, offering enhanced comfort and styling.
The Toyota Tundra SR5 includes all of the features of the SR, as well as:
High-output 3.4L i-FORCE twin-turbocharged V6 pumping out 389 hp and 479 lb/ft of torque
18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires
Standard tow package with integrated trailer brake controller
Selectable tow/haul mode
Power sliding rear window (horizontal or vertical)
Optional TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road packages
Black A and B-pillar trim
Bumper-mounted DRLs
Staring at $51,855
The Tundra Limited is a significant step up from the SR and SR5 trims, offering far more interior luxury and premium exterior styling. This model falls under the mid-high end of luxury, making for the ideal daily driver that won’t break the bank, as with some higher-end trims on the list.
The Toyota Tundra Limited includes all of the features of the SR5, as well as:
Optional V6 Hybrid powertrain pumping out a combined 437 hp and 583 lb/ft or torque
20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires
14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Synthetic leather-trimmed 8-way power-adjustable front seats
Blind Spot Monitoring system with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Merge Warning
Available TRD Off-Road package
Silver-trimmed grille fascia, door handles, and side window trim
Body-color mirror caps
Staring at $61,775
The Tundra Platinum is a significant jump in price over the Limited, tacking on nearly $10,000 over the previous trim. This luxurious Tundra offers yet more aesthetic and convenience upgrades, making for a comfortable, stylish, and luxurious pickup.
The Toyota Tundra Platinum includes all of the features of the Limited, as well as:
20-inch dark-gray alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires
Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade
Genuine leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable front seats
12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Available Adaptive Variable Suspension and load-leveling rear air suspension
Dark-gray-trimmed grille fascia and mesh
Body-color door handles and mirror caps
Black side window trim
Staring at $62,460
The Tundra 1794 Edition is essentially a special-edition Limited with ranch-inspired styling, similar to the King Ranch edition Ford F-Series or Laramie Longhorn RAM. Due to the current-generation Tundra’s manufacturing plant residing on what was once a Texas ranch, established in 1794, Toyota pays homage to the property’s roots with this special-edition Tundra trim.
The Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition includes all of the features of the Limited, as well as:
20-inch machined-finish alloy wheels
Chrome-trimmed grille fascia, mirror caps, door handles, and side window trim
Rich Cream or Saddle Brown with American walnut wood-grain trim
Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist
Available TRD Off-Road Package
Staring at $72,130
The TRD Pro Tundra is an off-road-centric full-size, offering only the best of Toyota’s TRD (Toyota Racing Development) off-road and performance accessories for an aggressively styled and capable pickup.
The TRD Pro Tundra includes such standout features as:
Standard V6 Hybrid powertrain pumping out a combined 437 hp and 583 lb/ft or torque
18-inch gloss-black BBS forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Falken WILDPEAK all-terrain tires
TRD Pro off-road suspension with FOX dampers and 1.1-inch factory front lift
TRD Pro-specific grille with integrated LED light bar and DRLs
12-speaker JBL audio system
Multi-Terrain Select system with Crawl Control
Electronically-locking rear differential
Body-colored grille fascia and gloss black grille
Black mirror caps, door handles, and exterior trim
Stylish red accents
Staring at $78,845
The Tundra Capstone is Toyota’s highest-trim (and most expensive) Tundra, offering the utmost luxury and striking styling.
The Toyota Tundra Capstone includes all of the features of the Platinum, as well as:
Standard V6 Hybrid powertrain pumping out a combined 437 hp and 583 lb/ft or torque
22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires
Power-retractable running boards and bed step
Available Adaptive Variable Suspension and load-leveling rear air suspension
Leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable front seats
Two-tone white-and-black interior with dark American walnut wood-grain trim
10-inch color HUD (heads-up display)
Body-color grille fascia
Unique Capstone grille
Polished alloy door handles, side window trim, and mirror caps
So, which Toyota Tundra trim level is right for you? To make a well-informed decision, you’ll need to consider a few different variables, including your budget, planned usage, and must-have features.
Beginning with a budget, it’s vital to have a pre-set maximum spending limit, seeing as the top-tier Capstone trim comes in at nearly double the price of the entry-level SR! Once you narrow your budget, you’ll likely be left with far fewer options to choose from.
Next, let’s talk about planned usage. Is this pickup going to be a dedicated work truck? Perhaps a daily driver/family hauler? Or even a luxurious cruiser? Each trim level has its strong suits that lend it to a particular purpose.
For example, the SR and SR5 trims offer exceptional value; however, the SR is more suited for basic work, while the SR5 can handle towing duties with its factory-installed tow package, high-output engine, and selectable tow/haul mode. For a daily driver, we’d select the SR5 for the budget-minded individual; however, the Limited is an excellent option for a few more bucks. If luxury is your greatest concern, consider the Platinum, 1794 Edition, or Capstone, but if you plan to take your Tundra on the trail, consider an SR5 with the TRD Off-Road package or the TRD Pro!
When it comes down to it, the right Tundra for you is the model that best suits your needs, wants, and budget. And remember, if you’re having trouble finding a Tundra with your desired specs and aesthetics, you can always Special Order a New Truck.
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