Buying A Used Toyota Tundra? (Start here!)

If you are looking for the best years for a Toyota Tundra, then you have come to the right place. Tundras have been in production since 1999, which means they have over two decades worth of models. This sheer number of Toyota Tundras makes it seemingly impossible to pick which one is the best, as there are so many considerations to take into account when making the final decision.

The 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2018 are the best years for the Toyota Tundra, with the 2013 model coming in at #1. These model years are reliable, safe, and price-efficient. These Tundras have been rated highly in terms of performance and design, and they are above-average in their class.

With models being produced annually for over 20 years, drivers find it difficult to decide which one they should purchase.

However, five years stand out amongst the Toyota Tundras due to their high ratings of safety, reliability, and fuel economy. Without further ado, in order of oldest to newest, let’s discuss the best years for the Toyota Tundra.

2011 Toyota Tundra

Despite its old age, the 2011 Toyota Tundra continues to prove its worth. For being a decade old, it can be expected to have an immense amount of problems, however, it does not.

It has average reliability compared to others in its class, so you will continue to see the 2011 model out on the road for many years to come.

In addition, they are getting less expensive by the year, so they can now be purchased for about $14,000. This is less than half the price of the original value of the truck, as many were originally bought for over $40,000.

If you are wanting to tow items with your Tundra, then the 2011 model is a good option for you. In this model, the trailer sway control became a standard, which improves the overall experience of the driver and passengers.

The number of accidents on the road can be easily reduced with this feature, and it increases the overall safety of the vehicle.

The gas mileage for the 2011 Toyota Tundra is fair. In the city, it gets 16 mpg, but on the highway, it can get up to 20 mpg. This is above average, as many trucks are not able to get 20 mpg when driving.

2012 Toyota Tundra

The 2012 Toyota Tundra is a powerful vehicle. Standard with the 2012 model is traction control, heated mirrors, and front air conditioning. This Tundra has all the necessary equipment, however, it is not up to date with technology. This is to be expected, however, as it is just under 10 years old.

Although the technology is not current, you can be confident knowing that it is still safe to drive. This vehicle has astonishing safety ratings, which makes any outdated technology seem irrelevant.

Just as the 2011 model, the 2012 Tundra is able to get 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. This vehicle can fit over 26 gallons of gas. Look out for the newer models, however, as they can fit an even larger amount of gas in their tanks.

2013 Toyota Tundra

According to US News, the 2013 Toyota Tundra is the best rated out of all the models on this list. It has been rated an 8.5 due to its high reliability, safety, and performance.

Standing out in these categories is its reliability, which received a perfect score. This flawless rating allows drivers to be confident in their purchase and know that they have bought a Tundra that is sure to be long-lasting.

The interior of the 2013 Toyota Tundra is great. It can seat up to six people comfortably—three in the front and three in the back, and no one will be crammed.

Although the people in the middle will have a tighter fit, this is to be expected with any vehicle. Compared to most other seats, the 2013 Tundra has enough room for everyone to sit without a problem.

Like the 2021 model, the 2013 Tundra can fit 26.4 gallons of gas in its tank. The larger tanks had not yet been implemented, so Toyota was still stuck on this standard. In addition, it was still getting 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

2016 Toyota Tundra

Jumping ahead a few years, the 2016 Toyota Tundra has evident upgrades. For instance, the vehicle can now fit 38 gallons of gas in its tank, which is over 10 more than previously allowed. However, the truck is only able to get 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Customers complained about the gas mileage on the 2016 model because it is even lower than the model five years earlier. Why Toyota made their trucks get lower gas mileage is unclear. However, all we know is that customers were not happy about this new update.

In addition to the downgraded fuel economy, the reliability is also lower. Although it still has a reliability score that is above average, it is still lower than in previous years.

This Toyota is one of the highest-rated Tundra, however, it is still the lowest rated one on this list.

2018 Toyota Tundra

Just as the 2016 model, the 2018 model gets 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. In addition, the gas tank can fit 38 gallons, which is identical to the 2016 model.

The 2018 Toyota Tundra is extremely safe. It has standard features such as a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Despite these technological advances, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not compatible. Many 2018 vehicles have CarPlay available, however, the Toyota Tundra is not one of them.

A downside to the 2018 model is that it is not as comfortable compared to rival trucks. Other trucks in its class receive higher ratings in terms of comfort, and the 2018 Toyota Tundra is just not up to par with competitors.