The 12 Best Years For The Toyota Tundra…RANKED!

Discover the peak performers in our ranking of the 12 best years for the Toyota Tundra, where we meticulously evaluate and rank the top years of this iconic truck.

Dive into our comprehensive ranking to see which Tundra years outshine the rest in reliability and performance.


The Toyota Tundra is generally known for its reliability, power, and acceleration. This vehicle is known for being an all-around good pickup truck, but some years outperform others.

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The trucks on this list have been included based on the ratings from US News and have been listed from better to best.

best years for toyota tundra

The best years for the Toyota Tundra are the 2009, 2019, and 2007 models. These three years have performed above expectations.

Not only that, but they have the highest reliability scores of all. Plus, they come with plenty of features. On the other hand, there are other years that are considered the worst, and we’ll explain why.

What are the best years for Toyota Tundra?

The best years for the Toyota Tundra are the 2009, 2019, and 2007 models. These years have the highest reliability scores and offer impressive features at a great value. The 2012 Tundra is widely considered to be the worst Tundra year.

Best YEars For Toyota Tundra Trucks

If you’re looking for a used Toyota Tundra, that’s why we wrote this article. I recommend you take a look at our list of the worst-to-best years before you go out and buy a new Tundra.

I am a major fan of Toyota V8 motors which have proven to last over 1 million miles. However, Toyota has moved to a new hybrid twin-turbo v6 motor tied to an electric motor.

The V8 motors are extremely reliable so before going to a brand new power plant I would suggest grabbing what may very well be the end of the ultra-reliable V8 Toyota Tundra 4×4 trucks.

You never know; these may turn into collectible vehicles due to their V8 motors. After all, these are the best years for the Toyota Tundra.

2019 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2019 Toyota Tundra was given a 7.0 rating out of 10. The overview on Consumer Reports states that this year’s model had grown in size in comparison to the previous year, but loses some of its refinement.

In terms of highway safety, the 2019 model did well in the crash and rollover test. US News gave this vehicle an 8.3 on the truck’s safety rating.

best year for toyota tundra
(source)

The advantages to this model included high-reliability ratings, a large interior, safety, and a powerful engine. The cost of ownership was given an 8.3 rating out of 10 and costs about $33,900-$57,817, depending on which packages are purchased.

One of the main drawbacks to this car is the fuel economy of the v8 motor. It only receives 13-15 miles per gallon in the city and 17-19 miles on the highway. However, it is very common for full size pickup trucks to have low fuel economy in comparison to other cars.

2015 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2015 Toyota Tundra was given a 7.3 rating out of 10. Consumer Reports stated that this full-size pickup truck bulks up, but the ride is a bit jittery with the TRD off-road package.

However, US News gave this vehicle a 9 out of 10 rating on safety and an 8.4 rating on the overall cost of the truck, which ranges from $19,625-$35,975, according to Consumer Reports. This is one of the most affordable Toyota Tundra models.

best toyota tundra year

The advantages of the 2015 Toyota Tundra, according to US News included: large interior in CrewMax models, 2 strong V8 engines, and a good TRD off-roading package. Since the vehicle utilized cheaper materials for the interior, it scored lower on US News and Consumer Reports.

2016 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2016 model was given a 7.5 rating out of 10. Consumer Reports commends the 2016 model for its V-8 engine, towing capacity, and off-roading capability. This truck is also known for its spacious cabin and infotainment system, according to US News.

This truck has also been rated highly by critics and was given an 8.9 rating out of 10 for its safety features.

The 2016 model is also a more affordable truck, ranging between $22,300-$38,825. Of course, this isn’t as cheap as the 2015 model, but there are a few upgrades, such as the infotainment system.

2017 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2017 Toyota Tundra was given a 7.6 rating out of 10. There were no major changes made in this vehicle from its previous year.

One of the greatest advantages to this truck model is that it has a great reliability rating with an 8.7 out of 10 rating on US News. Some of the other pros include lots of standard features, plenty of legroom for the rear seating, and great off-roading capabilities.

best year toyota tundra
(2014-2017 Tundra 3rd Gen Model)

2014 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2014 Toyota Tundra was given a 7.8 rating out of 10. It is one of the truck’s second generations. Compared to the 2013 model, there were many new updates and features on this model.

Toyota gave the interior and exterior a new design, added a rearview camera, and added a blind-spot monitor.

The total cost of ownership was also rated highly on US news with an 8.5 out of 10 rating. According to Consumer Reports, buying a new model of this truck costs about $17,700-$33,200. The reliability of this truck is average, which is one of the truck’s main drawbacks.

2018 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2018 Toyota Tundra was given a 7.8 rating out of 10. Some of the qualities that make this model stand out in comparison to others like the RAM and Ford F-150 are the safety standards, strong V-8 engine, spacious seating, great off-roading capability, and amazing reliability ratings.

In fact, the 2018 model was given one of the highest predicted reliability scores by J.D. Power, which was a 4.5 rating out of 5.

Some of the drawbacks of this car are the hauling capabilities are not as strong as the other makes and models of other trucks. The ride is also known to be jittery with the towing package.

2012 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2012 Toyota Tundra was given a 7.8 rating out of 10. The two top ratings on this vehicle are the cost of ownership and safety. The cost of ownership was given an 8.6 rating out of 10, and the price of a Toyota Tundra ranges from $13,475-$24,125.

The safety was given a 9.2 rating out of 10, which is one of the highest ratings for a Toyota Tundra, making it a top safety pick.

best tundra years

2011 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2011 Toyota Tundra was given an 8.0 rating out of 10. This model is known for its large cabin size, safety scores, and cost of ownership. This truck is great for many budgets because the model prices range from $12,075-$21,800, according to Consumer Reports.

2010 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2010 Toyota Tundra was given an 8.0 rating out of 10. This model is known for its safety, cost of ownership, and performance. In 2010, it was on the top 10 list for best full-sized pick-up trucks.

Its V-8 engine was known to be one of the best of all the other makes and models of pick-up trucks the year that it was built.

2007 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2007 Toyota Tundra was given an 8.3 rating out of 10. Ultimately, it was named one of the best full-sized pick-up trucks and was known for its towing capabilities, spacious cab, and strong engine.

best toyota tundra years
2007 Tundra

Recommended Reading:
Toyota Tundra Reliability: A Comprehensive Guide by Generation and Year

2013 Toyota Tundra

On usnews.com, the 2013 Toyota Tundra was given an 8.5 rating out of 10. This truck is known for its reliability, safety, spacious cabin, and cost of ownership.

There are a few drawbacks when it comes to this model, such as its jittery and stiff ride quality and cheap materials. Besides these drawbacks, the 2013 model is known for its strong acceleration and towing capabilities.

2009 Toyota Tundra

toyota tundra best years
2009 Model Year Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck with Rock Warrior Package

On usnews.com, the 2009 Toyota Tundra was given an 8.9 rating out of 10. The year that it was made, the 2009 Toyota Tundra model was ranked as the truck of the year for full-size pick-up trucks.

It is known for its great safety scores and a high horsepower engine. It also has great towing abilities and can tow up to 10,800 pounds.

CLosing Thoughts On What Are The Best YEars For The Toyota Tundra

Our article wants to inform you on the best years for the Toyota Tundra. This truck is known for its reliability and power, but also its comfort.

That being said, it’s not a perfect vehicle. Like all, it has some good years and some bad ones, too.

The best years for the Toyota Tundra are the 2009, 2019, and 2007 models. These are excellent and have the highest reliability ratings.

There are other excellent years, such as the 2015 Tundra. At the same time, some aren’t as good, such as the 2012 model year.

If you’re looking to buy a used Toyota Tundra, be sure to check out this article, to make the most informed decision.

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