2017 Toyota Tundra review from Family Wheels

We take a family friendly look at the largest pick-up truck in Toyota's line-up... but is it worth waiting for the upcoming 2018 update? Take a look.
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[@larrydolph1728]

Just bought a 2016 Platinum a few weeks ago. Love the truck, but your criticisms are spot on. The non-flat second row floor is not useable although several aftermarket companies make recessed storage compartments. Gas mileage could be better, but it is a pickup with good power, so you have to compromise some. Box size definately needs to go up to 6.5". I use mine for work and storing large things can be a challenge. I'm surprised you didn't mention the large turning radius. Compared to the competition, its substantial. I feel like I'm parking a school bus sometimes. All those things being said, I still love the truck. It's unique and will last forever. I was stuck between the F150 and the Tundra, and I just liked the lines and look of the Tundra better. Glad I purchased!

[@FamilyWheels]

Thanks for writing, Larry. Always good to get the perspective from people who own the vehicles we test, too. My wife mentioned the turning radius while she was driving it. Yes, it's pretty bad. Sometimes I forget to get everything into our reviews!

[@Danny-d]

Larry Dolph wow I am thinking of buying one.. they use them out here in the gas fields and they are really rough with them.. out of The Ford F-150 Toyota Tundra Chevy Silverado . A lot of those guys say the tundra is very well built and there putting 300k on that thing and it's still going strong . And that's with the 5.7L Engine. Which they have not change in a very long time.. I think it's because it's reliable compared to the other manufacture .. what I wanted to ask you.. did u keep the factory radio or did you put in A aftermarket. One. ??

[@larrydolph1728]

I got the Platinum so it has the JBL Entune system, which in all honesty isn't too bad. I'll upgrade the speakers to Infinity and add an amp, but it's pretty good. Could use some more power, but sound is decent. Ive used the NAV a few times and that's fairly good too, but I usually just connect Waze through Bluetooth. Hope this helps.

[@Danny-d]

Larry Dolph it does.. I own a Audi Q7 an those things are just expensive to maintain and goes through tires and brakes like nobody's business . I only get 15 to 20,000 miles out of a set of tires and 15 to 20,000 out of a set of brake so I am trading it in for a Toyota Tundra . But not sure if i want the 1794 or platinum.. I like both version. It's going to be hard to part with cooled seats. But reliability and dependability is more Important. I was looking at stereo options to add Apple CarPlay or something On those lines.. . Now the 2018 model they will add LED light so.. not sure if i want to wait for that . But thank you..

[@larrydolph1728]

HAHAHA...I have a 2013 Q7 TDI too.....I hear ya on the tires and brakes. The Platinum has cooled seats though, so you're not losing them.

[@Ekimsnegdoh27]

This is my first Toyota I've ever owned. I have 2016 tundra sr5 with 5.7. It now has 44,000 miles and by far best truck ever. Love the fuel economy averaging 15 just like window sticker says. I owned a 2014 and 2015 Silverado before with the 5.3 v8. Always had them in the shop for something. Averaged about the same mpg with them. Never had tundra in shop for anything but normal maintenance. Also I believe most people that buy trucks use them as trucks and not for image. And could care less about fuel economy but care more about dependability.

[@randallhazzard5724]

Many points are on target but some have missed their mark. I have a custom hybrid Tundra 2014 Platinum with the complete TRD Pro suspension, under body armament and exhaust. The Tundra is a truck that is an 8/10 in most every category. TOWING: Tundra is about 10k lbs. The rating Toyota uses is from SAE J2807 Methodology. All other manufacturers agreed to the newer tougher standards in ratings and agreed to use them as the new standard of testing. All other manufacturers have refused to let their trucks be tested under these new standards and instead use their own standards methods. Thats a big part missing. CAB NOISE: The TRD Pro has a true dual exhaust designed for a V8 truck sound. If you get the Tundra with the regular exhaust you get Camery quiet. A big plus for Tundra is their reliability. I am on my 4th Tundra. I buy them new. I drive 225k miles then trade in for a new one. Each truck spends about 1/4 of their miles with a 6-8k pound trailer in tow. Never been stranded, never wouldn't start, never stuck on the side of the road, never a repair beyond regular maintenance items. HEAD LIGHTS: Need to be improved. SAFTY STUFF: Always needs improving no mater what we drive. GAS EFFICIENCY: Its a 400 HP V8. Were you really expecting efficiency?

[@FamilyWheels]

Thanks for writing, Randall. Great to have your perspective as an owner as well. In terms of fuel economy, I know it's a V8 but I've seen far better economy out of far more capable (and heavier) one ton trucks. As mentioned, Toyota is lagging behind on transmission technology. That could help fuel economy a lot. Toyota has some catching up to do.

[@mallen0919]

Randall Hazzard I completely agree with your post. In addition, the powertrain rarely changes because toyota knows its reliable. why change it when it works? I have a 2017 tundra sr5 and love it

[@nickferderer2585]

mallen0919 I have the same. I don't care if it is a ancient power train, it works and is bulletproof. As long as the truck runs I'm good, got a 2017 sr5 crew max 5.7 4x2, quicksand in color with the blackout package. Two trucks before that I had a 2007 1/2 chevy 1500, 32k needed a new tranny and 3 cylinder misfires, got rid of it immediately and traded for a 2009 tundra which had 356k when I traded for the 2017 and not a single issue

[@randallhazzard5724]

Update...Sorry but absolutely nothing to report. Tundra's are boring that way. Its still running like brand new and just crossed 75K. My brother in law just traded in his truck with 260k on the ticker and he traded it in for another but max cab this time.

[@MrHevelifter]

Custom hybrid Tundra? You mean, you got extra batteries and such hooked up? How many ponies total are you bringing down and what's your gas mileage?

[@danareynolds7843]

More electronics = more headaches down the road. I just want the truck to last forever lol

[@FamilyWheels]

Hi Dana. I see what you're saying here and I like simplicity, too. But simplicity should result in a cheaper price point.

[@danareynolds7843]

Family Wheels yes and no. The tundra is a proven platform for longevity with Minimal maintenance required. I don't think you could say that necessarily for any of the domestic branded

[@gs98999]

The 2018 sticks with the same engine and transmission. It's gets a minor grille update, and a new trim called Trd sport. I do believe Toyota safety sense will also make its way in. I just sold my 2014 Trd off road that I bought new. I got around 85% of what I paid for it. Excellent resale, reliability, and simplicity is what this truck is about. For that same 60k you can get a loaded platinum with dual zone climate and a bunch more features. Trd pro is more of a specialty truck that's meant as a low volume trim in the lineup.

[@kingpin39191]

Just picked up the same exact truck yesterday. Good review man.

[@FamilyWheels]

Swing back in a couple of weeks and let us know your impressions, Robert.

[@skyisdlimit6125]

this truck is amazing even without the bling bling the big 3 has.

[@skyisdlimit6125]

the flat floor, the lexus trans and maybe a better mpg. also less chrome with other trims. I gotta be honest at first it looks ugly but you get used to it.

[@border4554]

Sky Trooper idk man the dash of both this and the Tacoma falls far behind the American counterparts

[@tryten9]

Ryan Colandrea I was less impressed with the competitors interiors. The dash was way too cluttered and feels more cheap. I like the clean look of the tundra interior. And wood trim, I really do not want the fake wood trim. Which seems to be standard on damn near all competitors trim packages that have the options I want. I I do agree the tundra control positions are a little awkward, but at least they are not shoved in your face. I love my 2015 TRD 4x4 but the tundra is in desperate need of some updates. Would be nice to see a powertrain change. A diesel option would be nice or bring back the super charger option they had in the 2014 and earlier models.

[@Paintbl99]

Great review, thank you!

[@humbertorodriguez7906]

Best review I’ve seen yet 👍🏽 Sub

[@scroonie]

Got a 15' SR5 4x4 crew max with about 40,000 and just now feel like I'm breaking it in. Cab room for days and not really bummed out with lack of technology, I'm simple like that. I do feel turning/parking a challenge and sometimes the bed does feel a little small once all the gear in there but regardless, never a lack for power. I've hauled several trailers with ease and reached payload capacity several times and never felt under powered. Overall pleased with the truck at this point. I will keep it.

[@erichibma9152]

Great review! 3 months ago I purchased a 2017 Tundra SR5 double cab to get the longer bed. I have 8 children from ages 4-15 and there has been no issue with leg room for any of them in the rear seats. Car seats have been easy to swap out as needed. I also have the front bench seat which comes with a 3 point belt and head rest so I have a true 6 passenger vehicle. We absolutely love this truck and look forward to the reliability of this vehicle that just cannot be matched with any of the domestic brands. I would much rather pay for gas than repairs, so the fuel economy doesn't bother me too much.

[@FamilyWheels]

Thanks for watching, Eric. Great to hear you're making the double cab work for your family. Its longer box makes it a much more utilitarian truck, that's for sure.

[@larryspiller15]

Eric Hibma about 8000 minamum wasted in fuel over ten years if you spend 100 every 2 weeks. any v8 truck from the competition is going to easily last 10 years 300 000km with no problem. tundra is a gas money pit.

[@SkywhiteChannel]

Another great review. I was considering the 2017 Tundra TRD Pro, Ram Power Wagon and Ford F150 Platinum. I ultimately chose the Ford. Lots of reasons why but one of the biggest was the technology and comfort that the Ford Platinum trim had, while still having center and rear lockers.

[@StretchJr]

AMAZING REVIEW!

[@dcselwitz]

Great review. Thx!

[@azphilip1960]

Great review! Thanks!

[@FamilyWheels]

Thanks for watching, Phil

[@spetznazix45]

Very good and complete review

[@glehman01]

I bought a 2016 SR-5 upgrade last July, still a little under 15,000 miles, use it for work, (Electrician), towing a boat, 4x4 seems to work as good as or better on beach (surf fishing) than the Fords I have owned since the early '80's, no issues yet, hopefully there won't be for awhile. I went to the dealership to buy another F-150, didn't want the 6 cyl., Maybe the 5.0, drove it, column shifter is all they offer unless you order Sport Package, only tan or gray interior, again unless you order Sport Package, with body colored bumper's etc., then drove a white / Black interior, Tundra & liked it. I still do.

[@tonygilboard9247]

i love this truck!

[@bigdogboos1]

lol the dog looking sad while it looks down at the not flat floor

[@mobgma]

Love yotas but his criticisms are bang on. At the price point, there is no exceptions when compared to the competition.

[@trdsupercharger8089]

I have a 2018 TRD SPORT which I love got the trd sway bars,bilstien shocks 20in rims. It is very fun to drive. I just love my tundra!!

[@FamilyWheels]

Awesome piece of kit!

[@taliskertime1668]

Great truck, your criticisms are spot on, I have a 2017 Platinum Pro, love it and will be a family truck for years to come. Box size does suck, I used to have a 2007 DC 6.5ft bed. Super handy for hauling crap and fitting stuff. They need to offer a crewmax in a 6.5ft bed config. Fuel economy isn’t that bad, drive 50-55mph I see 17-18 mpg. With 33.5” Toyo R/t’s and 18” methods. What NO ONE else reviews is how easy this truck to work on, the interior is well made and easy to assemble, disassemble when upgrading stuff or running wiring. Bolts, washers, wiring harnesses, everything is overbuilt. Don’t believe me? Go check the seat bolts on a tundra vs anyone else. They’re overkill. Check out the seat rails and feel the “heft” of brackets. GMC or Ford no so much. The crewmax is great for hauling friends anyone over 6 ft really appreciates the legroom in back and the sturdy handles and seats. Lack of USB ports is easily fixed with a $30 purchase from amazon or eBay and 1hr of wrench time. More tech = more problems

[@FamilyWheels]

Great intel from an owner! Thanks for the comments.

[@polarisoutdoors3105]

As a canadian toyota tundra owner I would say the interior is my favourite part. We dont want little fancy and girly climate control buttons. Big simple knobs and simple tech is what we want we want. Own a LTZ or Denali long term and tell me about your repairs with all the useless bullshit gadgets that break

[@modernmusclecar1904]

Just bought a 2017 Nissan Titan Pro4x in white with the luxury package. Awesome truck imo....try finding a Tundra Pro anywhere....none out there.

[@christophercase921]

Hey Paul, great review. I'm in the market for this truck. I'm a tall guy also and appreciate the headroom. I'm in the States and I've read some forums of guys stating that Toyota might not be making a Tundra TRD PRO for 2018 and that they will be back for 2019 with a new redesign. Did you get confirmation that there will definitely be a 2018 model? Thanks, Chris

[@tblack7191]

I made my first “big boy” purchase in July 2015 when I bought a Tundra TRD Pro. This truck has been amazing. I use it off-road and have never been even close to getting it stuck. I just passed 50k miles on it (I didn’t drive it for a full year when I was deployed) and I have had 0 issues with it. The only complaints I have are that the stock sound system sucks and the paint is thin and scratches if you even look at it the wrong way. Yeah the gas mileage could really get improved but I would take reliability over gas mileage any day. I’ve driven Fords, Dodge, and Chevy and You can’t get this type of reliability in the big 3

[@FamilyWheels]

Interesting note about the pain, Thaddeus. Thanks for writing. It's strange because Lexus has famously good paint... you'd think some of that technology would trickle down to Toyota!

[@mathews0618]

tow ratings on the tundra originate from an outside source and certified. the other manufacturers pick their own ratings. I think thats very important.

[@gmrtg1414]

mike matthews. False. The big three are all certified now.

[@loganpierce2061]

I am so glad that Toyota don't make Tundra and Tacoma look divaish like the Fords and the Chevys and the Dodge adding too many toys to it. I'm glad they have certain standards. unlike other trucks who has to put the world's technology in them just for them to sell.

[@cardo1111]

Toyota is a good choice. However with a new model around the corner it's always a good idea to wait, unless you're getting a really, really good deal on the outgoing model.

[@larryspiller15]

cardo keep in mind new models always have the most issues although i also agree with not getting the current gen because the new model is around the corner haha

[@tblack7191]

The new tundra isn’t expected until 2021

[@electropentatonic]

The odd seat heater placement is a PRO thing. On higher end Tundras the center console has a different layout with more buttons. 2 switches are normally located between the temp knobs with 3 heat settings. If I could have purchases a "limited" version with PRO exterior, I would have. The inside of the limited has a very refined presence, where the PRO has sr5 features and red stitching all over the vehicle, wasn't a fan.

[@CodyB2725]

How is the double cab with car seats? Need one front facing and one rear facing car seat. Love the double and the crew max, but the double is a little cheaper used.

[@FamilyWheels]

I had a friend use the double cab with his two kids (one front facing, one rear facing). He said it was darn tight but doable.

[@djayt1215]

Just so everyone knows. Resale value is largely based on number of that particular vehicle in the market, and manufacture discounts on new vehicles of the same model.

[@212x3]

Have a 2017 Crew Max, Limited. I left GM forever (my 5.3L blew up at 80,000 miles thanks to that horrible "active fuel management" they put on it). The Tundra is hands down a better truck, horsepower, torque, reliability and resale. I'll take that over bells and whistles any day. Also, my climate control is digital, not the old school dial, so not sure if that's just a TRD Pro thing or a Canadian market package. Sure the bed is a few inches shorter, but really, it's not bad for those of us who are weekend warrior dads running to the hardware store picking up wood or a load of dirt. I'm not a contractor running 8 ft sheets of plywood every day. This 5.7L pulls my 20 ft ski boat like a champ, I can barely feel it behind the truck and getting up to freeway speed isn't a struggle, hit the gas and you're there before you get to the end of the on ramp. Not sure where you're getting a bad turn radius from, mine turns sharper than any other truck I've owned and I've owned Sierras, Silverados, Dakotas and Rams. You might want to test drive a couple other trucks and measure that radius.

[@nickferderer2585]

Abbi Braun I feel the same way, I got a 2017 tundra sr5 5.7 crewmax 4x2 quicksand with the blackout package. I've got a 31ft camper that is right on the towing capacity, and it tows it very well. If everyone needs the big crewmax but they complain about the bed space, the world makes trailers for a reason!

[@Cobb]

I am hoping they come out with some combination of a more efficient engine or like you mentioned a new transmission with more gears. Tundra is great is pretty much everything except economy, where it's lagging behind compared to recent advances in other brands.

[@FamilyWheels]

According to one of the other comments we received, the engine and transmission will remain the same for 2018.

[@nickferderer2585]

Cobb they have been talking about a 5.0 Cummins possibly

[@DD-EK4R]

This ring last forever. Old school style truck but never make friendship with repair shop . I like your style of testing and reviews. Any chance to review new 2018 Camry? Keep the great work!

[@vegvisir6695]

Isn't this the 3rd time you have reviewed this truck? I appreciate your reviews...but this vehicle never changes.

[@FamilyWheels]

Ha. Second time, Robert. I hear what you're saying but people want to see the latest model year tested, even if changes are few and far between.

[@vegvisir6695]

Thanks for the response...my error...still great reviews and I information.

[@nj2mddude205]

I own a 2016 Tundra TRD Pro CM. At my sales price, I wish the truck included: (1) driver side grab handle; (2) auto-up front windows; (3) ignition glow ring; (4) sun roof and (5) organized console and rear seat storage. Otherwise it's a great vehicle.

[@FamilyWheels]

Great list. For me, add to that: keyless entry, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, heated rear seats. Thanks for watching!

[@johnw391]

Tundra is getting some new colors but that's about it

[@wscott9779]

The trucks target market is men, we don't buy trucks based on safety. We buy trucks the trucks because we want them. If they happen to be safe then that is just a plus.

[@gman69455]

W Scott that's not at all true. I definitely want my daughter and wife to be safe when riding in my truck wether or not I'm towing or hauling at that time.

[@josh33172]

The truckbed option with that massive "Crewmax" looks a bit ridiculous proportion-wise. Its fine if all you do is pull a trailer with it, but 5.5' is not a real useful size bed. This is why the domestic brands will always sell more. BTW....the Tundra isn't really an "inbetweener" as an off road vehicle. The long wheelbase makes high-centering inevitable....especially if rockcrawling.

[@twoweeledsoto6072]

I have a Tundra. My experience has been it's been a good truck with some problem that Toyota is well aware of. The drive shaft problem is one that many owners know about. It gets worse as time goes on. some have gone on to failure. Yes, the driveshaft has failed. Toyota knows about it and pretends like they don't feel it when you bring it in. Bring it again. They still won't feel it! Years later it may fail, but you're long out of warranty. I was less than a month out of warranty and they denied me. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY TOYOTA WHO HAS A BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM !!!! keep that in mind.

[@SomeonewithaCar]

My dad has a 2021 tundra trdsport

[@JH-dz7cq]

Nissan Titan FTW!

[@stevenpeterson8444]

so, gas mileage aside, if you were a camper toting, farm working father of three car-seat-age children, would this be your top pick?

[@FamilyWheels]

Personally, Steven? No, it wouldn't. If you have a camper, this truck won't give you the payload capacity you need. If you have a family, it doesn't have the safety ratings you need. And if you're a farmer, it doesn't offer the box length you need along with a crew cab. The Tundra has many strengths but for your needs, this truck has some big weaknesses.

[@stevenpeterson8444]

Family Wheels thanks, much appreciated!

[@sgbradley]

Nice truck and fantastic resale value but unless it's got a minimum of a 6' bed it's useless for trades and Farmers etc. I just upgraded my fleet to the same old tried and true Chevy pickup line but with the 6.2 litres instead of the 5.3 engine's like my older fleet (which is a good engine just the same without any problems over three years in the woods), basically the same MPG but way more torque for the mountains here on Vancouver Island. I did lease two RAM 2500 with the Cummins diesel for the heavy work but can't beat Chevy for tried and true dependable trucks plus parts are easy to find (doubt you'll find Tundra parts at Canadian Tire). Sept daughter has a Crosstrek in UBC and wife is looking at Mercedes again for a SUV but might consider a Lexus. ( maybe save me some cash this time if I'm lucky). No wonder men work away from home a week minimum @ a time! 😎

[@FamilyWheels]

You can get a 6.5 ft bed with the double cab (but not the crew cab) or an 8 ft bed with the standard cab, Steven. But as a work truck, my biggest disappointment was its payload capacity numbers. The CrewCab can only put around 1200 lbs in the box while many of the Tacoma models give you 1500 lb payload. That's crazy!

[@sgbradley]

Family Wheels I have a few friends with the Tundra, it's very low 1200 and even the Ridgeline has more payload in a SUV unibody. it's all in the axles cause most. trucks axles are rated at 1500 plus.

[@enzobarletta9653]

how tall are you?

[@FamilyWheels]

Enzo Barletta 6ft2

[@abrahamlopez5745]

fix that mic

[@FamilyWheels]

Yep, it was wind noise not a faulty mic. Thanks for watching.

[@callofdutyguy9]

Double cab rear seating has plenty of room. CrewMax looks ugly and excessive rear seating space is why you have crap bed length.

[@ramonahumada4]

Tundra or F 150?

[@FamilyWheels]

Loyal Toyota owners would say it's a no-brainer. It's reliable with great resale value. However, the F-150 achieves better fuel economy, gives you more features for your dollar, is a quieter ride, gives you the option of a longer box with its crew cab, has a more usable flat floor in the second row when the seats are flipped and often gives deep dealer incentives. I can't really point you to one truck over the other but the F-150 shouldn't be dismissed either.

[@ramonahumada4]

Family Wheels thank u! I'll wait and see what's new with the Tundra next year.

[@larryspiller15]

ramonahumada4 over 10 years you would use anywhere between 7000-12000 in fuel and wouldnt have any major reliability problems with the f150 in that time. since toyota hates to give any good discounts on the tundra you could probably save another 10k by buying ford when promotions are on so your looking at 20 000$ extra for a stone age vehicle. I'd personally buy a chevy though.

[@ramonahumada4]

larry Spiller thanks for info! I'll probably put 80 k miles in 10 years and I've always liked the f-150 better! from my understanding all full size trucks are dependable.

[@nickferderer2585]

larry Spiller I got over 10k off my new 2017 tundra last year...

[@Bru946]

Who the hell needs automatic climate control in my 74 chevy I don't even have an air conditioner that was a expensive option back then

[@FamilyWheels]

So were FM radios! I also don't imagine you spent $60k on that 74 Chev either. Times/prices/expectations change.

[@Bru946]

Family Wheels Expectations are real pains.

[@benjaminmeza5372]

Only real men buy trucks that have 8 foot beds.

[@ryanm1316]

Why?

[@Jhon-zm7pc]

The most updated TRUCK ON THE WORLD. The MPG SUCKS . TRD tip of the muffler for gay . Drove one for 600km hate it every second .F150 3.5 much more comfortable better on fuel and it's better interior.

[@paullamont8297]

toy truck, save your money and buy a box frame truck, just google bent frame Toyota.