The 2021 Toyota Tundra is the last year of the second-generation truck, a body-on-frame full-size pickup that Toyota built from 2007 through 2021. It is a simple, durable machine: one engine, one transmission, and a chassis that changed little over its long life. That simplicity is both its strength and its limitation. This review covers the 2021 Tundra’s powertrain, capability, ride, and equipment so buyers can weigh it on facts rather than reputation.
Powertrain and Performance
Every 2021 Tundra is powered by a 5.7-liter V8, the 3UR-FE, producing 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. It sends power through a six-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. The engine uses port fuel injection, an older design than the direct-injection systems in newer rivals, but it is well known for longevity.
Performance is adequate rather than brisk. In Car and Driver testing, a TRD Pro CrewMax reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and stopped from 70 mph in about 190 feet. That test truck weighed 5,998 pounds, which explains why the Tundra feels heavy on the road. The six-speed automatic shifts slowly by modern standards, and there is no turbocharging or cylinder deactivation to sharpen response or save fuel.
Towing and Payload
The Tundra’s maximum tow rating is 10,200 pounds when properly equipped, and even the least capable configuration is rated to pull around 8,800 pounds. Payload runs as high as roughly 1,730 pounds on suitable configurations. Those figures are competitive for a light-duty full-size truck, though they trail the best modern half-tons. A factory tow package was available on several trims, and four-wheel-drive models included active traction control and an automatic limited-slip differential to help put power down on loose surfaces.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is the 2021 Tundra’s weakest point. The EPA rates the four-wheel-drive V8 at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, for 14 mpg combined; rear-wheel-drive models are only slightly better, at roughly 15 mpg combined. Car and Driver described the truck as having the worst fuel economy in its class. For buyers who do a lot of loaded or urban driving, that consumption is the main practical cost to plan for.
Ride and Handling
The Tundra uses a control-arm front suspension and a live-axle rear, a traditional setup for a pickup. The ride is firm, and rough pavement is transmitted into the cabin. Steering is light and short on feedback, requiring corrections at highway speed. The TRD Off-Road package and the top TRD Pro model improve the picture with upgraded dampers and better body control, which makes them the most rewarding versions to drive. For a truck that mostly tows and hauls, the standard setup is acceptable; for comfort, newer rivals ride better.
Interior and Technology
The cabin is spacious but plainly styled, with oversized controls designed to be used with gloves. The CrewMax’s rear seat is among the roomiest in the class, and the double cab adds under-seat storage. Upholstery and plastics in most trims feel utilitarian, with the 1794 Edition the exception thanks to its leather and suede accents. The Entune infotainment system uses an eight-inch touchscreen and, for 2021, gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which modernizes a previously dated interface. Higher trims add navigation and an upgraded audio system.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Toyota made its driver-assistance suite standard across the range. Every 2021 Tundra includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning, alongside a rearview camera. Crash-test results were only average: the truck earned a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For a design that dates to 2007, the standard active-safety content is a meaningful point in its favor.
Cab and Bed Choices
The 2021 Tundra came in two body styles: the extended Double Cab, with rear-hinged half doors, and the four-door CrewMax. The regular cab was discontinued after 2017. Bed length depended on the cab. The CrewMax was offered only with a 5.5-foot bed, while the Double Cab could be ordered with a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed. Toyota also offered a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive across the range, so buyers could match the truck to a specific mix of work, towing, and daily driving.
Trims, Pricing, and Warranty
Toyota sold the 2021 Tundra in six grades: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and the off-road TRD Pro. Pricing when new ranged from about $34,125 to $53,500 depending on configuration, according to federal fuel-economy data. Toyota’s coverage matches the class norm: a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Shoppers comparing the Tundra with Toyota’s passenger cars can see how the brand approaches other segments in this 2020 Toyota Camry Atara R overview or its 2020 Toyota Crown coverage.
Summary
The 2021 Tundra is a straightforward truck: a strong, long-lived V8, a roomy cabin, and a maximum tow rating of 10,200 pounds, held back by poor fuel economy and an outdated interior. It suits buyers who prioritize durability and simplicity over refinement, and its 2021 Trail and Nightshade packages give the final year a little extra character. Those who want modern efficiency and technology should look at the redesigned 2022 model instead. Weighing a Tundra against a sedan or crossover is a separate question, but the truck’s role as a work and tow vehicle is clear.
