2018 Toyota Tundra

The Tundra is very much a pickup truck that will appeal to a traditional buyer because this Toyota offering has remained largely unchanged, technically at least, from the model introduced in 2007. A new look in 2014 gave it more curb appeal and an updated interior, but underneath, the 2018 Tundra is the same old truck it's been for a long time, and that's problematic. Compared with its newer rivals, it struggles to make a strong case for itself, particularly if you want your truck to do more than just work. The suspension is firm and the ride stiff on less-than-perfect roads. And though some might applaud the V8-only choices under the hood, neither is able to match the EPA-estimated fuel economy of the Tundra's domestic competition.

There are highlights in the range, though. The V8 engines are powerful, the 4.6-liter with 310 hp and the 5.7-liter with 381 hp, and they make light work of towing, particularly with the right towing packages added. If you need lots of passenger space, the double cab and especially the crew cab (CrewMax) are vast inside. All Tundras use an automatic, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive an option. Trim levels start with the base SR work truck. The next step up, the SR5, is decently equipped and a good value, and the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition trims up the luxury and equipment significantly. A new TRD Sport package offered on the SR5 trim adds 20-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension, but for more off-road capability, you'll want to seek out the TRD Off-Road package on the SR5, Limited, or 1794 Edition trim. Also for 2018, all come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense™ suite of driver aids, bringing the Tundra up-to-date on that front. But the Tundra still trails rivals in too many other areas to fully recommend it for all but a handful of specific applications, notably towing or off-road performance.