The Toyota Tundra, a robust contender in the Toyota Full Size Pickup segment, continues to assert its presence with the 2018 model year. This Texas-assembled truck receives a noteworthy refresh, combining updated styling with enhanced safety technology and a new sporty trim. For those in the market for a dependable and capable toyota full size pickup, the 2018 Tundra presents a compelling package of features and performance.
Reflecting the evolving preferences of pickup truck buyers, Toyota has streamlined the Tundra lineup for 2018, focusing exclusively on four-door configurations. The Regular Cab model has been discontinued, leaving the versatile Double Cab and the spacious CrewMax as the sole cab choices. This strategic shift emphasizes the Tundra’s role as not just a workhorse, but also a comfortable and family-friendly toyota full size pickup. Built with pride in San Antonio, Texas, the 2018 Tundra is designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s truck owners, offering a range of configurations and a substantial towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds.
Revitalized Design and Styling for the 2018 Tundra
For the 2018 model year, Toyota has given the Tundra toyota full size pickup a refreshed front-end design, injecting a dose of modern style into this already rugged truck. These styling updates are not just cosmetic; they enhance the Tundra’s road presence and visual appeal across different trim levels.
The SR and SR5 grades of the 2018 Tundra showcase a newly designed gray honeycomb-style grille. This is paired with updated halogen headlights that incorporate distinctive LED daytime running lights, improving both aesthetics and visibility. The SR5 trim further benefits from the addition of halogen fog lights, enhancing its functionality and style.
Moving up the trim ladder, the Limited grade Tundra toyota full size pickup makes a bolder statement with an updated billet-style grille, complete with a chrome surround that exudes sophistication. All lighting elements on the Limited trim are upgraded to LED, providing superior illumination and a premium look. Inside the cabin, a new matte-finish wood-style trim adds a touch of elegance, elevating the interior ambiance.
The Platinum grade Tundra embraces a refined elegance with an updated black honeycomb grille and a body-color surround, creating a seamless and upscale appearance. Mirroring the Limited trim, all lights on the Platinum grade are also LED, ensuring maximum visibility and a contemporary aesthetic. Finally, the 1794 Edition, known for its western-inspired luxury, receives LED lighting updates to complement its signature billet-style grille, maintaining its distinctive and premium identity within the toyota full size pickup lineup.
Introducing the New TRD Sport Package
A significant addition to the 2018 Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup is the introduction of the TRD Sport package. This package caters to drivers seeking a more athletic appearance and enhanced handling capabilities in their full-size truck. The TRD Sport package is not merely an aesthetic upgrade; it integrates functional enhancements that build upon the Tundra’s inherent ruggedness.
Visually, the TRD Sport package distinguishes itself with a body-color surround for the honeycomb-style grille, creating a cohesive and sporty front fascia. Color-keyed mirrors, bumpers, and a hood scoop further contribute to the unified and dynamic exterior styling. The Tundra TRD Sport rides on substantial 20-inch silver-painted aluminum alloy wheels accented with black details, enhancing its aggressive stance. A distinctive TRD bedside graphic proudly announces this model’s sporty credentials. For the TRD Sport package, Toyota offers a vibrant palette of exterior colors including Super White, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Blue Metallic, Blazing Blue Pearl, and Barcelona Red Metallic, allowing buyers to personalize their toyota full size pickup to their taste.
Beyond aesthetics, the TRD Sport package delivers tangible performance upgrades. It includes TRD anti-sway bars, which improve handling and reduce body roll during cornering, providing a more confident driving experience. Sport-tuned TRD Bilstein shocks are also incorporated, offering enhanced damping and control, particularly in dynamic driving situations. Inside, a TRD shift knob and TRD floormats complete the sporty theme, reinforcing the package’s focus on performance-inspired style within this toyota full size pickup. The TRD Sport package is available as an upgrade to the SR5 grade, further adding LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED fog lights to the already enhanced features.
Two Four-Door Configurations: Double Cab and CrewMax
The 2018 Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup lineup focuses exclusively on four-door models, offering two distinct configurations to suit different needs for passenger space and cargo capacity: the Double Cab and the CrewMax. Both configurations provide the versatility and robustness expected from a toyota full size pickup, but cater to varying priorities.
The Double Cab Tundra features forward-hinged rear doors and provides a comfortable 34.7 inches of rear seat legroom. This configuration is available with either a 6.5-foot standard-bed or a longer 8.1-foot bed, offering flexibility in balancing passenger space with cargo-carrying capability. The Double Cab is an excellent choice for those who frequently carry passengers but also require substantial bed space for work or recreational equipment in their toyota full size pickup.
For those prioritizing maximum rear passenger space, the CrewMax Tundra toyota full size pickup is the ultimate choice. It features a longer cab and larger rear doors, resulting in a limo-like 42.3 inches of rear seat legroom. The CrewMax is paired with a shorter 5.5-foot bed to accommodate its expanded cabin. Limited trim Double Cab models come standard with a power sliding horizontal rear window, while all CrewMax models feature a power vertical sliding rear window, enhancing cabin ventilation and accessibility.
Both cab styles in this toyota full size pickup offer foldable rear seats to expand interior cargo space when needed. All Tundra beds are 22.2 inches deep and, when properly equipped, provide a payload capacity of up to 1,730 pounds. The lockable, easy-lower-and-lift tailgate adds convenience, and available features like the deck rail system and spray-in bed liner further enhance the functionality and durability of the Tundra’s bed. The SR and SR5 trims offer a choice between bench or bucket seats for the front row, while the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition trims feature upgraded bucket seats, emphasizing comfort and refinement in these higher grades of the toyota full size pickup.
Robust V8 Engine Choices
Under the hood, the 2018 Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup continues to offer a choice of two powerful i-Force V8 engines, ensuring ample performance for a variety of tasks, from daily driving to heavy-duty hauling and towing. Both engines are designed for durability and reliability, key attributes for any serious toyota full size pickup.
The standard engine is a 4.6-liter i-Force V8, delivering 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. This engine provides a strong and responsive performance for everyday driving and light-duty tasks.
For those requiring more power, the available 5.7-liter i-Force V8 is a popular choice. It generates 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and a substantial 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. This larger V8 provides impressive acceleration and towing capability, making it ideal for demanding workloads and heavy trailers in this toyota full size pickup.
Both i-Force V8 engines share advanced technologies, including an aluminum cylinder block, double overhead-cam heads with four valves per cylinder, Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), and an Acoustic Control Induction System. These features contribute to a broad torque curve, optimized fuel efficiency, and refined performance across the rev range for this toyota full size pickup. All 2018 Tundra models are equipped with a smooth and responsive 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, further enhancing the driving experience.
Built Tough for Towing and Durability
The Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup is engineered for exceptional toughness and capability, highlighted by its impressive 10,200-lb. maximum towing capacity (SAE J2807 towing standard compliant) when properly equipped. This robust performance is rooted in the Tundra’s durable construction and advanced engineering.
At the foundation of the Tundra’s strength is its TripleTech frame. This frame design utilizes wide, full-boxed rails for the front section, a reinforced C-channel under the cab, and an open C-channel beneath the bed. This combination of frame structures optimizes strength, ride quality, and long-term durability, essential for a toyota full size pickup designed to handle demanding tasks.
The front suspension employs a double A-arm configuration with coil-over spring-shock units, providing a balance of ride comfort and control. A front-mounted steering rack enhances steering feel and responsiveness while reducing the turning diameter, improving maneuverability. The rear suspension features staggered shocks mounted outboard of trapezoidal-mounted leaf springs. This arrangement enhances damping efficiency and axle control, contributing to a stable and composed ride, particularly when the toyota full size pickup is loaded. Spring rates are carefully tuned to maintain a level vehicle stance when carrying heavy loads.
Tundra SR and SR5 grades are equipped with 18-inch styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition trims upgrade to 20-inch alloy wheels, combining style with robust performance in this toyota full size pickup.
Advanced Traction and Control Systems
The 2018 Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup offers advanced traction and control systems to enhance performance in various driving conditions, whether on paved roads or challenging terrains. These systems ensure confident handling and stability, key attributes for a versatile toyota full size pickup.
On 2WD Tundra models, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system integrates traction control (TRAC) to optimize grip. It also includes Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto-LSD), which enhances performance in situations like deep sand, mud, or mixed-friction surfaces by intelligently managing wheel spin without restricting engine power. Compared to traditional mechanical limited-slip differentials, Auto-LSD is often more responsive and exhibits better wear characteristics, utilizing the vehicle’s brakes to control wheel spin in this toyota full size pickup.
Tundra 4×4 models utilize the on-demand, electronically controlled 4WDemand part-time 4WD system. This system features a six-pinion planetary reduction gear set, offering 4×2, 4×4 Hi, and 4×4 Lo ranges. Drivers can easily select the desired drive mode using a dial on the dash. In 4WDemand mode, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) functions similarly to Auto-LSD, allowing full engine output and transferring power to the wheel with the most traction on both axles. Drivers can further adjust traction capability using the mode selector. Normal mode engages VSC and TRAC for everyday traction and control. TRAC Off and Auto-LSD modes activate Auto-LSD to aid in extreme conditions by allowing unrestricted engine output and power transfer. VSC Off mode disengages all three systems, providing maximum driver control in specialized off-road scenarios for this toyota full size pickup.
Enhanced Towing Features
The 2018 Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup, especially when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, is built to excel at towing. With its standard Tow Hitch Receiver and available Tow Package (standard on 5.7L V8 models, available on 4.6L V8 models), the Tundra achieves a maximum certified tow capacity of up to 10,200 pounds (SAE J2807).
The one-piece towing receiver is robustly integrated into the frame using 12 high-strength bolts. The Tow Package on 5.7-liter models upgrades the Tundra’s cooling and electrical systems, including integrated engine and transmission oil coolers, a heavy-duty battery, and alternator. These enhancements ensure the powertrain can handle the strenuous demands of towing under full load with this toyota full size pickup.
The Tow Package also includes a selectable TOW/HAUL mode, which adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission shift control. This mode favors lower gears during acceleration and deceleration, enhancing control and safety when towing. Trailer Sway Control, a function of Vehicle Stability Control, helps maintain trailer stability by counteracting forces that can cause sway. An integrated Trailer Brake Controller is also standard, with its status viewable on the multi-information display screen. All Tundra models come standard with a backup camera, displayed on the Entune Audio screen, aiding in trailer hookups and maneuvering. Heated and power outside tow mirrors with turn signal indicators and manual-extend feature are available on select 5.7-liter models, further enhancing towing convenience for this toyota full size pickup.
Interior Comfort and Technology
While the 2018 Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup is built for toughness, it doesn’t compromise on interior comfort and technology. The cabin is designed to provide a refined and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers.
The ride quality of the Tundra is surprisingly smooth and quiet, often reminiscent of a luxury vehicle. Soft-touch surfaces, high-granulated paint on the center cluster, and unique seat stitching enhance the interior’s sense of quality and durability. Standard High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass helps to reduce heat buildup and UV exposure, protecting cabin materials. Gauges are clear and easy to read, complemented by a center-mounted multi-information display screen. Large, user-friendly knobs on the dash are designed for operation even while wearing gloves. The console offers ample storage for personal items and electronics within this toyota full size pickup.
All Tundra models come standard with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, along with a windshield wiper de-icer, front and rear mudguards, power windows and door locks, and heated and power outside mirrors. The Limited grade elevates the interior with leather-trimmed seating surfaces in various color options, soft-touch door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trim. Amenities include dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power passenger’s seat, and an available power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade (CrewMax only). Exterior chrome door handles and side mirrors, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a versatile deck rail system further distinguish the Limited trim of this toyota full size pickup.
Premium Luxury with 1794 Edition
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury in a toyota full size pickup, the 1794 Edition stands out. Along with the Platinum grade, it represents the premium offerings in the Tundra lineup, blending high-end features with robust truck capabilities. The 1794 Edition specifically celebrates Texas heritage, commemorating the year a ranch was founded on the site of Toyota’s San Antonio plant.
The 1794 Edition features exclusive saddle brown premium leather-trimmed seating with embossed leather and ultra-suede accents, creating a distinctive western-inspired ambiance. Matching soft-touch materials accent the shift console, door trim, and instrument panel. Standard luxury features shared with the Platinum grade include 12-way power driver’s seat with memory and 4-way power passenger’s seat, both heated and ventilated; a 12-speaker touch-screen Entune Premium JBL Audio system with Navigation and App Suite; power moonroof; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and front and rear parking sonar; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass; and HomeLink universal transceiver. These premium features ensure a luxurious and technologically advanced experience in this top-tier toyota full size pickup.
Standard Entune Multimedia Systems
The quiet cabin of the 2018 Tundra toyota full size pickup provides an ideal setting to enjoy the standard and available Entune Audio systems. The SR grade comes with Entune Audio featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM CD Player, aux jack, USB port, hands-free phone capability, Siri Eyes Free, and Bluetooth streaming.
The SR5 and TRD Sport trims upgrade to Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App, including a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, HD Radio Traffic and Weather, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite is standard on the Limited, and available on SR5 and TRD Sport. This system uses a paired smartphone to access apps like Slacker, Pandora, Yelp, and real-time traffic and weather information via the Tundra’s touchscreen. The Platinum and 1794 Edition CrewMax models come standard with Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and Entune App Suite, optional for the Limited CrewMax, offering the most comprehensive multimedia experience in this toyota full size pickup.
Toyota Safety Sense-P Standard Across the Lineup
A major advancement for the 2018 Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup is the standardization of Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) across all grades. This suite of active safety technologies significantly enhances driver assistance and collision prevention capabilities.
TSS-P includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). PCS w/PD uses radar and camera technology to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead, providing alerts and automatic braking to mitigate or prevent collisions. LDA alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift from its lane. AHB automatically switches between high and low beams for optimal nighttime visibility without blinding other drivers. DRCC maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to maintain safe following distances on highways in this toyota full size pickup.
In addition to TSS-P, the Tundra includes Toyota’s Star Safety System, featuring Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Eight standard airbags, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags, further enhance occupant protection. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are available on SR5 and Limited, and standard on Platinum and 1794 Edition, providing additional layers of safety and awareness for this toyota full size pickup.
American Roots and Warranty
The Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup is deeply rooted in American design and manufacturing. Its current generation was primarily designed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research centers in California and Michigan, with engineering contributions from Toyota Technical Center in Michigan. Assembly is exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in San Antonio, Texas. V8 engines are assembled in Alabama, and transmissions for the 5.7-liter V8 are manufactured in North Carolina, highlighting the extensive American footprint of this toyota full size pickup.
Toyota backs the Tundra with a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 60-month corrosion warranty with no mileage limit. ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, is also standard.
In conclusion, the 2018 Toyota Tundra toyota full size pickup offers a compelling combination of refreshed styling, enhanced safety features with standard TSS-P, a new TRD Sport package for added athleticism, and the same robust performance and dependability that Tundra is known for. With its diverse configurations, powerful V8 engines, and American-made quality, the 2018 Tundra remains a strong contender in the competitive full-size pickup truck market.
