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I test drove a 2021 model this weekend and fell in love with it. My Tacoma was wonderful and I really loved it, but just had to work too hard pulling our travel trailer, and wasn't roomy enough for the four of us plus our dog.
I spent the past few weeks researching the RAM 1500 and F-150 (was not interested in the Silverado) and decided to go with the Tundra. As with all new cars, Tundra inventory is extremely limited, so when I found out that my dealer had one coming in, I secured it with a deposit, and it arrived at the dealership on Thursday. I test drove it on Saturday morning and came home with it that day. I was happy to see some lesser known updates had been made over the years, such as LED headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Toyota Safety Sense, etc. It is roomy, comfortable, capable, and unapologetically truckish.
I've been watching the reveal of the new Tundra. The appearance in the limited photos I have seen is growing on me, and I'm sure it'll be a good truck, but I really wanted at least one more V8 before going electric or turbo. My 2019 Highlander is the last year of that gen, my 2020 GS350 is the last year of the GS, so might as well pick up a truck that's also in its last year!
The dealership would not negotiate the price - it was straight up MSRP, but they did give me more for my Tacoma than I paid for it just over a year ago, making it super easy to get out of the lease early.
So, the truck...it is a 2021 Tundra 1794 Edition TRD Off Road. I probably would have preferred the Platinum, but no local dealership could get me one. The Platinum is the exact same price as the 1794, with the same features, but a more toned down (no chrome) grille and it doesn't have the (somewhat silly) 1794 wood trim. In pictures, the interior looks a bit orange, but much less so in person. Lexus faithful will recognize the saddle color.
The front seats are incredibly comfortable, and includes a thigh extender on the driver's seat. The rear seats are comfortable and HUGE. I have long legs (a 36" inseam), and sitting behind where I have the driver's seat, I can stretch way out or cross my legs.
I took it out with the trailer yesterday to test it out and it pulled beautifully. While the Tacoma had to work overtime to pull it, I could barely feel it in the Tundra. That 5.7 liter engine is so smooth and has excellent torque, even down low. It never felt strained.
So yes, I bought an outdated truck, and am prepared to take a little flack for it, but I just love it and expect that this truck will serve us well for years to come.
Here are some pictures. The first is at the dealership, and you can see my Cement Tacoma next to it.
My dog approves.
Hooked it up to the trailer for a trial run and was super impressed.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my thread! Cheers!
Thank you! I completely understand your love affair with this engine!
I wish I had a key to manually crank it up, like you can. Months later I still think keyless start is stupid.
And yeah, it's a beastly engine. It's quiet, almost silent until you boot it. Then it's like the Marlboro Man reincarnated.
Gas mileage sucks but who cares, that said if I can get 18.5 MPG HWY in a several hundred pound heavier LX570, I'd say you could get 20HWY in a Tundra no problem.
I wish I had a key to manually crank it up, like you can. Months later I still think keyless start is stupid.
And yeah, it's a beastly engine. It's quiet, almost silent until you boot it. Then it's like the Marlboro Man reincarnated.
Gas mileage sucks but who cares, that said if I can get 18.5 MPG HWY in a several hundred pound heavier LX570, I'd say you could get 20HWY in a Tundra no problem.
No, mine is pushbutton start, but I do prefer it that way. I just had a rental car while on vacation that used a regular key and it drove me nuts.
Gas mileage is indeed terrible, but like you, I don't really care.
No, mine is pushbutton start, but I do prefer it that way. I just had a rental car while on vacation that used a regular key and it drove me nuts.
Gas mileage is indeed terrible, but like you, I don't really care.
Oh, I could've sworn the Tundra was the last vehicle with a key. I don't hate keyless start but it's pointless to me, the keys just go in the cupholder.
It's a beautiful truck, the white on saddle looks great.
And yeah at least the V8 will gulp regular, that makes a big difference over time in price. I'm supposed to use premium in my LX but I'll die before I fall for that Lexus marketing BS.
Oh, I could've sworn the Tundra was the last vehicle with a key. I don't hate keyless start but it's pointless to me, the keys just go in the cupholder.
It's a beautiful truck, the white on saddle looks great.
And yeah at least the V8 will gulp regular, that makes a big difference over time in price. I'm supposed to use premium in my LX but I'll die before I fall for that Lexus marketing BS.
I believe the SR5s still use a physical key. Not sure about Limited, but the Platinums and 1794s use smart key.
Thanks, I fell in love with the color combo right away.
Always loved the premium, near Lexus-grade, leather used on the 1794's!
Can't remember if you shared before. how much does your travel trailer weigh?
At least you don't have to be subject to the horrible chrome clad wheels that used to be on many of the 1794s
The leather is very soft!
My trailer is not heavy. Empty it's just over 3600lbs, about 4100 loaded but with empty tanks. The trailer was well within the Tacoma's 6400lb tow rating, but suffered with payload. The payload was about 950 lbs, but use up 500lbs of that for tongue weight, then toss in the family of 4 plus the dog, and we were over payload, and that was with an empty bed. That issue is completely resolved with the Tundra, as payload is high enough that I can load up and still have several hundred pounds to spare.
And LOL YES about those chrome wheels. I'm glad I did not end up with those.
Nice interior for a Tundra....much better, IMO, than what they were offering just a few years ago.
So yes, I bought an outdated truck, and am prepared to take a little flack for it,
You won't get any flack from me. I'm not a convert to the Newest-is-Always-Best philosophy, although, of course, if I like a new design enough, I'll get one.
Last edited by mmarshall; Jun 21, 2021 at 11:19 AM.
Nice interior for a Tundra....much better, IMO, than what they were offering just a few years ago.
You won't get any flack from me. I'm not a convert to the Newest-is-Always-Best philosophy, although, of course, if I like a new design enough, I'll get one.
My New Tundra
