Peter Palmer: 2018 Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax Review

Even though it hasn’t had a major overhaul since 2007, the 2018 Toyota Tundra gets a minor refresh. Tundra deals in a very competitive environment with the top-selling Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, and Ram 1500. The current generation Tundra was revised for 2014 but still brings some attitude, although the theme for 2018 is safety.

This weekend, we drove the top trim Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax.

What’s New For 2018

All 2018 Toyota Tundras get refreshed styling this year and the Toyota Safety Sense driver assist package. This package includes a plethora of safety technology.

Features & Options

The 2018 Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax 4X4 ($45,300) comes standard with perforated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 20-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats, power vertical rear window, and fold-up rear seats. Safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high-beam control, and adaptive cruise control.

Our Tundra Limited tester came with the optional Limited Premium package ($1,850) adding an anti-theft alarm, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitoring system, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included premium JBL audio and navigation. Total MSRP, including destination: $49,123.

Interior Highlights

Tundra’s seats are big and roomy, but we thought they could use a bit more cushioning. Controls are large, logically arranged, and easy to figure out. We could even change the radio station without the owner’s manual. The central console is huge and as a result, perfect for working in the field because it can easily hold a laptop.

We had an “on the go” lunch in the truck this weekend and stored plenty of snacks in the center console.

The big CrewMax offers seating for five with leg space for taller riders in every seat. The backseats fold up easily with one pull of the handle, opening up to a large cargo area that’s ready to carry those bigger work items. Toyota opted for the folding seats over the tilt and recline feature so you can carry tools or other valuable items you’d prefer to have inside and not in the bed.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

A 5.7-liter V8 provides 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is standard on Limited, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro trims, while all Tundras equipped with the 5.7 come with a tow package.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 13/17 city/highway and 14 combined with four-wheel drive.

Driving Dynamics

The 5.7-liter V8 impresses, thanks in large part to its generous torque output and smooth-shifting six-speed automatic. We had no problem passing slower traffic. On the open road, Tundra gives the driver a feeling of confidence and security with its size, commanding view of the road, and 20-inch wheels.

Ride quality is reasonably comfortable, though rough pavement and the dirt roads leading to our house produced impacts beyond the normal range. During our urban driving, the Tundra handled well in heavy city traffic. The rear backup camera came in handy as we parked the longer CrewMax.

Tundra’s theme for 2018 is safety. This tester was loaded with extra tech to keep the big truck safe in traffic. The front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring system, and rear cross-traffic alert all worked well. We heard the alarms go off as we approached potential danger in heavy Denver traffic this week. The truck is long, and has the potential for accidents in the city and it’s worth the extra $1,850.

Those looking for something smaller can opt for the Toyota Tacoma.

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax is a capable full-size pickup, and when equipped with the extra safety technology, it can keep you secure when driving in the city. For those using it for hunting, camping or as a serious construction work vehicle, it’s highly capable.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy