2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

If you're in the market for a new full-sized truck, the 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD is a good choice. This year's Tundra comes in 4WD or 2WD, in 3 different cab styles and in two different lengths for the bed.

If you need a capable off-road vehicle, this 4WD truck has you covered. If you need a good amount of cargo space, the Tundra has what you need. If you appreciate a powerful engine and high towing capacity, then the Tundra should serve you well.

What's New For 2018

The 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD receives a new front grill and some minor, cosmetic changes this year. A new trim level called the TRD Sport has been added to the options. This sporty trim comes with a hood scoop, anti-roll bars at both ends and Bilstein shocks. The TRD logo is emblazoned on the shift knob and floor mats. 20" wheels are also offered with this model.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD – The Pros

1. Great Off-Road Performance

The 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD excels when it comes to off-road performance. It's one of the best off-road vehicles in its class. The 4WD and powerful engine makes the truck an off-road beast. The suspension system does it's job well and the Tundra cuts through almost any terrain.

2. Powerful Engine Options

Every 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD comes equipped with a V-8 engine. The base model is a 4.6-liter that produces 310 hp. For even more power, there is a 5.7-liter V-8 that offers an impressive 381 hp with 401 lb-ft. of torque.

The 5.7-liter V-8 is a monster of an engine that provides plenty of power for work, hauling, towing and off-road adventuring. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system. The system works well, shifting smoothly and accurately on or off the road.

3. Spacious Rear Passenger Seats

The 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD can comfortably seat your rear passengers. The rear seats provide for a lot more room than many of Toyota's competitors in the full-sized truck market. The seats are comfortable and you actually have decent leg room. It is easy for passengers to get in and out of the rear seats in the 2018 Tundra.

4. Comfortable Ride Quality

Thanks to a solid suspension system, the 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD provides a nice, smooth ride. The Tundra soaks up any of the bumps you might encounter on the streets. The entire cabin is spacious inside, both up front and in the rear.

5. High-Tech Safety Features

The 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD adds a lot of modern, high-tech safety features as standard. The Toyota Safety Sense-P suite is now added to all models of the Tundra. This means you will get driver assistance features like Lane-Departure warning, front-collision warning
pedestrian sensors, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.

6. Reliable Workhorse Vehicle

Toyota as a manufacturer is known for producing reliable vehicles that last forever on the road. The 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD should be no different. While it is too early to know about the overall longevity of a 2018 model, the 2015-2017 models all fair well in this category.

7. Good Safety Test Ratings

Much like in the reliability category, there haven't been a lot of tests for the 2018 model of the Tundra yet. Not a lot of mechanical changes have been made to this year's model. Findings for the 2017 Tundra should be about the same. Both the IIHS and NHTSA gave the 2017 Tundra great ratings for crash safety.

8. High Towing Capacity

The best thing about owning a truck is the amount of work you can do with one. The 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD has plenty of cargo space in the truck bed, as well as interior storage for small items. If you need to haul a heavy load or tow a trailer or another vehicle, the Tundra has plenty of power to get it done.

With the base- model engine, you should be able to tow up to. 6800 lbs. If you upgrade to the 5.7-liter V-8, you will be able to tow up to 10,100 lbs.

9. Sharp Exterior Styling

One of the best reasons to choose a Toyota Tundra is the exterior style. Toyota has managed to mix the ruggedness people love in trucks, with a refined, elegant look. The Tundra is sure to turn a few heads on the road or in your driveway.

10. Nice Infotainment System

The infotainment system for the 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD comes with a 6.1" or 7" touchscreen. Both screens feature clear, sharp graphics and intuitive menus. There is a navigation system and traffic and weather is provided in real time. Most functions can conveniently be accessed through voice-command technology. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are also provided.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Toyota Tundra 4WD – The Cons

1. Lower Than Average Fuel Economy

All of the power of the 2018 Tundra comes at a price. The big V-8 engines are thirsty and get lower-than average gas mileage for a full-sized truck. The base engine gets 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The bigger V-8 gets 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

2. Noisy Cabin

The cabin inside the 2018 Tundra is noisy. Toyota could do a better job of sound insulation. As is, you'll hear a lot of wind at high speeds, and rattles and everything else outside at any speed.

3. No Design Upgrades in a Long While

Though there are minor, visual enhancements in 2018, the Tundra is about due for a major overhaul. The design is starting to look a bit dated.

How it Stacks up to the Competition

The main competition for the Toyota Tundra comes from the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500. All three are excellent trucks in their own right. Most get better fuel economy than the Tundra. The Ford and Chevy are a bit more comfortable too. Where the Tundra comes out on top is in power, safety and reliability.

Conclusion

The 2018 Tundra is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful truck. Whether you just want a family hauler, off-road vehicle or powerful work truck, the Tundra can do it all.