Toyota continues its legacy in the full size pickup truck segment with the 2018 Toyota Tundra. This robust vehicle, assembled exclusively in San Antonio, Texas, reinforces its position as a reliable and capable workhorse, now enhanced with updated styling, advanced safety features, and a sporty new TRD Sport package. For those in the market for a Toyota Full Size Pickup, the 2018 Tundra presents a compelling blend of power, technology, and Toyota’s renowned dependability.
The 2018 model year marks a significant step forward for the Tundra, primarily with the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) as standard across all grades. This suite of active safety technologies elevates the Tundra’s safety profile, making it a smarter and more secure choice in the competitive full-size pickup arena. Alongside safety enhancements, the Tundra receives a refreshed front-end design across the range and the introduction of the TRD Sport package, injecting a dose of sporty aesthetics and performance-oriented features. Reflecting market trends, the Regular Cab model has been discontinued, streamlining the lineup to focus on the versatile Double Cab and spacious CrewMax configurations, both four-door models designed to cater to a variety of needs from work to family duties.
Enhanced Safety with Standard Toyota Safety Sense-P
A standout upgrade for the 2018 Toyota Tundra is the standardization of Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P). This advanced system integrates several key safety technologies designed to mitigate accidents and enhance driver awareness. TSS-P includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD): This system utilizes millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera to detect preceding vehicles or pedestrians. If a potential collision is detected, the system alerts the driver and can automatically apply braking to help avoid or lessen the impact.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA): LDA monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane unintentionally, promoting safer highway driving.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): DRCC maintains a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. It can automatically adjust the Tundra’s speed to maintain a safe gap, enhancing convenience and safety during highway cruising.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): AHB automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of oncoming traffic, optimizing nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers.
These features collectively make the 2018 Tundra a leader in safety within the toyota full size pickup category, providing drivers with added confidence and peace of mind on the road.
Fresh Styling and the New TRD Sport Package
The 2018 Tundra gets a visual refresh with updated frontal styling across all trim levels. Each grade receives unique grille designs and headlight configurations, enhancing the truck’s overall appearance.
- SR and SR5 Grades: These models feature a redesigned gray honeycomb-style grille and halogen headlights equipped with LED daytime running lights. The SR5 further benefits from halogen fog lights.
- Limited Grade: The Limited trim showcases a bolder billet-style grille with a chrome surround and is fully equipped with LED lighting, projecting a premium aesthetic.
- Platinum Grade: The Platinum grade opts for an elegant black honeycomb grille with a body-color surround, complemented by full LED lighting, emphasizing sophistication and refinement.
- 1794 Edition: Maintaining its luxurious western theme, the 1794 Edition features an updated billet-style grille and is upgraded with LED lights, blending heritage with modern touches.
Adding a sporty dimension to the lineup is the new TRD Sport package, available on SR5 grades. This package delivers a more aggressive and athletic look, along with performance enhancements:
- Exterior Styling: The TRD Sport package features a body-color surround for the honeycomb grille, color-keyed mirrors, bumpers, and hood scoop. 20-inch silver-painted aluminum alloy wheels with black accents further enhance its sporty stance. A TRD bedside graphic adds a distinctive touch.
- Lighting Upgrades: The TRD Sport package upgrades the SR5 with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED fog lights, improving visibility and adding to the truck’s modern appeal.
- Chassis and Performance Enhancements: True to its TRD (Toyota Racing Development) designation, the Sport package includes TRD anti-sway bars and sport-tuned TRD Bilstein shocks. These upgrades refine handling and provide a more engaging driving experience.
- Interior Accents: Inside, a TRD shift knob and floor mats complete the sporty theme.
- Color Options: The TRD Sport is available in Super White, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Blue Metallic, Blazing Blue Pearl, and Barcelona Red Metallic, offering a range of vibrant and classic choices.
The TRD Sport package makes the 2018 Tundra an even more attractive option for buyers seeking a toyota full size pickup with a sporty edge and enhanced driving dynamics.
Versatile Cabin Configurations: Double Cab and CrewMax
The 2018 Toyota Tundra lineup focuses on four-door configurations, offering both Double Cab and CrewMax models to suit different passenger and cargo needs.
- Double Cab: This configuration features forward-hinged rear doors and offers a choice of a 6.5-foot standard bed or an 8.1-foot long bed. Rear seat legroom measures 34.7 inches, providing comfortable space for passengers or cargo.
- CrewMax: The CrewMax variant boasts a larger cabin with larger rear doors and a shorter 5.5-foot bed. It offers a class-leading 42.3 inches of rear seat legroom, akin to a limousine, making it ideal for families or crews requiring maximum passenger space. All CrewMax models come standard with a power vertical sliding rear window, while Limited trim Double Cab models feature a power sliding horizontal rear window.
Both cab styles offer foldable rear seats to expand cargo carrying capacity inside the cabin. Front seating options include bench or bucket seats on SR and SR5 trims, while Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition grades feature upgraded bucket seats, emphasizing comfort and luxury across the range. All Tundra beds are 22.2 inches deep and can handle a payload of up to 1,730 pounds when properly equipped, adding to the practicality of this toyota full size pickup.
Powerful V8 Engine Choices
Under the hood, the 2018 Toyota Tundra continues to offer a choice of two robust i-Force V8 engines, ensuring ample power and capability for any task.
- 4.6-liter i-Force V8: This standard engine produces 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of torque, providing a strong and efficient powertrain for everyday driving and light-duty tasks.
- 5.7-liter i-Force V8: The more powerful 5.7-liter V8 generates 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is ideal for heavy-duty work, offering impressive towing and hauling capabilities.
Both engines feature advanced technologies such as 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. All Tundra models are equipped with a smooth and responsive 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Towing and Hauling Prowess
Built on a robust TripleTech frame, the 2018 Toyota Tundra is engineered for serious towing and hauling. The frame design incorporates wide, full-boxed rails in the front, a reinforced C-channel under the cab, and an open C-channel beneath the bed, balancing strength, ride quality, and durability.
When equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 and the Tow Package, the Tundra boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds (SAE J2807 compliant). The Tow Package, available on all grades, upgrades the Tundra’s cooling and electrical systems with integrated engine and transmission oil coolers, a heavy-duty battery, and alternator. TOW/HAUL mode optimizes throttle sensitivity and transmission shift control for enhanced control and safety while towing. Trailer Sway Control and an integrated Trailer Brake Controller further enhance towing confidence.
With its impressive towing capacity, the 2018 Tundra stands out as a highly capable toyota full size pickup for both work and recreational towing needs.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The 2018 Toyota Tundra’s interior is designed for both comfort and functionality. Soft-touch surfaces, high-quality materials, and thoughtful design elements create a refined cabin experience.
- Comfort Features: Features like soft-touch surfaces, available leather-trimmed seats, and wood-style trim in higher grades enhance interior ambiance. Dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, and available power moonroof add to passenger comfort.
- Technology and Connectivity: All models come standard with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming. The Entune Audio system, standard on SR grade, features a 6.1-inch touchscreen display. Higher grades offer Entune Audio Plus and Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite, incorporating larger touchscreens, Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and smartphone app integration for services like Slacker, Pandora, Yelp, and more. The Platinum and 1794 Edition models get the premium Entune Premium JBL Audio system.
Standard features across the Tundra range include a windshield wiper de-icer, front and rear mudguards, power windows and door locks, and heated power outside mirrors. The interior of this toyota full size pickup is designed to be both durable and comfortable, catering to the needs of both work and leisure.
Advanced Safety Systems
Beyond the standard TSS-P system, the 2018 Toyota Tundra is equipped with Toyota’s STAR Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop (SST) brake override technology. Eight standard airbags, including driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags, further enhance occupant protection. Available Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems add another layer of safety, particularly useful in a large toyota full size pickup.
American Heritage
The Toyota Tundra is proudly designed and assembled in America. Its design is primarily attributed to Toyota’s Calty Design Research centers in California and Michigan, with engineering support 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 Tundra’s deep American roots.
Conclusion
The 2018 Toyota Tundra reinforces its standing as a robust and dependable toyota full size pickup. With standard Toyota Safety Sense-P, refreshed styling, the addition of the TRD Sport package, and its inherent strengths in power, towing, and versatility, the 2018 Tundra is well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s truck buyers. Whether for work or play, the Tundra offers a compelling combination of capability, safety, and Toyota’s legendary reliability, making it a top contender in the full-size pickup segment.
