2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD Pros vs Cons

Finding the right full-sized truck can be difficult, even though there are not that many different models to choose from. The all-new 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD is not the most eye-catching full-sized truck on the market, but it offers a strong V8 engine, plenty of standard safety features, and a spacious interior design. However, there are some aspects of the Tundra that fall short of impressing drivers, especially the less-than-stellar fuel economy and lack of customizability.

What's New for 2018?

The 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD was revamped for this model year. New for 2018 is the standardization of Toyota Safety Sense, a driver assist package that includes high-tech active safety features. Also, it should be noted that the standard cab has been discontinued for the Tundra lineup.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD – The Pros

1. A Standard V8 Engine

The standard 5.7-L V8 engine puts in a strong performance. Whether you're cruising along the highway or roughing it along a dirt road, the V8 doesn't show any signs of weakness. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and 2WD, the 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD is more than capable of getting around smoothly on any road surface.

2. Toyota Safety Sense Comes Standard

Toyota takes vehicular safety seriously, which is why they have made Toyota Safety Sense standard on the 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD. Features include a forward collision warning and mitigation system, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Many of these features do not come standard on other vehicles and are reserved for line-topping trims.

3. Spacious Interior

The Tundra is quite spacious on the inside, especially up front. The driver and front seat passenger should have no problem feeling cozy, and there is also a good amount of head, shoulder, and legroom in the rear. Those who opt for the CrewMax cab will find that they have no problem fitting three big adults back there.

4. Good Acceleration

Full-sized trucks aren't exactly known for being swift to accelerate. The Tundra's V8, however, gives the truck ample get-up-and-go power. The truck can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, which bests quite a few competitors and even leaves some smaller sedans in the dust.

5. Secure Braking Abilities

Braking on the 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD feels secure and predictable. Making an emergency stop feels safe, and the truck has a relatively good stopping distance. Overall, there is no guesswork involved with these brakes.

6. Good Steering and Handling

Steering on the Tundra feels secure and fluid, and the 44-feet turning circle is pretty impressive for such a massive truck. Handling on crowded city roads can be a little rough, but once you get this truck out in the open on a country road, handling is a breeze.

7. Great For Off-Roading

The Tundra is built for off-roading. The optional TRD Off-Road package and automatic limited-slip differential lend to the Tundra's solid grip on any road surface and make it ideal for off-roading.

8. Cozy Front Seats

Seats are cozy all throughout the truck, but the front seats are particularly comfortable. The driver's seat is highly adjustable and provides ample lumbar and thigh support. The seats are well-bolstered, so a long ride won't result in discomfort through the spine and legs. Also, a nice added touch is that the front seats are ventilated and heated.

9. Clear Outward Visibility

Visibility can sometimes be an issue with big trucks, but it isn't on the Tundra. Most drivers should not have a problem with frontal or rear visibility. The standard rearview camera and parking sensors that come on the higher-level trims can really get you out of a jam in congested city traffic and parking lots.

10. Plenty of Small Item Storage Areas

There are plenty of small storage bins and compartments carefully distributed throughout the Tundra's cabin. If you have a large drink bottle, it will fit in the cupholders or door pocket without a problem, and the center stack is large enough to host a full-sized laptop or two.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD – The Cons

1. Poor Fuel Economy

As you might expect, the 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD does not get good gas mileage. While other automakers attempt to remedy this issue by offering turbocharged gas-powered engines, Toyota does not do so, which is to its detriment.

2. Not Many Customization Options

There are not too many options for customization with the Tundra. The one package that is absolutely worth having is the TRD Off-Road package. There are only a handful of interior options, including a center console tray and TRD shift knob.

3. Feels Too Big On City Roads

Having this big of a truck is great when you do a lot of country driving. In the city, however, it feels oversized and clunky. It can be difficult to cut in and out of high-density urban traffic and make snappy turns during rush hour.

4. Stiff Ride Quality

Unfortunately, the ride quality feels rather stiff compared to some of the Tundra's competitors. The V8 engine and stiff springs do not make the best pairing and can feel a bit uncomfortable when you're just driving around town.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD vs. 2018 Ford F-150

The 2018 Ford F-150 has a lot of customization options, including choices between multiple powerful engines. Also, the F-150 is extremely comfortable and can tow a heavy load. While its fuel economy isn't terrible, it seems to struggle to meet EPA estimates in its real-world performance. However, this truck is a solid off-roader, especially if you opt for the Raptor trim.

2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD vs. 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500

The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is another top contender in this class. Like the Tundra, it has a powerful V8 engine that provides quick acceleration. It also has an extremely quiet cabin, even when traveling at higher speeds. The biggest drawback is that the Silverado's ride quality isn't very smooth, putting it behind some of its competitors.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2018 Toyota Tundra 2WD is a surprisingly agile and speedy full-sized truck. It handles off-roading like a champ and provides a ridiculous amount of interior space and storage. The Tundra does have a few major mechanical pitfalls that make it difficult for this truck to compete with the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, and Toyota would do well to add more options for customization.