The Most Bang-For-The-Buck Trim In The 2024 Toyota Tundra Lineup

Summary

• The Toyota Tundra ranks high in reliability, features, and resale value, attracting plenty of truck enthusiasts.
• The 2024 Tundra lineup consists of seven trims, with the Platinum standing out for its luxury, capability, and pricing.
• The i-Force MAX hybrid engine in the Tundra Platinum combines power and efficiency for excellent performance and range.

When Toyota made the decision to start manufacturing its half-ton truck in San Antonio, Texas, in 1999, they knew it wouldn’t be easy. Challenging Ford, Chevrolet, and RAM in this segment was a risky move for them, but the Japanese automaker knows a thing or two about crafting and sustaining long-term plans, and the strategy has clearly paid dividends.

More than two decades have passed since the Toyota Tundra burst onto the truck market and began its reign over the competition, during which time it’s safe to say that it has stood as one of Toyota’s finest offerings.

When it comes to picking a reliable, powerful and versatile truck, the Toyota Tundra stands out as a top contender. Its well-established reputation for durability, coupled with plenty of features designed to address diverse needs, makes it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that the Tundra ranks among the trucks with the highest resale value, retaining approximately 70% of its initial worth after five years.

Undoubtedly, it’s easy to lay eyes on the new 2024 Tundra and wonder which trim level is the best one to fit their budget and lifestyle, but if you want the best bang for your buck, there’s one trim that stands above the rest.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Toyota, Toyota Showroom, and the EPA.

The Toyota Tundra Platinum i-Force MAX Hits The Sweet Spot As The Ideal Trim Option

Overall, the 2024 Toyota Tundra emerges as a remarkably well-rounded truck, boasting an enticing blend of luxury, capability, and technology. Specifically, when considering which trim level of the Toyota Tundra to purchase, the Platinum trim stands out as the best option for several compelling reasons.

Represents The Middle Ground Among All Available Trims

The reason why the Platinum trim instinctively emerges as the best option is because it serves as the midpoint among all the models presented in the 2024 lineup.

By offering a balanced combination of features and amenities, it presents itself as the optimal compromise solution that provides advantages from both the lower and higher trims.

Countless Options Available To Heighten Its Level

Another advantage is its versatility, as it comes with numerous customizable options. This means that if you wish to take it to the level of the higher trims in the future, you have the possibility to do so, which isn’t offered to the same extent by the lower trims.

For instance, for those seeking enhanced capability, options such as the TRD off-road package and the new 3-inch suspension lift are available (at an additional cost, of course).

Competitive Cost Relative To Its Extensive Features

Despite the price increase for the new generation of Tundras, the Platinum trim remains competitive, with prices starting at around $62,000 and reaching approximately $71,000 for a fully equipped model.

While this price may seem substantial, it’s important to consider that alternatives like the Capstone model or the TRD Pro come with even higher costs. Thus, the Platinum trim presents itself as a well-balanced choice, offering a blend of luxury and capability without breaking the bank.

The i-Force MAX Hybrid Engine Combines The Best Of Both Worlds: Power and Efficiency

The Toyota Tundra offers a choice between a gas-only engine or a hybrid version known as the i-Force Max. Opting for the hybrid powertrain, which comes with a $4,000 upcharge in the Tundra Platinum lineup, provides an impressive combination of performance and efficiency.

The i-Force Max Hybrid Powertrain Features A V-6 Coupled With An Electric Motor

The hybrid powertrain features a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, which replaces the old 5.7-liter V-8, paired with a 36 kW electric motor. Without the hybrid powertrain, this engine on its own delivers 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, to which the electric motor adds up about 48 more horsepower, amounting to a total combined output of 437 horsepower and an impressive 583 pound-feet of torque. These figures are higher than those obtained with the F-150; they’re not that much higher, but it still provides some bragging rights for Toyota.

Available in rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive configurations, and equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this Tundra offers versatility for various driving conditions and ensures smooth and efficient power delivery.

Its Spectacular Range Surpasses 600 Miles

Fuel economy for the hybrid model is rated at 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, a little bit better versus the TRD Pro, and it has a massive 32.2-gallon fuel tank, so you’re looking at 644 miles of range on a full tank of fuel. That is one of the best ranges that you’re going to find in the segment; it’s literally double the range compared to many electric trucks out there.

It’s worth noting that the hybrid configuration adds weight to the vehicle, with the inclusion of a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack. As a result, the Tundra with the hybrid powertrain weighs just under 6,000 pounds, making it one of the heavier trucks in its segment.

Its Elevated Weight Doesn’t Prevent It From Remaining Swift And Efficient

Despite its considerable weight, the Tundra maintains both respectable fuel efficiency and impressive speed, being able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds, a remarkable feat for a truck weighing 5710 pounds. Regarding top speed, Toyota remains somewhat conservative with a 108 miles per hour limit, which is similar to that of the F-150 Hybrid.

Top-Of-The-Line Features And Superb Finishes

If you’re a fan of a sleek black interior, then the 2024 Toyota Tundra Platinum might just be your dream ride.

This trim level offers a genuine leather interior with contrasting blue stitching, giving it a refined yet sporty look. The seats, adjustable in twelve different ways, boast blue perforations and heating and ventilation functions, providing both comfort and style. While not as plush as the Capstone’s semi-analine leather, the Platinum’s interior still exudes a sense of luxury.

14-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System At Your Disposal

The dashboard features soft-touch materials with real stitching, contributing to the upscale ambiance. Additionally, there’s a 12.3-inch fully digital customizable display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota’s latest connected services, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Various Drive Modes And Additional Features Are Included

The center console houses the controls for the 10-speed automatic transmission, which includes manual and sport modes. Furthermore, there’s a drive mode selector with options for sport, normal, and eco modes, as well as a tow-haul mode.

The Platinum trim also offers comfort features such as:

• Dal-zone automatic climate control.
• Heated and ventilated seats.
• Panoramic glass roof with a retractable shade.

The rear seats, particularly spacious in the Crewmax body style, provide over 41 inches of legroom and come with retractable sun shades and rear seat air vents.

In terms of build quality, the Tundra’s interior seems solid and well put together. The attention to detail, combined with advanced tech features and spacious accommodations, makes the Platinum trim a compelling choice for those seeking luxury and practicality in a full-size truck.

Toyota Tundra Trim Level Breakdown

Since its introduction, the Toyota Tundra has been a benchmark in the truck segment, renowned for its legendary durability and remarkable capabilities. Over the years, it has undergone significant evolution to meet the growing demands of drivers, and the 2024 models are no exception.

For the 2024 model year, Toyota has introduced a diverse range of trim levels, each tailored to comply with different preferences and requirements. Combining both gas-powered and hybrid options, the 2024 Toyota Tundra is available in seven different trim levels:

• SR
• SR5
• Limited
• Platinum
• 1794 Edition
• TRD Pro
• Capstone

Each Tundra Trim Level Comes Standard With Toyota Safety Sense 2.5

All Tundra trim levels come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which provides many of the safety and driver assist features you’d want, such as:

• Adaptive cruise control.
• Front-collision alert with pedestrian detection.
• Lane-departure alert with lane-tracing assist and steering assist.
• Road sign recognition.
• Automatic high beams.

2024 Toyota Tundra Trim Comparison

(Data sourced from Toyota)

SR Trim: Ideal For Those Who Value Reliability And Practicality The Most

The starting point in the Tundra lineup is the SR trim, tailored for those who prioritize reliability and functionality. Prized at $39,965, it offers the essentials needed to get the job done without some of the luxuries available on higher trims. For many, this is more than enough, and the lower price point reflects this simplicity.

It comes standard with the i-Force engine in a detuned version with 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque paired with a 10-speed transmission and an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen.

The SR5 Trim Takes Comforts Up A Notch While Also Boosting Power

The SR5 trim introduces additional comfort and convenience features. While it used to be the most common option, the expansion of Toyota’s lineup with more premium trim levels has shifted its position towards the lower end.

For $45,500 you’ll find a potent 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 32-gallon fuel tank available (otherwise, it’s 22 gallons).

There are numerous customization options available, including packages such as the TRD Off-Road package for off-road enthusiasts and the TRD Sport package for street performance. Additionally, various infotainment screen upgrades are available.

The Limited Trim Introduces The i-Force Max Hybrid Powertrain

Moving up to the Limited trim, you’ll notice the availability of even more premium features. Without carrying a huge price tag ($51,855), buyers have the option of upgrading to the i-Force Max Hybrid Powertrain, which boosts power figures to 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, ideal for towing, hauling, and off-the-line performance. However, it’s important to consider that opting for the hybrid powertrain means sacrificing rear under-seat storage.

The Limited comes standard with SofTex seating, heating on the front seats, 20-inch wheels and a 14-inch infotainment screen. Additionally, buyers can opt for upgrades such as the 12-speaker JBL stereo with engine sound enhancement, a heated steering wheel, rear air suspension, panoramic view monitor, panoramic moonroof, and more.

Keeping Performance Levels High, The Platinum Trim Inches Towards Luxury Territory

The Platinum trim level of the Toyota Tundra marks a shift towards luxury, available exclusively in black and featuring softer seats upholstered in genuine perforated leather. Both front and rear seats are heated and ventilated, and the rear sun shades enhance the overall comfort of the cabin. This luxurious interior design is complemented by a striking exterior featuring a large dark chrome grille and dark wheels.

Starting at $62,105, many other features come standard, such as the JBL stereo system and the panoramic view monitor, leaving few additions necessary in the case you want to take it to another level.

Most Platinum models are equipped with the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, although the non-hybrid i-Force engine is still available if desired.

Similar To The Platinum, The 1794 Trim Level Features A Western Theme

The 1794 trim level is nearly identical to the Platinum in terms of available options, being typically equipped with the i-Force Max engine (although the regular i-Force is still available).

The price of $62,460 will get you a distinct Western theme to honor the Tundra’s heritage. The name “1794” references to the founding year of the Texas Cattle Ranch on which the Tundra is currently built.

TRD Pro: Prime Pick For Off-Road Enthusiasts

Based on the Limited trim, the TRD Pro is an extremely popular model among off-road enthusiasts. This high-end off-road performance model of the Tundra features all its components geared towards off-road adventures, with the i-Force Max powertrain being the only option.

The Zenith Of Luxury: The Capstone Trim Tops The Lineup

At the top of the Tundra lineup, the Capstone trim, priced at $78,845, represents the pinnacle of luxury, technology, and capability. This trim leaves little room for customization, with the only optional feature being the rear air suspension; everything else is included as standard.