What year was the best Tundra made?

There isn’t a single universally “best” year for the Toyota Tundra. If you want the latest technology and strongest performance, the 2022–present Tundra is commonly viewed as the top pick; for buyers on a tighter budget, earlier generations can offer solid value. This article explains the generations, what changed over time, and how to choose the right year for you.

Understanding the Tundra's Generations

Below is a concise overview of how the Tundra evolved across its three generations, focusing on size, capability, and technology—factors that often influence what people consider the “best” year.

Here is a quick overview of the major breaks between generations.

• Gen 1 (1999–2006): The original Tundra, built on Toyota’s early full‑size platform, known for reliability in a smaller full‑size package.


• Gen 2 (2007–2021): A larger, more refined truck with updated interiors, broader engine options, and more modern features, spanning a long production run with incremental updates.


• Gen 3 (2022–present): A complete redesign with a new platform, modern powertrain choices (including a turbocharged V6 and an available hybrid setup on higher trims), upgraded interior tech, and improved towing capabilities.

In short, each generation reflects Toyota’s responses to market demand, combining durability with advancing technology as the model line evolved.

Why the 2022–present Tundra Often Gets Picked as Best Years

The third generation, beginning with the 2022 model year, is widely regarded as the best overall package due to a fresh design, stronger powertrains, and more modern technology. Here’s why buyers tend to favor these years.

Key advantages of the 2022–present Tundra:

• All-new third-generation chassis, delivering improved ride quality, handling, and towing/payload capabilities.


• Powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, with an available hybrid configuration on higher trims for enhanced torque and efficiency.


• Expanded interior technology and connectivity, including larger displays and upgraded driver-assistance features.


• Enhanced durability and overall build quality, contributing to strong resale value for many buyers.

Note that early 2022 builds marked the launch of a redesign, so some launch-year issues are typical of new platforms. Since then, updates and service campaigns have tended to improve reliability and owner satisfaction on subsequent model years.

Buying by Year: What to Look For

When shopping for a used Tundra, consider how your priorities—tech, reliability, budget, and availability—shape which year you should target. Use the guidance below to align your choice with your needs.

Guidance for selecting the best-timed purchase:

• If you value the latest technology and the strongest on-road/off-road performance, target 2022–2024 models, especially trims with the hybrid option on higher grades.


• For the best balance of value and capability, late Gen 2 models (roughly 2016–2021) offer solid reliability and a broad used-market at lower prices than the latest generation.


• For budget-conscious shoppers, well‑maintained early Gen 3 trucks (2022) or well-kept Gen 2 pickups can still deliver strong utility at lower prices.

When shopping by year, always check maintenance history, whether recalls have been addressed, drivetrain and frame condition where applicable, and the presence of the features you need for your intended use.

Summary

There is no single universal “best” Tundra year. The 2022–present Tundra is widely considered the top pick for those seeking the newest technology, strongest powertrains, and best overall capability. If budget is your primary constraint, late Gen 2 models offer excellent value, while well-maintained early Gen 3 and Gen 2 trucks can still satisfy practical needs. Your best year ultimately depends on what you value most: latest features, long-term reliability, or cost efficiency.

Which tundra years are known for longevity?

Additionally, the most reliable years for the Toyota Tundra are generally considered to be 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010, and 2014. These standout years exemplify Toyota's commitment to quality and durability in the full-size pickup truck market.

What are the best Toyota Tundra years?

The best Toyota Tundra years are generally considered to be the 2019-2021 models for their combination of modern features and high reliability, and 2013-2017 models for strong performance and few complaints. These years fall within the second generation (2007-2021), which is widely praised for its durability, especially the V8 engine options.
 
This video discusses the best Toyota Tundra model years, focusing on the 2017 model: 57sTundraDude34YouTube · Jun 14, 2025
Top recommended years

• 2019-2021: These are considered the pinnacle of the second generation, offering modern safety features like adaptive cruise control and a touchscreen infotainment system, combined with the proven reliability of the 5.7L V8 engine. 
• 2013-2017: These model years received good reliability ratings and are highlighted for their excellent performance and few issues. The 2013 model also introduced a new Platinum trim and the TRD Rock Warrior trim. 
• 2015: This year stands out for having one of the lowest numbers of complaints in the second generation and received a high-quality score from J.D. Power. 
• 2018: While some years had specific recalls, the 2018 Tundra is noted as a reliable choice with a special-edition 1794 trim. 

You can watch this video to learn about the best and worst Toyota Tundra years: 52sCars & TrucksYouTube · Sep 14, 2025
What to look for

• Second-generation V8 models: The years from 2007 to 2021 are known for being highly reliable, especially with the 5.7L V8 engine, which is why many recommend focusing on this generation. 
• Avoid early second-gen models: The 2007 model year is known for having more complaints, and the 2012 model year is often cited as having engine problems. 

This video explains the most reliable truck you can buy, highlighting the 2007-2021 Tundra: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jul 2, 2024

Which tundra years have the most complaints?

Car Complaints lists the 2007 Tundra as having the most complaints overall, led by engine issues like air injection pump failure, piston slap when cold, and a stuck secondary air pump. This model year also has 14 recalls.

What year of tundra should I stay away from?

Years to be cautious with the Toyota Tundra include early second-generation models (2007–2013) due to potential head gasket issues and rust, initial third-generation models (2022–2024) for engine and transmission problems, and the 2017 for some recalls and a less refined ride compared to other years in its generation.
 
Second Generation (2007–2021)

• 2007–2013: These years can have head gasket issues that are manageable with regular coolant flushes. Rust on the frame is a concern, especially in rust-belt areas, and should be checked before purchase. 
• 2017: Some owners report issues, including a less refined ride, and a higher number of recalls compared to other years in this generation. 

Third Generation (2022–Present)

• 2022–2024: The initial model years for this generation have been linked to engine failures, mainly due to a manufacturing problem that led to a large recall. Issues with the new 10-speed transmission and problems with the new technology, like the infotainment system and power tailgates, have also been reported. 

What to consider before buying

• Check the recall history: Some issues, like head gasket problems on 2007–2013 models, can be mitigated by a previous engine replacement or repair. 
• Inspect the frame: For models from the second generation, carefully inspect the frame for rust, especially if you live in a region that uses road salt. 
• Consider a pre-purchase inspection: This is a good practice for any used vehicle, but especially for a model year you are wary of. 
• Look at model year reputation: While some years have specific issues, the overall reputation for the second generation is strong, especially the later years like 2019, 2020, and 2021, which have fewer reported problems.