While the mid-size Toyota Tacoma leads the game in the class, the half-ton, full-size Toyota Tundra falls behind the newer and more sophisticated rivals from Ford, Ram and General Motors. The Ram 1500 and GM’s twins are all-new for the 2019 model year while Tundra received the last significant refresh in 2014 while the current generation dates back to 2007.
The Tundra received several important upgrades in last years including the standard Safety Sense package of active safety features, upgraded TRD Pro version and more. But the aging Tundra needs more substantial upgrades in order to close to newer and better-selling rivals. And after Toyota introduced several all-new sedan and SUV models the Tundra pickup truck should also get the attention soon.
In that context, the all-new Tundra could arrive as the 2020 model as per latest reports. The model will advance in all aspects and Toyota might also launch the new-gen Tundra with the diesel option. The 2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel hasn’t been confirmed by the company but since recently redesigned half-ton trucks will all offer the diesel option, Toyota should also follow the trend.
2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel: Design
The details about the new-generation Tundra and possible diesel version are still scarce. Based on the available details there shouldn’t be big surprises and Toyota would follow the similar path as the recently resigned rivals.
The model should get the upgraded, high-tensile steel chassis and use the mix of materials to reduce the weight. The model should also make some dimension changes and provide more interior comfort.
The styling is still the mystery but more modern and streamlined body and style should appear with the new version. Some design cues from the recent Toyotas will also find the way to the half-ton truck. We should expect restyled grille and headlights and slightly different body sculpting. The 2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel will share the same styling as petrol versions and get just a few several unique details.
Inferior, features:
The cabin of the new Tundra should also come with more sophistication and comfort. Better quality material and finishes should come with the redesigned dash and more tech features.
The new organization of controls and new infotainment system should be followed with more standard equipment. The model will again offer an array of active safety systems in all versions. There will also be several levels of material quality and Toyota will also offer multiple body styles.
2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel: Powertrains
The redesigned Ram 1500, GM twins and up-to-date Ford F-150, all now offer the turbodiesel engine option for the buyers that want better efficiency and torque. The 2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel should respond on that with the V-8 diesel engine in the combination with the new 8-speed auto transmission as the latest talks in industry suggest. There is no more precise info about this topic so far.
Toyota is also expected to return the pair of V-8 engines but with improved design and efficiency. The transmission system should also contribute to performance and the improved structure should also provide improved towing capabilities.
2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel: Arrival, Price
The details about the 2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel and the new generation of this model are still of the speculative nature. Toyota hasn’t revealed its plans and hasn’t confirmed or refuted the diesel engine option.
The upgraded and diesel-powered Tundra should appear in late 2019 or early 2020 as per the latest reports. The model should again start near $30, 000 but the possible diesel engine wouldn’t be available bellow mid-30, 000.
Unless they upgraded the exterior of the Tundra why bother.
The bed on my 2018 was crushed by the cheap rear bumper, if you want a usable rear or front bumper you “have” to buy after market….,junk exterior.
Well Darko, it’s been 9 months since you wrote this article. Just wondering if you’d mind doing an update on that diesel; will it be a Cummins? What size?