DecodedCars2021 Toyota Tundra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Max S/Box 4WD, Double Cab L/Box 2WD, Double Cab L/Box 4WD, Double Cab M/Box 4WD
- Engines
- 5.7L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 381 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 13 city / 17 hwy
- Length
- 226–244.9 in
- Curb weight
- 5,291–5,633 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints24 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 80 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 24% below the 2021 standard pickup truck average of 19.8 MPG.
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 21.9% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Toyota Tundra is a standard pickup truck offered with a 5.7L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 226 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 146-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,633 lb (Crew Max S/Box 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway), 24% worse than the 2021 standard pickup truck average of 19.8 MPG, for an estimated $4,450 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Tundra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Tundra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: San Antonio, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Tundra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Max S/Box 4WD | 226 in | 79.9 in | 76 in | 145.7 in | 68.1 / 68.1 in | 5,633 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab L/Box 2WD | 244.9 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 164.6 in | 68.1 / 68.1 in | 5,291 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab L/Box 4WD | 244.9 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 164.6 in | 68.1 / 68.1 in | 5,600 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab M/Box 4WD | 226 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 145.7 in | 68.1 / 68.1 in | 5,468 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tundra 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | -24% | $4,450 | 601 |
| Tundra 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -23% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota TUNDRA PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2021 Toyota TUNDRA PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2021 Toyota TUNDRA PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.9% |
| 2021 Toyota TUNDRA PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.9% |
Similar 2021 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota Tundra (this car) | 15 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Colorado | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 GMC Canyon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Nissan Titan | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2021 Jeep Gladiator | 24 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
Recalls (2)
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System · Nov 23, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V920000 · 22,462 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
- Risk
- An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Sep 2, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V688000 · 158,489 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
- Risk
- An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB06 and 21TA06.
Not every 2021 Toyota Tundra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Toyota Tundra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Seats — 4 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Visibility/Wiper — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tundra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 37 |
| 2025 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 142 |
| 2024 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 354 |
| 2023 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 414 |
| 2022 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 434 |
| 2020 Tundra | 15 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 47 |
| 2019 Tundra | 16 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 74 |
| 2018 Tundra | 16 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 100 |
| 2017 Tundra | 16 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 78 |
| 2016 Tundra | 17 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 120 |
| 2015 Tundra | 17 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 51 |
| 2014 Tundra | 17 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 78 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →