This review provides a firsthand account of owning a 2024 Toyota Tundra Sr5 in Central New York, drawing comparisons with previous trucks owned, including a 2014 Tundra SR. The owner’s perspective focuses on practicality, durability, and real-world driving experiences in a rural and small-city environment.
Performance and Reliability: Engine and Transmission
With nearly 7,000 miles driven, the 2024 Tundra SR5 boasts impressive power, surpassing all previous trucks owned. The engine, while initially clattering upon startup, performs reliably. The owner, adhering to a more frequent oil change schedule than the recommended 10,000 miles, changed the oil at 500 and 5,000 miles. The transmission delivers seamless shifts at optimal times. Fuel economy has steadily improved, rising from 16.2 mpg to 18.2 mpg with conservative driving habits.
Interior Features and Comfort
The interior offers comfortable seating suitable for long drives, though the perforated material raises concerns about long-term durability. Heated seats are appreciated by the owner’s wife, while the electric seat adjustment is deemed unnecessary added weight. The placement of controls and the readability of the dash are praised, but the infotainment touchscreen proves challenging to operate, especially on rough roads. The smaller windshield requires leaning forward to see traffic lights, impacting ergonomics.
Exterior Features and Design
The exterior styling of the 2024 Tundra SR5 receives high marks, particularly the front end. However, several features draw criticism. The lack of heated side mirrors, a feature present on the previous 2014 Tundra SR, is a notable drawback in the Central NY winter. The new blind-spot monitoring sensors in the mirrors are viewed as distracting rather than helpful. The rear step assist is deemed useless due to its low ground clearance and tendency to collect dirt. Ground clearance is considered adequate but could be improved by removing the front air dam. The absence of front tow hooks, a valuable feature on the previous Tundra, is a significant disappointment.
Technology and Convenience
The remote keyless entry with automatic unlocking is a welcome addition, although security concerns are raised. The remote start feature, requiring a subscription, is criticized due to its automatic shutoff upon door opening and the perceived planned obsolescence of the starter. The radio necessitates burning CDs to a USB drive, a time-consuming inconvenience.
Driving Experience and Overall Impression
The ride is smoother compared to older trucks, but the owner expresses a preference for the simplicity and durability of traditional leaf springs. A minor issue with leaking struts, covered under warranty, required a second dealership visit due to equipment malfunction. The brakes performed admirably during a sudden encounter with deer. The black bed liner is preferred over the painted bed of the previous Tundra, and the tie-down loops are frequently utilized.
The owner’s overall impression of the 2024 Tundra SR5 is positive, rooted in Toyota’s reputation for reliability and long-lasting vehicles. However, several features are seen as unnecessary “fluff” in the name of safety, with a preference for practical features like heated mirrors, a dash cam, and front tow hooks.
