The American pickup truck market is a massive force, with millions of units sold annually. Even global events haven’t slowed down America’s appetite for trucks. In 2019 alone, full-size models from Ford, RAM, GM, Nissan, and Toyota moved nearly 2.5 million units, and that’s excluding the robust midsize truck segment, which added another 600,000 sales. While the domestic giants – Ford, RAM, and GM – dominate the landscape, Toyota has carved out a significant niche, particularly with the ever-popular Tacoma in the midsize category and a dedicated following for the full-size Toyota Tundra.
Many Tundra owners are fiercely loyal, mirroring the passion seen among Ford and Chevy devotees. Having experienced a wide range of pickups, spending time with Toyota’s full-size offering, the 2020 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition, was an opportunity to understand Toyota’s approach to the competitive truck market.
Image showing the front exterior of a blue 2020 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition pickup truck, highlighting its large chrome grille and robust design, parked in an urban setting.
The test model, the “1794 Edition,” is Toyota’s premium, Western-themed trim, a nod to the JLC Ranch in San Antonio, Texas – the very location of Toyota’s truck assembly plant. Essentially, the 1794 Edition is Toyota’s answer to Ford’s King Ranch, offering a similar level of upscale trim, although perhaps with less widespread brand recognition. This particular 2020 Toyota Tundra was indeed assembled at that Texas plant.
Priced at $55,199 as tested, this Toyota Tundra 2020 included several option packages: the TRD Off-Road Package ($155), running boards ($345), a moonroof ($850), and a spray-on bedliner ($579). While not inexpensive, it positions itself as a reasonably priced top-tier truck, especially when considering that the domestic automakers offer ultra-luxury trims reaching well beyond $70,000. The 1794 Edition offers a premium experience without hitting those exorbitant price points.
Image showcasing the interior of the 2020 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition, emphasizing the spacious leather seats, wood trim accents on the dashboard and steering wheel, and “1794” branded floor mats.
The interior of the 2020 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition, while not as overtly luxurious as some competitors, is certainly comfortable and well-appointed. “1794” badging is subtly placed on the floor mats and center console, complemented by wood trim accents on the steering wheel, dashboard, and gear selector. The cabin is remarkably spacious, and the layout is functional and logical. This user-friendliness is a definite plus, especially considering the Tundra’s age. The last major interior redesign was over five years prior, making this generation quite mature in the current automotive cycle. Yet, this maturity seems to be part of the Tundra’s appeal. Owners appreciate its familiarity and the predictable experience it offers.
One aspect that 2020 Toyota Tundra owners become intimately familiar with is frequent gas station visits. The 5.7-liter V8 engine, while delivering a smooth and powerful driving experience, is undeniably thirsty. It achieves a combined city/highway fuel economy of just 14 mpg. However, the engine’s performance is commendable, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. As long as fuel prices remain moderate, the fuel consumption might be a tolerable trade-off for the V8’s capabilities. However, should gas prices surge, the fuel economy could become a more significant concern for Toyota Tundra 2020 drivers.
The exterior design of the Toyota Tundra 2020 is arguably aging gracefully. The prominent chrome grille and distinctive “1794” badging on the doors give it a recognizable presence. The test truck’s Voodoo Blue color further enhanced its visual appeal, making the Tundra stand out.
Image displaying the side profile of a vibrant blue 2020 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition, emphasizing its chrome accents, alloy wheels, and the “1794 Edition” badge on the front door, against a backdrop of trees.
While the interior of the 2020 Toyota Tundra might appear dated compared to newer rivals, it remains functional and user-friendly. For the 2020 model year, Toyota addressed a key technology gap by incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This integration makes the somewhat large and button-heavy infotainment system more palatable, allowing drivers to largely bypass the “Home/Apps/Audio” buttons surrounding the screen by utilizing their smartphone interfaces.
However, with competitors rapidly adopting massive 12-inch and larger touchscreens, Toyota will likely need to modernize the Tundra’s interior in the near future to remain competitive in terms of in-cabin technology. The center console provides ample cupholders and storage compartments, centered around a prominent gear shifter. A sizable center storage bin under the armrest adds practical storage space, beneficial for those using their Toyota Tundra 2020 as a mobile office.
Image showing the spacious rear seating area of the 2020 Toyota Tundra, highlighting the generous legroom and the seats folded up to create additional interior storage space.
Rear passenger space in the 2020 Toyota Tundra is generous, offering substantial legroom. The rear seats also fold upwards, increasing interior cargo capacity, although a completely flat rear floor would further enhance utility, especially for hauling larger, bulkier items.
Of course, being a pickup truck, the Toyota Tundra 2020 features a truck bed. It serves its primary purpose – hauling cargo. The Tundra’s bed is straightforward and functional, lacking some of the more advanced features like integrated lighting or multi-function tailgates found on models like the GMC Sierra. It’s a traditional truck bed, ready for work.
In conclusion, the Toyota Tundra 2020 is best described as a no-nonsense pickup truck focused on utility and reliability. It effectively transports people and cargo from point A to point B, albeit with a noticeable appetite for fuel. It embodies the core Toyota values of dependability and straightforward engineering. With a Toyota Tundra 2020, you know exactly what you’re getting – a robust, if somewhat dated, truck that gets the job done. For many truck buyers, that predictability and proven track record are exactly what they desire.
