2021 Toyota Tundra: A Trim Comparison
Last update:
January 8, 2024
The 2021 Toyota Tundra is incredibly spacious and has solid off-road capabilities. This makes it ideal for someone who needs a truck for work and play. There are often a variety of cab and engine options for each trim, but our review will focus on the standard MSRP offering for each trim. Further upgrades will, obviously, cost a premium on top of that standard MSRP price. One thing to note, for truck enthusiasts wanting a single cab work
Comparing Toyota Tundra Trims
While some trims focus solely on performance, others want you to tow as much as possible. The Toyota Tundra offers something for everyone. Which trim is right for you?
SR
The 2021 Toyota Tundra SR is the base trim and starts at $34,155. It comes equipped with a strong 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Because it’s such a powerful engine, drivers can expect a fuel economy rating of 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.
For those concerned about how much work you can get out of your Tundra SR, this trim is capable of a 1,730-pound payload and 10,200-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped. If you’re planning on using it as a family vehicle, it may be best to upgrade to another trim. This base SR price is for a double cab. It has seating for six with a bench seat in the front, but it would be a tight fit. The larger Crewmax cab is not an available option on this trim.
The Tundra SR comes with Toyota Safety Sense standard. This adds safety features that make it much safer for drivers and passengers alike. Toyota Safety Sense includes a Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alerts with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams, and adaptive cruise control. There is also an integrated backup camera.
SR5
The 2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 starts at $35,515 for a double cab with standard bed, 2WD, and the 5.7L V8 engine. Buyers have the options of upgrading to a longer bed with the double cab, a Crewmax cab with 5.5-foot short bed, a 4WD power train.
The Tundra SR5 is the first trim to feature some chrome accents with a gray grilled with chrome surround and chrome rear bumper. In the interior is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, seven-speaker audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and fog lights, among other additions. However, if you opt for the CrewMax models, the vehicle comes with a nine-speaker audio system.
Limited
The 2021 Toyota Tundra Limited has the first major engine upgrade as a starting point for the trim. For $44,405, this trim comes with a double cab and a 5.7-liter V8 standard engine that can produce 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft of torque. Toyota states that a 2WD option is available at this trim level; however, their website only allows potential buyers to configure the model as a 4WD with a double cab. A CrewMax cab with 2WD is available for $45,795.
The Tundra Limited also has a larger 38-gallon fuel tank and larger 20-inch split 5-spoke wheels. The front of the truck receives LED headlights with manual level control and an auto on/off features. Also on the front is a silver grille with chrome surround. The interior of the cabin gets leather-trimmed heated front bucket seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power vertical sliding rear window.
Platinum
The Platinum is a stellar choice for anyone looking at the Toyota Tundra. The CrewMax is the only available cab option from this trim level or higher. Like the limited, it has a 5.7L V8 engine with the 2WD powertrain costing buyers $48,925. It also comes with plenty of features that make it luxurious to drive in all seasons. Perforated, leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated front bucket seats will have you cool in the summer and toasty in the winter.
There are also additional safety features such as front and rear parking assist sonar and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Audio quality and infotainment are also updated with 12-speaker Entune Premium JBL audio with integrated navigation and Entune App Suite. For even more luxury, the Tundra Platinum also features an available power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade.
1794 Edition
If the Platinum doesn’t strike your fancy, the 2021 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition just might. It even has the same MSRP of $52,095. There aren’t many differences between the Tundra Platinum and the Tundra. It’s all about looks when you’re trying to choose between these two trims, although the Tundra 1794 Edition definitely has a more rustic Western vibe due to the different color choices and wood-style trim interior with tanned leather coloring. The Tundra 1794 Edition also comes with the same cab, engine, and powertrain options as the Tundra Platinum. Where it does differ, however, are the 20-inch 6-spoke chrome-clad wheels.
TRD Pro
The last trim/package offering is the 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. A CrewMax cabin and 4WD powertrain with 5.7L V8 flex fuel engine is the only offering here, making the MSRP $48,925. The Tundra TRD Pro has an off-road aesthetic and loses the chrome cladding found on other trims. Instead, the bumpers and grille surround are the color of the truck body. A hood scoop is added, and the grille also features the distinct “TOYOTA” name common across the TRD Pro series. On the interior, the leather seats are TRD Pro-branded and have unique red contrast stitching. the CrewMax also comes with a sunroof.
The TRD Pro series also features TRD-tuned springs and heavy-duty TRD FOX shocks. The shocks feature a 46milimete piston and 11 bypass zones for added control and an extra 1.5 inches of travel in the front wheels. The rear has two additional inches of travel with TRD FOX shocks that have 12 bypass zones and 2.5-inch piggyback reservoirs. Needless to say, there is also greater ground clearance compared to other trims.