There are many good reasons for pickup trucks being so popular and desirable in the USA, reasons such as storage capacity, off-road capability, towing heavy loads, safety, or even just being a status symbol. But without a mega budget, can a huge fuel-guzzling pickup truck be reliable, and is it realistic to own one as a daily driver?
The answer to both of those questions is absolutely yes. For the same price as a new 2026 Toyota Camry, you could own a seriously dependable pickup, and there are many widely selling contenders to choose from, but this one in particular takes the top spot as the most reliable.
The 2021 Toyota Tundra Is The Most Reliable Full-Size Pickup
The Toyota Tundra has been with us since 1999 across three generations. You’d be absolutely right in saying that it’s dated compared to rivals, but on the flip side, few vehicles can stand the test of time quite like the Tundra. Still selling by the thousands every year, this pickup truly embodies Toyota’s bulletproof reliability and has proven itself to be industry-leading in dependability. Along with its great value, it’s also incredibly versatile and robust for any off-roading ventures. Each one is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 producing 381 horsepower, 401 pound-feet of torque, and a fantastic grumble as you start it up. It’s available with rear-wheel-drive or as a 4×4 and is able to tow up to 10,200 pounds.
Why The Older Generation?
The 2021 Tundra is the last of the previous generation, dating all the way back to 2007, but it’s actually the much better option in terms of price and reliability. After a much-anticipated redesign in 2022, it is already clear that the current generation can’t hold a candle to its predecessor. While we don’t yet have the data to conclude how dependable it is through long-term ownership, we do know that it is the most recalled Toyota from the last 10 years. The major recall was due to machining debris being left within the V35A twin-turbo V6 engines during the manufacturing process, resulting in engine failures. This left Toyota with no other option than to recall almost 100,000 Tundra models, produced between 2022 and 2023, and replace the engines free of charge.
While it isn’t all the models, just those produced between 2022 and 2023, it’s still enough to be a big concern. There are other smaller issues with the third generation, too, including the chafing of a fuel tube, which can result in a leak, and some interior rattles. Ultimately, we have countless data to show that the second generation endured 15 years with minimal faults, and thus is deemed an incredibly reliable motor, but we simply can’t make this same claim for the current version.
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Reliability Scores Are Strong Across The Board
Being in production and running for 14 years, the second-generation Tundra is statistically shown to be the most reliable pickup from multiple sources, including JD Power, Repairpal, and CarEdge. However, it’s also shown to be true from real-world ownership, as countless Tundras have managed to cover many hundreds of thousands of miles without major issues. It is ultimately time that has proven the reliability of this mighty machine and created its reputation for being dependable.
What Makes It So Reliable?
The answer is simplicity and a formula with a proven track record. Its well-established V8 across all models has been around for a long time and is known for its durability, even with heavy hauling duties. Combine this mechanical simplicity with an abundance of cheap parts, and you’ll get that infamous Japanese reliability and a vehicle that will persist in all conditions for hundreds of thousands of miles.
The 2021 Toyota Tundra is a ‘Quality Award Winner’ from JD Power. This is awarded to the brands/models with the fewest problems reported per 100 owners during the first 90 days of ownership. In JD Power’s Quality & Reliability ratings, the 2021 Tundra scored 84/100, placing it among the strongest performers for light-duty pickups, reinforcing its reputation throughout long-term ownership.
Safety Elements Offer Ample Peace Of Mind
Every Tundra model has a wide array of safety features. Even the standard version comes equipped with Lane Departure Alert with a Sway Warning System, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Automatic High Beams. You can also opt for a Blind-Spot Monitor to crucially help you when reversing this 5,470-pound pickup. The Tundra’s weight and size is also an obvious factor regarding driver and passenger safety, providing great assurance of protection.
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It Truly Is Toyota Camry Money
Base MSRP: $34,125
The 2021 Toyota Tundra’s absolute base price was $34,125, putting it practically on par with the highest-spec Toyota Camry, but, according to KBB, prices range from $29,000 to $44,500 in the used market, depending on condition and specs. There’s a wide variation of trims to choose from with the Tundra, but each one you’ll find comes with that same brilliant 5.7-liter V8 and a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Trim packages include:
- SR: The base trim with a seven-inch touchscreen (CarPlay/Android Auto), backup camera, and full Toyota Safety Sense.
- SR5: Adds fog lights, chrome accents, upgraded audio, a sliding rear window, extra storage, and optional TRD Sport suspension.
- Limited: Adds LED lighting, leather heated seats, smart key with push-button start, premium audio/navigation, and bed rail system.
- Platinum: Adds ventilated leather seats, JBL premium audio, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and upscale interior/exterior trim.
- 1794 Edition: Luxury variant with western-themed saddle brown leather and wood-grain accents, chrome exterior details, premium wheels, and similar high-end features as Platinum with distinctive styling.
- TRD Pro: Off-road focused with standard 4WD, TRD suspension and skid plate, dual TRD exhaust, rugged lighting, and unique badging.
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The Most Realistic Option
For the same price as a Toyota Camry, the SR and the SR5 are very easily attainable, as they will generally sell for around $30,000. You may be lucky in finding a limited version with high mileage, but any higher specs than this would be out of this budget unless you were willing to settle for rear-wheel drive only.
However, you would still own a bulletproof pickup truck with a 5.7-liter V8, mighty towing ability, excellent safety features as standard, and an incredibly roomy cabin. Not to mention the whole point of this pickup — longevity, both mechanically and in terms of holding its value.
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Why It Surpasses Rivals
The Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 are the Tundra’s main rivals. They are similar in value but are the more popular choices and currently dominate the sales figures. This is because they’re better all-rounders; they have more modern interior specs, offer more engine options, and have better transmission, fuel economy, and a more stable ride.
Rival’s Reliability Ratings
- 2022 Ram 1500 – 78/100
- 2021 Ford F-150 – 71/100
But while they have more aspects going for them, they both trail the Toyota Tundra when it comes to reliability. The 2021 F-150 and the Ram 1500 only received average reliability ratings from JD Power after gathering owner-reported reliability data. So, despite their limitations compared to other pickups, you’re guaranteed minimal issues in comparison for as long as you wish to own it, cementing the Tundra as the most reliable full-size pickup you can own for Toyota Camry money.