2009 Toyota Tundra Review: Dependable Full Size Truck With Strong Engines 

The 2009 Toyota Tundra lasts around 350,000 miles with only some minor paint and A/C issues. At $12,395 to $22,921, it’s more expensive than rivals, but worth it for the lower ownership costs.

Is the 2009 Toyota Tundra a Good Used Truck?

• Yes, 2009 is a good year for the Tundra. Owner reviews praise the dependable engine, high towing capacity, and 4WD system.
• Interior quality is average for a truck, the materials throughout the cabin are very durable, and the infotainment system is reasonably up to date for its age.
• Reliability ratings are excellent. We recommend avoiding models from 2007–2008, and go with models from 2009-2020, which are all great.
• Performance is average from the V6 engine, but both V8 choices offer decent power for a truck its size.
• The Tundra is a safe truck earning an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with the lowest score being 4 stars in the frontal crash tests.
• Fuel economy is lower than average for a truck its size at around 16 MPG, which will get owners about 420 miles of range from the 26.4 gallon tank.

What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Tundra?

• Consumer Reports says the Tundra is capable of taking on American-made trucks, and has high owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds gives the Tundra a 4.8/5 praising the largest V8 engine, but doesn’t like the large driving feel compared to rivals.
• Kelley Blue Book users rate the Tundra 4.6/5, enjoying the towing and payload capacity, but owners don’t like the difficult steering.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Toyota Tundra Have?

The most common problems found on the 2009 Toyota Tundra include paint chipping, a smell from the A/C system, and squeaky brakes. Overall, these problems are very minor compared to other full size trucks from 2009, and repair costs are affordable as well.

Chipping and peeling paint is the most common complaint from owners at around 115,000 miles. Paint that is not properly cared for and left in direct sunlight will start to chip and peel over time. Repainting the affected areas is the only solution, costing about $1,000 per panel.

Foul smells from the A/C system are another issue reported by owners at around 50,000 miles. The drain line for the A/C condenser gets clogged and has to be cleared out. Cleaning it out is a pretty easy process, and costs only about $40 at a shop.

Squeaky brakes are another complaint from owners at roughly 65,000 miles. Owners that use their Tundra to tow will usually need to replace the rotors sooner than on other full size trucks. Replacing the pads is about $200, and a set of rotors is roughly $800.

There are 13 recalls, which is more than other trucks from 2009. The most serious recall covers the power steering gear assembly, which can leak and increase the risk of an accident. Many of the other recalls are for window switches and seat heater wiring, which are not much of a concern when they’ve been replaced.

How Long Will the 2009 Toyota Tundra Last?

A well-cared-for 2009 Toyota Tundra should have no problem lasting over 350,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles more than the Dodge Ram 1500. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than rivals as well, according to Repair Pal, at $610 per year.

Since most 2009 Tundra models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the ignition switch for $300, oil pressure sensor costing $150, and the throttle body, which costs $700.

How Much Is the 2009 Toyota Tundra Worth?

Blue book values range from $12,395 to $22,921, making the Tundra thousands of dollars more than the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado. When new, the price range was $22,490 to $41,605. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 6% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Toyota Tundra?

There are three main models of the Tundra offered for 2009. The second generation of the Tundra was launched in 2007, and replaced by the third generation in 2022.

Base is the entry-level model with:

• 18-Inch Steel Wheels
• Cloth Bench Seat
• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack

SR5 is a step up adding:

• Cruise Control
• Power Windows & Locks
• Power Driver’s Seat
• Keyless Entry

Limited is the flagship model and adds:

• 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Leather Seating
• Bed Rail Tie-Down System
• Automatic Climate Control
• 12-Speaker Premium Stereo System With Bluetooth

What Engines Come In the Toyota Tundra?

• The base engine is an average 4.0L V6 engine which makes 236 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 16 MPG combined and the towing capacity is up to 5,100 pounds.
• A step up is the stronger 4.7L V8, which makes 271 horsepower and 313 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 15 MPG combined. The towing capacity is higher at up to 8,500  pounds.
• The flagship engine is the powerful 5.7L V8 which produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 15 MPG combined. The towing capacity is even higher at 10,800 pounds.

What Colors Does the Toyota Tundra Come In?

How Big Is the Toyota Tundra?

The 2009 Toyota Tundra is an average full-size truck offered in three cabin configurations including a 2-door Regular Cab, 4-door Double Cab, and larger 4-door CrewMax. It’s similar in size to rivals including the Ford F-150 and Nissan Titan. Passenger room is excellent in the CrewMax model, but the backseats are cramped in the Double Cab.

There are three bed lengths available as well, including a 5-foot-6-inch short bed, 6-foot-6-inch standard bed, and full 8-foot long bed.

How Does the Toyota Tundra Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota Tundra is one of the best full size trucks offered in 2009, with some of the longest lasting engines in the truck market, and a high towing capacity for its size.

The Toyota Tacoma is another competitor costing about $2,000 less. Off-road performance is better in the Toyota Tacoma, but passenger room and towing capacity is better in the Toyota Tundra. We recommend the Toyota Tundra if you need to haul more stuff, but both are fantastic trucks.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series is another rival in the same price range. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Chevy Silverado, but the Toyota Tundra has lower ownership costs. We recommend the Toyota Tundra since it lasts longer and can also tow more weight.

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Tundra?