As tough as any used full-size out there today, the 2011 Toyota Tundra might not sway people who swear by American-made motors, but it won’t leave you longing for a Dodge.
2011 Toyota Tundra: Quick Overview
- The Toyota Tundra got a facelift in 2011, and a new 4.0L V6 engine was added to the lineup.
- A 2011 Tundra can last up to 300,000 miles and should run you just over $600 a year in maintenance.
- Engines options include a 270 horsepower V6, plus three V8s, including a flex-fuel 5.7L. Fuel economy ranges from a combined 16 mpg with the 5.7L V8, to 18 with the 4.0L V6.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety granted the 2011 Tundra its Top Safety Pick award after it scored perfect ratings of “Good” in all categories.
- More reliable than the F-150, but a little less efficient than the Silverado, the Tundra has a lot going for it, but not enough to tempt Chevy and Ford loyalists.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2011 Toyota Tundra Have?
Leading complaints on the NHTSA website for the 2011 Tundra include reports of air pump failure in the engine; fidgety electronics, such as the horn and radio failing to engage; and premature rust in the truck bed.
Regarding its recalls, the 2011 Tundra has been called back to the dealer 10 times. The biggest recall was launched in October 2015 and affected nearly two million vehicles that have a power window master switch that could potentially melt. The truck has also been recalled several times for incorrect labels and issues with a faulty tire pressure monitor.
The 2011 Toyota Tundra has just 112 consumer complaints on file with the NHTSA after more than a decade on the road. Those are stellar numbers for a full-size pickup. If you can find a 2011 Tundra in good condition with low miles, don’t hesitate.
What are the Prices, Models, and Specs?
Rather than overwhelm the buyer with a dozen trim levels, the Tundra comes in just three styles: Tundra Grade, Limited Grade, and Platinum Grade. The Tundra Grade is configurable with Sport, Off-road, Work Truck, and Rock Warrior packages. Assuming a sticker price of $42,463, you could expect a 2011 Tundra to cost around $18,849 today, with a five-year depreciation rate of around 39%.
- The Tundra Grade can be equipped with any engine option and includes dual-zone climate control, carpet flooring, power windows, and a chrome grille. It’s basic, but not skimpy, and a suitable daily driver or work truck.
- With the Work Truck Package, you get rubber flooring, vinyl bench seats, and manual door locks. It’s everything you need in a dedicated work truck, but this is really meant to save money on fleet purchases.
- The TRD Sport Package adds 20″ alloy wheels with fog lamps and TRD Sport graphic bucket seats to the Tundra Grade. It comes standard with the double cab and a 5.7L V8 engine.
- TRD Off-Road Package upgrades include a set of fancy Goodrich all-season tires, fog lamps, an off-road-tuned suspension, and Bilstein shocks. The TRD Sport Package is less work-oriented, and more for mudders and outdoorsy types. This is the fun package.
- With a TRD Rock Warrior, you get most of the Off-Road upgrades, plus some style upgrades like TRD Rock Warrior graphics, and it comes standard with the 5.7L V8.
- Limited Grade is available with any of the V8 engines and comes packed with Bluetooth; a deck rail system; chrome grille and rear bumper; Optitron gauges; and heated leather seats. The Limited Grade is ideal for family drivers.
- Platinum Grade is a 5.7L V8 exclusive with voice activation, touch screen, DVD player, woodgrain interior trim, moonroof, heated power seats up front, and chrome bumpers in the front and back. If you like the idea of driving a luxury pickup that can actually haul a trailer full of gravel from time to time, this is it.
How Long will the 2011 Toyota Tundra Last?
With proper care, a 2011 Tundra could last up to 300,000 miles, with an expected annual maintenance cost of $608, or about $50 a month, which isn’t so bad for a 10-year-old truck.
What Technology and Safety Features are Included?
- In the Work Truck package, you get manual door locks and windows. Even cruise control is optional. Tundra Grade adds dual-zone climate control, and power windows, but entry-level tech is very basic.
- There aren’t many optional upgrades available for interior features, but the Limited Grade adds AM/FM/MP3/CD to the package, and the Crewmax’s touch-screen navigation system brings the Tundra into the current century, at least.
- The Star Safety System is standard on all trims, as are Smart Stop tech, and trailer-sway control. Front and rear parking sonar is optional in all trims and standard in the Limited.
What Engine Options are Available?
A full-size truck is all about the engine options. Whether you want a versatile daily-driver or a full-time hauler-and-tower. The 2011 Tundra is offered with one V6 and three V8 options, all-aluminum block with aluminum heads.
- 4.0L V6: Delivers 278 lb.-ft. of torque and 270 horsepower. The V6 tows a minimum of 4,500 pounds. Good enough for a daily driver that does the occasional work load, but you’ll probably want a V8 for heavy-duty work.
- 4.6L V8: Offers 327 lb.-ft. of torque and 310 horsepower. Pulls a minimum of 7,900 pounds and maxes out at 8,600. A solid balance of power and efficiency.
- 5.7L V8: Cranks out 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. Pulls 9,000 to 10,400 pounds. This is the powerhouse. If you’re looking for a full-time work truck, or something you can use as an adventure vehicle, there’s not much the 5.7L can’t handle.
- 5.7L E85 Flex Fuel V8: Features 381 horsepower, 401 lb.-ft. of torque. The Flex-Fuel will tow 9,000 to 10,000 pounds. Basically the same engine as the standard V8, but it can run off a fuel blend of up to 85% Ethanol.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the 2011 Toyota Tundra?
As with any full-size truck, you’ve got your choice of beds and cabins in the Tundra. Toyota offers a short bed at 5.5 feet, standard at 6.5, and long at 8. All three beds are 66.4 inches across inside, 22.2 inches deep, and 50 inches across at the wheel wells.
For the cab, you’ve got Regular, a basic one-row that’ll comfortably seat two adults, Double, which can handle two adults and three kids, and features those reverse-opening doors for the rear, and Crewmax, a full four-door comparable to a mid-size SUV, which should be able to fit up to five adults.
How Does the 2011 Toyota Tundra Compare to Other Full-size Trucks?
To a certain extent, Tundra vs. Silverado vs. F-150 may be a matter of preference. If you’re a Ford die-hard, we’re not going to be able to talk you out of the automaker’s full-size. But, the 2011 F-150 has nearly 2,000 complaints with the NHTSA. The Tundra has just over 100.
The Tundra runs a little cheaper than the 2011 Silverado and is a bit more powerful. But the Silverado is more fuel-efficient, with a best-in-class hybrid option. You won’t be disappointed with a Tundra, but the Silverado might be a more preferable daily-driver if fuel economy is important to you.
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Toyota Tundra a Good Truck?
Yes. With four engine options and a nice streamlined list of trims, the truck is as capable as any half-ton out there, and some of the features in Limited and Platinum are surprisingly luxe. That said, the fuel economy isn’t great, even for a 2011, and neither are the standard tech features.
Overall, the 2011 Toyota Tundra delivers everything you want in a used full-size. Brand loyalty aside, you won’t be kicking yourself for not buying a Ford or a Chevy.
Photos: Toyota
