“Check out the size of these brake rotors! Look how much room the bed has. It is made of steel not plastic.”
2016 Toyota Tundra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Toyota Tundra is faster Entune 2.5 multimedia hardware and updated software on every trim. This is a modest mid-cycle update rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Toyota Tundra
Toyota newsroom groups this as 3rd gen (2014-2017); in broader industry terms it is the 2007-2021 generation in its 2014-refresh phase. For 2016, this is a mid-cycle update year.
Toyota positioned the 2016 Tundra as a Texas-built full-size pickup that mixes big towing and hauling ability with roomy cabins and simple, easy-to-use controls. The pitch was less about chasing the newest truck gimmicks and more about durability, V8 power, straightforward tech and a wide trim spread: basic work truck, everyday family truck, comfort-oriented premium truck, western-themed luxury truck and factory off-road special.
The 2016 lineup runs from the work-focused SR and everyday SR5 to the leather-lined Limited, Platinum and western-themed 1794 Edition. TRD Pro is the off-road specialist, with four-wheel drive, a lifted TRD-tuned suspension, a skid plate and dual exhaust. Upper trims pair the 5.7-liter V8 with features such as navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, and blind-spot monitoring.
What changed, by category
Tech
Every trim received faster Entune 2.5 multimedia hardware and updated software. SR5 moved to a 7-inch Audio Plus touchscreen with Connected Navigation app support, while Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro gained a standard integrated trailer brake controller.
Styling
SR5 and 1794 Edition received revised front-end styling. TRD Pro gained black leather seats with red stitching and TRD Pro logos.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring changed from optional to standard on Platinum and 1794 Edition.
Powertrain
Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro received a larger 38-gallon fuel tank. The engine lineup itself carried over.
2016 Toyota Tundra specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter / V8, 4.6 Liter | V8, 4.6 Liter / V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Mode | Auto, 6-Spd Sequential / Auto, 6-Spd Seq Mode | Auto, 6-Spd Sequential / Auto, 6-Spd Seq Mode | Auto, 6-Spd Sequential | Auto, 6-Spd Sequential | Auto, 6-Spd Sequential |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 13–14 mpg | 13–15 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 17–18 mpg | 17–19 mpg | 17–18 mpg | 17 mpg | 17–18 mpg | 17–18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310–381 hp | 310–381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp |
| Torque | 327–401 lb-ft | 327–401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6500–10500 lb | 9800–10000 lb | 9800–9900 lb | 9800 lb | 9800 lb | |
| Rear Legroom | 34.7 in | 34.7–42.3 in | 34.7–42.3 in | 34.7–42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Toyota Tundra compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 Tundra received faster Entune 2.5 multimedia systems across the lineup. Selected trims also gained revised styling, a larger fuel tank, a standard integrated trailer brake controller or upgraded seating.
Was the 2016 Toyota Tundra redesigned?
No, the 2016 Tundra was not redesigned. It received a modest mid-cycle update while retaining the same basic structure, body styles and engine lineup.
Which 2016 Tundra trims received the larger fuel tank and trailer brake controller?
Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro received a larger 38-gallon fuel tank and a standard integrated trailer brake controller for 2016.
Which 2016 Tundra trims have standard blind-spot monitoring?
Platinum and 1794 Edition have standard blind-spot monitoring for 2016. On those two trims, it changed from optional equipment for 2015 to standard equipment for 2016.
Is the 2016 Toyota Tundra a meaningful upgrade over the 2015 model?
The 2016 Tundra is a modest upgrade over the 2015, not a major mechanical step forward. Its clearest advantages are faster multimedia throughout the lineup and added fuel, towing, safety or styling equipment on selected trims.
2016 Toyota Tundra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Toyota Tundra.
4.3
2016 Toyota Tundra
(212 reviews)
“It's been a good towing truck, it's pulled the mountains with little effort with my RV behind.”
“Some surprises/disappointments - no auto headlights, no dual climate control - didn't even look for them as they've been mostly standard on any vehicles I've bought for years.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2016 Toyota Tundra Debut
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2015 Toyota Tundra Full Size Pickup
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2017 Toyota Tundra Brawny Brainy Comfortable
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Announces 2017 Prices Prius Yaris Rav4 Sienna Tundra
- pressroom.toyota.com — Album / 2014 2017 Toyota Tundra Third 3Rd Generation