“Excellent motor, excellent truck, tows awesome- good luck, because now all that is available is the V6 Turbo. What a shame.”
2021 Toyota Tundra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2021 Toyota Tundra is the addition of Trail and Nightshade special editions. Otherwise, it is a lightly updated carryover and the final year of the second-generation truck.
About the 2021 Toyota Tundra
2nd generation (2007-2021), final year before the all-new 3rd generation arrived for 2022.
Toyota positions the 2021 Tundra as a full-size pickup that works hard and plays hard: strong towing, a standard V8, roomy four-door cab choices, and Toyota’s long-running reputation for durability. Its appeal is straightforward truck usefulness more than cutting-edge tech. Compared with newer rivals, the Tundra leans on proven hardware, a particularly spacious CrewMax cabin, and a simple, familiar full-size-truck feel that many used-truck shoppers still value.
The SR5 remains the mainstream everyday Tundra, while the Limited adds leather, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Platinum and western-themed 1794 Edition provide premium cabins, while the four-wheel-drive TRD Pro stands apart with FOX off-road shocks, a front skid plate, and TRD dual exhaust.
What changed, by category
Styling
Toyota adds two special editions. The Trail Special Edition is based on the SR5 CrewMax and combines unique styling with extra bed storage. The Limited-based Nightshade Special Edition adds black exterior trim and black leather seating.
Tech
The SR5’s alarm system changes from optional to standard equipment.
2021 Toyota Tundra specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Mode |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| Horsepower | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp |
| Torque | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9800–9900 lb | 9800–9900 lb | 8800–9100 lb | 9200–9900 lb | 8800 lb | 8800 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 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Toyota Tundra compared with the 2020 model?
The key change is the addition of Trail and Nightshade special editions. The SR5 also gains a standard alarm system, while the rest of the truck carries over with no major redesign or powertrain update.
Was the 2021 Toyota Tundra redesigned?
No, the 2021 Tundra was not redesigned. It is the final model year of the second generation; the all-new third-generation Tundra arrived for 2022.
Did the 2021 Toyota Tundra get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2021 Tundra keeps the 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission used for 2020. There is no lineup-wide powertrain change for this model year.
How do the 2021 Tundra Trail and Nightshade special editions differ?
The Trail Special Edition is an SR5 CrewMax with unique styling and added bed storage. The Nightshade Special Edition is based on the more upscale Limited and has black exterior details and black leather seats.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra much different from the 2020 model?
No, the 2021 Tundra is not much different from the 2020 model. Its meaningful updates are the two special editions and the SR5’s standard alarm system, so shoppers considering other trims will find the trucks largely similar.
2021 Toyota Tundra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Toyota Tundra.
4.2
2021 Toyota Tundra
(246 reviews)
“The sheet metal bends and dents at the slightest impact. The tundra is overall a joy to drive”
“Great value for money in the 2021 Tundra WORK TRUCK PACKAGE. Last year of the bulletproof V8 engine. Great safety features. Useful app.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2021 Toyota Tundra Revs Up Big Pickup Fun With New Trail And Nightshade Special Editions
- engage.toyota.com — Static / Ebrochures / 2021 tundra eBrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2020 Toyota Tundra
- pressroom.toyota.com — Absolute Powerhouse Next Generation 2022 Toyota Tundra