I Went from a 2012 Toyota Sequoia to a 2025 Tundra and Finally Towed with It, But I Wasn’t Expecting What I Found

There’s something oddly exciting about the first time you tow with a new truck. It’s where expectations meet reality, and where spec sheets either prove themselves or fall short. Whether you're pulling a small trailer or something heavier, it's in these moments you start to understand what your truck is really made of.  

That’s why a post I came across today in the “2023–2025 Toyota Tundra Owners” Facebook group stood out to me. It was from Craig Craft, who had just taken his 2025 Toyota Tundra Limited out for its first towing run after coming from a 2012 Sequoia Platinum. Craig had just taken his 2025 Tundra Limited out for its first towing run after coming from a 2012 Sequoia Platinum, and he shared some initial thoughts on how the truck performed. While he appreciated the Tundra’s solid feel and newer features, he was surprised to find that his old Sequoia’s 5.7L V8 seemed to edge out the new truck in towing fuel economy. Here’s how Craig put it:

“First time pulling, coming from a 2012 Sequoia Plat to 2025 Tundra Limited, some pros and cons, but Tundra felt solid, 5.7 gas mileage pulling better for sure.”

That short comment packed a lot of insight for anyone who’s considering moving from an older Toyota to a newer Tundra, especially with towing in mind. It brings to light a conversation many Toyota owners are having: does the latest generation of Toyota’s full-size truck really deliver a better towing experience across the board, or are there trade-offs to be aware of?

What Other Owners Are Saying

Craig’s post opened the door to an honest look at real-world performance, and several other owners chimed in to share their thoughts. Mark P King jumped in to say, “Congrats on the upgrade. That is a big jump from a 2012 Sequoia Platinum to the 2025 Tundra Limited. I get what you are saying about the pros and cons. The Tundra feels more stable when towing. That updated frame and suspension really makes a difference. The old 5.7 had solid low-end pull, and yeah, gas mileage was better while towing, but overall the new setup gives you better control and a smoother ride. Once you get a feel for the power band and the tech features, I think you will really settle in. What are you pulling and how did it handle on inclines or in crosswinds?”

Craig responded with a bit more context: “Small 4400 dry weight trailer, no hills, and no crosswinds yet.” His comment, though brief, paints a picture of a light but realistic towing situation, showing that even without extreme load or weather conditions, certain differences between the trucks are noticeable.

Houston Lee added an observation about the Tundra’s suspension setup, asking, “Does yours have the auto leveling suspension? You don’t look to be squatting much for not having a WDH on it.” That small detail can speak volumes about the Tundra’s suspension geometry and balance when under load, something that’s particularly valuable to owners who want to tow without needing a full weight distribution hitch setup.

Geoff Mannix also brought his long-haul experience into the mix, saying, “I just got back from a 2500 mile trip to the Florida Keys with mine. I’ve done the trip twice since buying the truck and I definitely recommend a set of Timbren bump stops for the rear. The tundra is capable as is, but the ride is much better when loaded with the Timbrens and you won’t notice them when unloaded.”

This kind of feedback is gold for Tundra owners who plan to tow frequently. Timbren bump stops are one of those subtle modifications that don’t scream for attention but dramatically improve how the truck handles loads. It's the kind of upgrade you appreciate more with every mile, especially when you’re far from home cruising down unfamiliar highways. Mods like that make a difference without compromising everyday drivability.

Why Real-World Experience Still Matters

Reading through these comments, it becomes clear that while the 2025 Tundra is capable and the driving experience varies depending on what you’re towing, how the truck is set up, and what you’re used to. Some owners, like Craig, come from platforms like the 5.7L Sequoia that had brute low-end torque and a reputation for consistent towing MPG. Others are stepping into the newer world of turbocharged V6s, hybrid systems, and high-tech driving aids that offer different strengths. These offer better ride quality, quieter cabs, and smarter load handling.

This comparison reminds me of several similar stories I've covered, like when one driver admitted that after just 1,000 miles in a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, they finally understood the love for it. These transitions are rarely cut-and-dry as they’re layered with personal expectations, brand loyalty, and real-life demands. In fact, another owner even shared that they held onto their 2007 Toyota Tundra for 276,000 miles until the 2025 finally won them over.

The Changing Landscape of Modern Trucks

And honestly, this is part of what makes modern truck ownership so complex and fascinating. The latest generation of Tundras might surprise long-time owners in both good and unexpected ways. Just ask the owner who lifted their 2024 Toyota Tundra and was surprised by the results, it's a perfect example of how modern setups can defy expectations. Some are discovering that switching from American trucks to Toyota changed everything they thought they knew.

From my perspective after following these ownership stories, I think it’s important to zoom out and realize that technology brings trade-offs. You might gain smoother ride dynamics and advanced towing tech but lose the raw mechanical feel and simplicity of a naturally aspirated V8. The Tundra Limited is undeniably more refined, and for many, that refinement is worth the price of admission.

But for those who were expecting a night-and-day difference, especially in MPG while towing, reality might not match the marketing. In some cases, owners have experienced more dramatic changes, like the one who found out their 2023 Tundra needed a new engine during a routine oil change. The comparison might feel closer than expected or even lean in favor of the older truck in some ways. What I appreciate about posts like Craig’s is that they keep the conversation grounded in reality and not just specs or hype, but how the truck feels on the road doing real work.

Key Takeaways for Readers:

• Learning curve: If you’re upgrading from a Sequoia or older Tundra, expect a learning curve in how the new Tundra manages power and fuel under load as it’s not always a clear step forward.
• Ride quality mods: Suspension upgrades like Timbrens can offer major improvements in ride quality without affecting unloaded comfort.
• Fuel economy reality: Real-world fuel economy while towing may not always improve with newer tech, sometimes the tried-and-true V8 just delivers better in certain conditions.
• Community insight: The collective experience from Facebook groups and forums often reveals truths that spec sheets never will.

What Do You Think?

What’s one mod or setup change you’ve made that completely transformed your towing experience?

And if you have a Tundra, how’s your towing going so far? What’s the MPG looking like? Is it really a dealbreaker for you?

We’d love to hear what worked and what didn’t in the comments section below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Toyota Gallery and the "2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners" public Facebook group.