I Do Not Get It: the Toyota Tundra Trim Level that Does Not Make Sense

Something has bugged me about Toyota Tundra, including the current 2021 Tundra, for many years now.

Yes, I know Tundra is tough and rugged and dependable and trustworthy. It has amazing resale value. Especially in the middle of this chip and vehicle shortage. Monstrous resale value.

Yet, there is one thing that just does not make sense in the philosophy Toyota seems to have for their trucks and SUVs.

2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Off-Road

2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 with TRD Sport Package - Midnight Black Metallic

Think about how Toyota labels its grades of Tacoma, 4Runner and Sequoia. Then compare it with Tundra trim levels.

With Toyota Tacoma we have Tacoma TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport.

Toyota 4Runner has 4Runner TRD Off-Road and Off-Road Premium.

The Sequoia has a Sequoia TRD Sport.

Each one of these popular Toyota models has its own exclusive trim reserved for a “TRD-something.”

But not Toyota Tundra.

Toyota Tundra not like the others

Look at these Tundra grades: 2021 Tundra SR5 with TRD Off-Road Package, SR5 with TRD Sport Package, Limited with TRD Off-Road Package, 1794 Edition with TRD Off-Road Package.

For me, it would be simpler to remember and would fit in with the rest of its Toyota siblings if each had their own TRD grade.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: I show key highlights of 2021 Tacoma with XP Predator and other valuable packages.

I suppose since this TRD Off-Road is available on SR5, Limited and the 1794 Edition that it needs to be upgraded as a package instead of its own grade.

Otherwise, there would be just too many trim levels to keep up with.

But still.

2022 Toyota Tundra

Of course, as Rick Springfield put it perfectly in “Jessie’s Girl,” the point is probably moot. On a side note, whoever thought you could use the word moot in a song and actually get away with it? Nice work Rick.

Since we are about to get a next-gen 2022 Toyota Tundra soon, it may not matter at all how I feel about this trim level structure. Everything could completely change for this upcoming model year.

I mean, Toyota 4Runner is getting a new trim level for 2022 model year. Why should Toyota Tundra not get one or two as well, right?

I would love to see a 2022 Tundra TRD Off-Road grade, along with a 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Sport grade.

I suppose we shall all find out together. Hopefully in the coming months, if not coming weeks.

Time for your Toyota Tundra comments

So, I guess this is the moment where I ask for your thoughts and opinions. I would love to know if you think I am right about this topic, or if I am way off in my thinking.

Do you feel 2021 Tundra should have had its own TRD trim levels, or are they fine as-is and easy to purchase as upgrade options from other trims?

How do you think Toyota should offer its new 2022 Toyota Tundra trim levels? What trim level would be most appealing to you in this upcoming next generation Tundra?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I discuss fan reaction to the 2022 Toyota Tundra teaser video just released.

READ MORE:
- Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Tacoma: which needs a redesign more?
- The possibility of seeing a yellow 4Runner soon

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