It’s no secret that Toyota is not a strong contender in the full-size pickup truck space. Case in point: the Japanese automaker moved 118,258 units of the Tundra in 2018, while Ford delivered an impressive 909,330 units of its F-Series trucks. But even though the Japanese bull is not a sales leader in the highly-lucrative truck segment, it seems to be looking to make a splash with the 2020 Toyota Tundra, which is in store for a major refresh. Specifically, the updated Tundra could see game-changing suspension upgrades that will definitely stir the pickup truck space.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Mainstream Pickup Trucks - Q4 2018 - USA
| MODEL | Q4 18 / Q4 17 | Q4 18 | Q4 17 | YTD 18 / YTD 17 | YTD 18 | YTD 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-SERIES | -3.28% | 230,312 | 238,128 | +1.40% | 909,330 | 896,764 |
| RAM PICKUP | +28.27% | 161,397 | 125,822 | +7.24% | 536,980 | 500,723 |
| SILVERADO | -3.64% | 161,178 | 167,274 | -0.05% | 585,581 | 585,864 |
| SIERRA | +6.06% | 67,312 | 63,467 | +0.74% | 219,554 | 217,943 |
| TUNDRA | -0.43% | 30,476 | 30,608 | +1.70% | 118,258 | 116,285 |
| TITAN | -27.37% | 12,620 | 17,375 | -4.66% | 50,459 | 52,924 |
| TOTAL | +3.21% | 663,295 | 642,674 | +2.09% | 2,420,162 | 2,370,503 |
Our spy photographer spotted the 2020 Toyota Tundra undergoing testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan alongside the current-generation Ford F-150. The refreshed Tundra will keep the cab of the current model that was initially introduced in 2008, while revising the front end ahead of the A-pillar. In fact, the front fascia of the tester looks to be hiding a big center grille and slimmer headlights beneath the camouflage. It also look like an updated box and tailgate will also be part of the 2020 Toyota Tundra facelift.
In addition, the updated Tundra will likely see a number of mechanical tweaks, in addition to gaining a new 10-speed automatic transmission. An updated interior is also expected.
But the elephant in the room is really that overly-disguised rear end. Vinyl covers are seen wrapping the wheel wells and over the entire back end, with bristles lining the edges of the rear bumper to hide what’s underneath the truck.
All that suspension camo makes it clear that Toyota really does not want us to see what it’s doing to the Tundra’s chassis, which makes us wonder if the 2020 Toyota Tundra is getting an air suspension or perhaps an independent rear suspension system. We should note that engineers appeared to become quite concerned when our spy tried to snap a photo under truck’s rear end.
For the time being, one thing is for sure: the 2020 Toyota Tundra refresh will be more than just a simple nip and tuck. The actual model should is expected to be revealed late this summer or early fall. Until then, we will just have to wait and see what Toyota has up its sleeves for the refreshed truck.
That said, we have to wonder if the upgrades, no matter how extensive, will change Toyota’s fortunes when it comes to Tundra sales volume.
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Comments
Interesting to note…When Toyota introduced the Tundra, I read an article where they stated that they expected to sell 200K per year, and the author or the article mentioned that Toyota lowballs their figures, and was really hoping to sell 220K the first year. All these years later, and they are still not even colse to initial expectations.
A better suspension does not make a better truck, just as a new pillow does not make a better bed. Only Japanese fans are buying Tundras and other imported trucks. The market for big trucks is only in the U.S. (the common Japanese drivers don’t buy trucks) but they will never win against the Big Three.
The Toyota Tundra is a truck not to look down on, don’t sleep on it, tundra has a WAY better life spam then the big three ?, now since it’s coming with a 10- speed A/T, it’s gonna be better on fuel economy, and plus a hybrid model is coming for it…I’ll always pick the Toyota’s Tundra over the crappy big 3 ?, I think there days are up
The reliability is unmatched by Toyota….says a guy that’s owned 3 and is a test engineering and sees automotive testing day in and day out. Toyota is fanatical! And I better NOT hear from you FORD people with the ole line “My Ford had 300,000 miles and I never had one repair”. 100% BS!