Toyota’s full-size pickup truck has been spied testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The workhorse had a quite odd escort while it was checking out its new abilities. Yes, the prototype was caught together with the current Ford F-150. Why? Well, to be honest, we have no clue.
On the other hand, at the first glance, the prototype of the 2020 Toyota Tundra seems like it’s not going to receive a complete redesign, but just a refresh. Okay, perhaps not the regular mid-cycle update. This is more like a huge facelift.
Today’s Tundra was introduced in 2008. As such, the truck is the oldest in the full-size pickup truck segment that includes really big names like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Nissan Titan. If the Japanese automaker intends to stay competitive, the 2020 Toyota Tundra needs to offer far better options form the current one.
Exterior Changes
The spy shots show that the truck is getting everything new from the A-pillar forward, as well as a new bed and improved tailgate in the back. The pickup’s profile, on the other hand, will stay untouched. We suppose that Toyota plans to add power tailgate and built-in steps to the bed. These features are standard for all aforementioned rivals, so the 2020 Tundra needs to offer them.
In the front, the prototype hides an enlarged grille beneath the camouflage, as well as a pair of new headlights, which are definitely slimmer from the current. We are not sure, but it appears that the new grille gets a single-bar arrangement instead of today’s multi-bar design.
New Suspension?
The 2020 Toyota Tundra will definitely get something new underneath. As you can see, the prototype hides its suspension, which might even be an independent air option. Is this actually happen, the feature will only come as an option. The other possibility is new shock absorbers for a solid rear axle. In any case, some changes will definitely happen down there, and we will find out what’s cooking in the coming months.
10-Speed Gearbox
Under the hood, the 2020 Tundra will reportedly use the same 4.6-liter and 5.7-liter V8 engines. However, both of them will deliver better fuel economy results thanks to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The engines could receive a small power bump as well, but that’s not confirmed at the moment.
Of course, the facelifted pickup truck will receive some changes inside as well. The automaker will update the dashboard for sure, plus, they will not forget to improve both the infotainment and safety system.
Arrival
The refreshed Tundra will be revealed late this year, which means it’s going to become available in early 2020.