By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 22, 2020) What do tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and potatoes have in common with Toyota? Well, other than sharing the nightshade name, absolutely nothing. Over the past couple of years, Toyota has been rolling out Nightshade Special Edition trim vehicles on its 4Runner, Sienna, Corolla, Camry, and C-HR vehicles. Now, for 2021, Toyota is offering its blackout Nightshade Editions on the Tacoma pickup truck, Sequoia SUV, and Tundra full-size pickup.

All of these models are available with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. All models are trimmed with black leather upholstery and blacked out exterior trim, including door handles and mirror caps.



The Tundra 4X4 Limited CrewMax Nightshade Edition tested here, in addition to the aforementioned special trim items, included 20-inch black wheels, a dark chrome front grille, dark exhaust tips, black rear Toyota emblem and black badging to go along with our Magnetic Gray metallic exterior color. The Nightshade will also be available in Windchill Pearl and Super White.

While most Toyota Nightshade models are based on SE trim versions, the Nightshade Tundra is built on the more upmarket Limited trim level.

With the Nightshade Tundra, what you see is all you get, since there are no substantive changes relative to engine or suspension enhancements or performance modifications. It’s strictly an appearance package that Toyota has limited to just 5,000 units. Even without performance modifications, I’m sure Toyota will sell every one they build.

Largely unchanged since the 2007 model year, the Tundra is the oldest new vehicle on sale in the U.S. That’s astonishing given the fierce truck wars going on within the full-size pickup truck class and most brands such as sales leader Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, FCA Ram and even Nissan Titan have continually updated their trucks with full-blown complete redesigns, innovation improvements, and other improvements.

Still, our Limited Nightshade Tundra includes an incredibly spacious CrewMax cabin, standard accident avoidance technology, and superb reliability and resale value. Working against the Tundra is its dated interior, dismal fuel economy, lack of heavy-duty models and just one engine and transmission: the 381-horsepower 5.7-L V8 with 401 lb.-ft. of torque, linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra is offered in a wide range of trim levels, three different bed lengths and two different cab configurations: a four-door double cab and the larger four-door crew cab.

On the road, Tundra’s ride is firm and jittery compared to the updated and smooth-riding Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Its handling and driving experience pales in comparison to competitors. It has a tow rating of 10,200 pounds and 1,730-pound payload capacity. By comparison, the F-150 boasts a maximum 14,000 towing capacity and up to 3,250 payload capacity. The F-150 also offers six different engine choices including a V-6 hybrid with a 2,210-pound payload capacity and 24 MPG rating.

In most respects, the 2021 Tundra falls well behind its competitors, is well past its freshness date and is in desperate need of a thorough redo. Interior materials and quality are subpar, seats aren’t as comfortable, and it’s difficult to maneuver in simple functions like parking. There are suggestions that a redesign might happen for the 2022 model year, but there has been no confirmation from Toyota.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $48,900 (including $1,595 shipping and handling)
Price as Tested: $53,354
Engine/Transmission: 381-hp 5.7-Liter V8 with 401 lb. Ft torque linked to a six-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 13/17/14 MPG – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5

Where Built: San Antonio, Texas

Crash Test Results: The 2021 Toyota Tundra received an overall four out of a possible five-star rating. It has not been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Competes With:
Chevrolet Silverado
Ford F-150
GMC Sierra 1500
Nissan Titan
Ram 1500

Fab Features
Roomy interior
Excellent reliability and resale values
Standard accident avoidance technology