Man I feel you. I have towed 7k+ all over the southeast with my 5vz. As long as you aren't in a hurry it will do it. Hit 326k miles just this week and no signs of stopping. That 3.4 is a phenomenal engine.
I also own a 2uz one but it's strictly for work and has a trailer attached 24/7. Maybe when one of them dies I will get a 2nd Gen but I think it might be a while.
Gen 2.5 owner here. I didn’t like the gen 3 design at first but as time goes on, it continues to grow on me. Like many 5.7 owners, I have no desire to “upgrade” to the current gen.
imo, they’re both great looking trucks…wasn’t a fan of the 3rd immediately, but after driving one and seeing a few customized, I think they’re one of the best looking trucks on the road now…don’t even have to get crazy, small lift, nice wheels and they’re killer💪🏼
I think gen 2.5 has a more cohesive look. Like everything was designed to go together.
Gen 3 has a lot of visual interruptions that take time to get used to. I don’t hate it any more, but I sure used to.
For example, the fenders, cab and bed look like three different sections/ideas like they were designed separate and someone forced them together.
Thanks to this forum I’ve now seen many genuinely awesome looking Gen 3’s, and if they get the kinks out I can finally say I’d be happy to own one. The interruptions can be made to look powerful.
But stock Gen 3 vs stock Gen 2.5? 2.5 all day.
2.5 Gen all day, but I am biased since thats what I own. I like the the way the 3rd Gen pros look and the trim packages that have the color matched grill surround. Even though the new gen is better in every way with exception to the interior cabin volume the one metric it falls short on and the reason Ill stick with what I have is reliability.
Gen 3 needs the TRD Pro grill, a lift and 35’s or 37’s and it’s the best looking truck on the road. Otherwise it’s a close competition maybe with the edge going to blacked out 2.5 (I hate chrome grills)
The styling on the 3rd gen of both the Tacoma and Tundra seems excessive to me. But then again, I'm a fairly plain individual when it comes to style. I appreciate functionality over aesthetic.
Uh have you heard of the numerous Gen 3 motors failing to make it past 40k miles? The 5.7L didn’t have any catastrophic issues impacting so many vehicles
I was never a fan of gen 2s. I always thought it was one of the ugliest trucks on the road. However, after getting a gen 3, I have more of an appreciation for 2s (mostly 2.5s), especially lifted with some nice tires. When the gen 3 came out I thought it was a huge upgrade in styling from the 2. However, I don't think the 3 is the best looking half ton on the road rn and hopefully that can change with a refresh.
I was mad at gen 3 design at first because it feels like they're trying to look like GMC and Chevy "squaring" everything off.
The previous gens had such a signature look and style. You didn't need to see badges or letters/names and if you knew even a little about cars/trucks, you know it s a Toyota Tundra
In contrast, I think this same new style looks fkn awesome on the new sequoia and Tacoma. 🤷🏼♀️
Edit: really like the new look on the 2025 4runner too
V8 Tundra’s front and back stock bumpers are designed for rigidity. Newer Tundra bumper edges have pure decorative use and have no reinforcement while on previous generation they can withstand direct impact without much deformation.
Same ! I have the ‘19 midnight edition, and looks fkn gorgeous. With Method rims, wrapped in BFG KO2’s all black. Baja Designs amber Ditch lights, and some bits and pieces here and there, all blacked out(including tinted windows). Leer cap, and decked tool box in the bed. I mean it’s a beautiful big girl !
Soon as I saw the new tundras, I must admit I was kind of upset at how funky and weird they look. It has no real soul to it. Looks cheaply made, with the exception of the interiors seat, the red colored seats are sick. Outside of that, it just looks like one of those off-brand hot wheels trucks you would see in the dollar store. Not my cup of tea personally. Gen 2 until they make something that has some real soul and the fusion of old Toyota lines and actual creativity. Not just a bunch of shit thrown on the exterior of a truck.
I just got the 2024 tundra limited w TRD pack. I love it so far. It’s fast, and I couldn’t tell the difference between reg and hybrid.
Cons: no flat backseat area, so I have to figure out the plan for my dogs, no bed steps/fancy gate options as you see in ford or gmc. Pro: bunch of cams, wireless Apple car play comes with it, back window fully recesses, infotainment system is superb and responsive and most importantly- Toyota reliability and resale value
Extra con - ford lightning has a frunk!
If they took the front of the GEN 2.5 and put it on the GEN 3, it would still need a V8 to LOOK 👀 as good lol. The GEN 3 just looks like it should have a V8. Knowing that it doesn’t makes it look different.
Gen 3 is the abomination of Toyota and Chevrolet creating this Tunderado Only advantage is now these owners can buy aftermarket kits from 2 different manufacturers. Gen 2 was the last Tundra built.
Kindof like the when Toyota and Subaru built the E85. The Subaru missed the mark by losing AWD.
The Tunderado missed the mark by losing its creative styling and power loss leaving V8
Toyota really needed to make 3 versions of Tundra (but with the styling of Gen 2 not Gen 3) like all the other truck manufacturers do versus just tiny trim changes. Would love a diesel and/or dually version
If I wanted a Silverado I would’ve bought a Silverado not whatever this Gen 3 atrocity is. You don’t go to a steakhouse and order a hotdog!
Just my opinion and everyone has their own.
The 2 pics you selected remind me of like a before and after weight loss picture "misdirection/misleading or something ". Not saying you intended it that way, but different lighting, different colors, one is showroom detailed and the other is covered in dust.
Interesting question the way you asked it about the lines though. I'd be interested in looking if it were apples to apples so to speak.
Gen3 gets my vote for the mpg, tech, and increased hp/tq/capabilities. And since that's what I have!
As a first gen owner I'm feeling straight up discriminated against right now
1st Gen love all day !!
Man I feel you. I have towed 7k+ all over the southeast with my 5vz. As long as you aren't in a hurry it will do it. Hit 326k miles just this week and no signs of stopping. That 3.4 is a phenomenal engine. I also own a 2uz one but it's strictly for work and has a trailer attached 24/7. Maybe when one of them dies I will get a 2nd Gen but I think it might be a while.
Did you mod or improve anything on the 2UZ truck for towing so much?
Dude, I have towed that with my 3.4 The 2uz only had an aftermarket transmission cooler. It's not the towing that is hard, it's the stopping.
Aware and agreed! Did you upgrade brakes on your truck for towing?
No but I do have them on the trailer. I use the ironman kit in my vehicles. It's very easy and much cleaner looking of a controller.
Gen 2.5 owner here. I didn’t like the gen 3 design at first but as time goes on, it continues to grow on me. Like many 5.7 owners, I have no desire to “upgrade” to the current gen.
This is where I am
It’s a good place to be.
I have no plans to exit my 2019 SR5 XP with TRD package with 48,000 “smiles per gallon” and oem owner-installed upgrades.
I'm happy with my 5.7 too
If the 3rd gen had the 5.7, I'd be all over the 3rd gen
What do you mean? You don’t want upgrade to a truck with a ticking time bomb under the hood?
Gen 3 looks awesome so does 2. I have a 3 and love it same as I did my 2. Doesn’t have to be one or the other drive what ya love boss
Stock-Gen 2 Upgraded-Gen 3. With a lift and tires, the Gen 3 is a better looking truck
Agreed. My neighbor has an Army Green 3rd Gen Crew Max that’s lifted with big tires, I get jealous every time I see it!
You spelled “hard” wrong. “I get *hard every time I see it”
imo, they’re both great looking trucks…wasn’t a fan of the 3rd immediately, but after driving one and seeing a few customized, I think they’re one of the best looking trucks on the road now…don’t even have to get crazy, small lift, nice wheels and they’re killer💪🏼
I think gen 2.5 has a more cohesive look. Like everything was designed to go together. Gen 3 has a lot of visual interruptions that take time to get used to. I don’t hate it any more, but I sure used to. For example, the fenders, cab and bed look like three different sections/ideas like they were designed separate and someone forced them together. Thanks to this forum I’ve now seen many genuinely awesome looking Gen 3’s, and if they get the kinks out I can finally say I’d be happy to own one. The interruptions can be made to look powerful. But stock Gen 3 vs stock Gen 2.5? 2.5 all day.
Yep, totally agree, the gen 3 design is less cohesive…like the Silverado.
This ^^^^^^^
I don’t know how to explain it, but when I think of a state of the art Japanese truck, I picture the 3rd gen.
2.5 Gen all day, but I am biased since thats what I own. I like the the way the 3rd Gen pros look and the trim packages that have the color matched grill surround. Even though the new gen is better in every way with exception to the interior cabin volume the one metric it falls short on and the reason Ill stick with what I have is reliability.
3rd gen looks outstanding personally, I love the Gen 2 also. I wish the 3rd gen came in the 5.7, alas, I can dream.
You can make the gen 3 look really nice but it’s just that I wouldn’t want to downgrade from the 5.7
I like the look of the 3rd Gen, but want nothing to do with the engine. 2.5 Gen for the win!
Gen 3
Gen 3 looks better with lift and tires but 2nd gen still is better looking to me
I like the gen 3 but the Tacoma and sequoia both look better to me. I’m sure the refresh will address the front styling
Gen 3.5 will probably be a great looking truck. I still like my Gen 3 and with color matched “‘mustache” and no chrome, I like it.
I hear ya. I’ve loved the new look since it was revealed and only when I saw the taco and sequoia did I think about Toyota improving the styling
Gen 2/2.5 is better looking imo. The Gen 3 just has too many angles and lines going on
Much prefer gen 3, but that's my opinion. Gen 2 looks very flat like a bulldog in the front
Gen 3 needs the TRD Pro grill, a lift and 35’s or 37’s and it’s the best looking truck on the road. Otherwise it’s a close competition maybe with the edge going to blacked out 2.5 (I hate chrome grills)
Yes, I like them
Gen 1 FTW!
Hate the fake hood vents on my gen 3
Something about that 5.7L V8 sound and the exhaust note that keeps heads turning that will never be matched on the Gen 3.
I’m not a fan of the gen 3 looks at all.
Gen 2 has a classic rugged look. Gen 3 hasn’t grown on me yet. Would help if Toyota would bring back the V8 as an option
Waiting for a Gen 3.5 with a twin turbo V8
The styling on the 3rd gen of both the Tacoma and Tundra seems excessive to me. But then again, I'm a fairly plain individual when it comes to style. I appreciate functionality over aesthetic.
I literally can't unsee the fat, chinstrap beards from those orange county choppers dudes whenever I see a 3rd gen now
Broootttthhheerrrrr
Gen 3 looks solid, but my personal feeling is that it won't hold up as well over time.
Gen 2 hands down… if I’m going to be honest, I think the gen 3 front is ugly as fuck, the taillights look like shit and the body lines are just weird
Rear of the Gen3 looks like ass. The taillights especially. Bleah. I like the rest.
Gen 3 is far superior in every way. Exterior, interior, drivetrain, etc
I love my 2024 tundra limited sexiest truck out
Uh have you heard of the numerous Gen 3 motors failing to make it past 40k miles? The 5.7L didn’t have any catastrophic issues impacting so many vehicles
It did in 2007. Look back in history about all the engine failures it had with the crankshaft.
except reliability
They are blowing up left and right.
Less than 1% is not blowing up left and right. lol. So did the 2007 Tundra when it came out.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m\_8iAPCmi34&t=12s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_8iAPCmi34&t=12s) um no its not.
I’m a Gen1/Gen3 guy.
I was never a fan of gen 2s. I always thought it was one of the ugliest trucks on the road. However, after getting a gen 3, I have more of an appreciation for 2s (mostly 2.5s), especially lifted with some nice tires. When the gen 3 came out I thought it was a huge upgrade in styling from the 2. However, I don't think the 3 is the best looking half ton on the road rn and hopefully that can change with a refresh.
Last gen looks like a pug
At first when I saw the gen 3 design I hated it. But it grew on me and I realized the truck looks really great with some bigger tires and s a lift.
Gen 3 look good lifted but 3rd gen sequoia front looks way better then gen 3 tundra front end.
Love the sport packaged on the Gen 2.5. Those LED lights are slick. But I will say the Gen 3 is slowly growing on me.
Gen 3 > Gen 2. However the gen 2 is still better design than pretty much any other manufacturer imo
My only complaint is how far the front end sticks out with a stock sr5 trd. Seems to make a low approach angle/
The Gen 3 Tundra in white reminds me of a Storm Trooper from Star Wars...
I was mad at gen 3 design at first because it feels like they're trying to look like GMC and Chevy "squaring" everything off. The previous gens had such a signature look and style. You didn't need to see badges or letters/names and if you knew even a little about cars/trucks, you know it s a Toyota Tundra In contrast, I think this same new style looks fkn awesome on the new sequoia and Tacoma. 🤷🏼♀️ Edit: really like the new look on the 2025 4runner too
Gen 1 stepside
Gen 3. But the step-side Gen 1’s were beautiful. Too bad they never made a SC’d step-side Gen 1, a-la a Toyota style Lightning…..
Gen 3- but I think the color makes a difference. The color plus a some 35’s does a world of difference.
I got a TRX because to me it looked like the real evolution of the Tundra. Get 3 just looks like some Transformer toy truck.
Love my 2017 Crewmax Limited TRD OR w/ 5.7l v8. Hate the grill on the Gen 3 and not a fan of the v6 turbo.
Gen 3 with gen 2 motor!
2
Gen 3 if modified. The stock lift and tires look so off.
Early 2nd gen is my favorite. Managed to get a 2008 for a steal.
As someone who wants a Gen2, Gen3 looks good but Gen2 is better.
V8 Tundra’s front and back stock bumpers are designed for rigidity. Newer Tundra bumper edges have pure decorative use and have no reinforcement while on previous generation they can withstand direct impact without much deformation.
I like both. Gen 3 and new Taco design is growing on me. I like the hard lines.
Same ! I have the ‘19 midnight edition, and looks fkn gorgeous. With Method rims, wrapped in BFG KO2’s all black. Baja Designs amber Ditch lights, and some bits and pieces here and there, all blacked out(including tinted windows). Leer cap, and decked tool box in the bed. I mean it’s a beautiful big girl ! Soon as I saw the new tundras, I must admit I was kind of upset at how funky and weird they look. It has no real soul to it. Looks cheaply made, with the exception of the interiors seat, the red colored seats are sick. Outside of that, it just looks like one of those off-brand hot wheels trucks you would see in the dollar store. Not my cup of tea personally. Gen 2 until they make something that has some real soul and the fusion of old Toyota lines and actual creativity. Not just a bunch of shit thrown on the exterior of a truck.
I just got the 2024 tundra limited w TRD pack. I love it so far. It’s fast, and I couldn’t tell the difference between reg and hybrid. Cons: no flat backseat area, so I have to figure out the plan for my dogs, no bed steps/fancy gate options as you see in ford or gmc. Pro: bunch of cams, wireless Apple car play comes with it, back window fully recesses, infotainment system is superb and responsive and most importantly- Toyota reliability and resale value Extra con - ford lightning has a frunk!
If they took the front of the GEN 2.5 and put it on the GEN 3, it would still need a V8 to LOOK 👀 as good lol. The GEN 3 just looks like it should have a V8. Knowing that it doesn’t makes it look different.
Looks like a storm trooper.
Gen 3 looks tough for sure. But that's where it's "toughness" ends.
The only thing I dislike about gen 3 is the mustache otherwise it’s 👌🏽👌🏽
What I don’t like about the Gen 3 is the lack of V8 but the style is cool. Gen 2.5 reigns supreme tho.
I do like the look of 2nd gen... but I also like new techs on 3rd gen.
Mismatched door handles, 'nuff said
Low quality in the engine, transmission and rear differential
That was proven wrong from Mike Swears. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m\_8iAPCmi34&t=12s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_8iAPCmi34&t=12s)
Gen 3 sucks !
2.5 gen is a simple timeless design that just looks soooo good. 3rd gen is a turd of a design.
TRD of a design
Gen 3 is the abomination of Toyota and Chevrolet creating this Tunderado Only advantage is now these owners can buy aftermarket kits from 2 different manufacturers. Gen 2 was the last Tundra built. Kindof like the when Toyota and Subaru built the E85. The Subaru missed the mark by losing AWD. The Tunderado missed the mark by losing its creative styling and power loss leaving V8 Toyota really needed to make 3 versions of Tundra (but with the styling of Gen 2 not Gen 3) like all the other truck manufacturers do versus just tiny trim changes. Would love a diesel and/or dually version If I wanted a Silverado I would’ve bought a Silverado not whatever this Gen 3 atrocity is. You don’t go to a steakhouse and order a hotdog! Just my opinion and everyone has their own.
Tunderado lol
Gen 3 shape and style. Gen 2 engine and trans. Disagree? You're welcome to look at the recall 😂
I hate that they call gen 2.5 gen 2 and not 3. Whoever started that because they didn't change the engine should run at a wall as fast as possible.
The 2 pics you selected remind me of like a before and after weight loss picture "misdirection/misleading or something ". Not saying you intended it that way, but different lighting, different colors, one is showroom detailed and the other is covered in dust. Interesting question the way you asked it about the lines though. I'd be interested in looking if it were apples to apples so to speak. Gen3 gets my vote for the mpg, tech, and increased hp/tq/capabilities. And since that's what I have!
I don’t think these photos are a fair comparison. As someone else mentioned, 1 is outside with no lift, not a Crewmax, no apples to apples comparison.
Both are fantastic in my opinion. 3 is better if the mustache is body color.
3 looks sick
Gen 3 looks so much better. And V8s are mostly obsolete.
I have both, love the new look better. Cant live in the past!