Pondering a purchase between a 96K-mile 2016 Toyota Tundra and a 45K-mile 2022 Tundra. The reasoning lies in the belief that the older model has more life to offer.
In the world of pickup trucks, the Toyota Tundra continues to be a popular choice among buyers. One such buyer, Dan Thompson, a seasoned Tundra owner, is now considering purchasing a new Tundra pickup. But, faced with the decision between a 2016 Tundra with 96,000 miles and a 2022 Tundra with 45,000 miles, Dan is leaning towards the older model due to concerns about the reliability of the newer Tundra models.
This sentiment is shared by many Tundra owners and experts. Brad A Davis, a well-known Tundra enthusiast, states that Tundra trucks from 2021 and older are more reliable, with many of them still on the road with 250,000 plus miles. Carrie Martin Hall, another Tundra owner, shares that her 2017 TRD Pro Tundra has 242,000 miles and has been flawless, requiring only routine maintenance.
Denis Flierl, a freelance journalist with a 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, has written a report detailing the Tundra truck recall and Toyota's reliability issues, which extends to the Tacoma as well. The 2022 Tundra, a redesigned generation, features a PowerBoost hybrid drivetrain and newer technologies, but lacks the long-term reliability track record that the 2016 model enjoys.
Tyler Delagardelle, who works for Toyota, advises Dan to buy the 2016 Tundra due to concerns about the current engine in the 2022 model. Kalli White, a Toyota dealer employee, has noted that the 2022 Tundras have had a massive engine recall, and buyers may have to wait months to get a new engine. Derek Krucelyak advises against buying the current or V6 engines in any used Tundra.
Real owner testimonials highlight the 2016 model's ability to run reliably for hundreds of thousands of miles and under heavy use, like towing travel trailers on long trips. Gabriel Hernandez suggests getting the 2016 Tundra, and the 2022 would be an option if it were under 36,000 miles to get an extended warranty.
For buyers with moderate usage and a preference for longevity, the 2016 Toyota Tundra is generally considered more reliable than the 2022 model. Owners and experts emphasize the durability and proven reliability of the 2016 Tundra’s engine and overall build. There is notable concern among Toyota and Tundra enthusiasts that the newer 2022 Tundra, especially early in its release, has not yet established the same long-term reliability track record. Many recommend sticking with the "well-baked" older generation due to its historic reliability, ease of maintenance, and fewer recalls or engine issues compared to the newer generation.
Therefore, for moderate use and a focus on longevity, the 2016 Toyota Tundra is the better choice based on reliability consensus and user experiences as of 2025. It provides a more proven, dependable option likely to last longer without unforeseen issues compared to the newer 2022 iteration.
Dan Thompson, contemplating between a 2016 and a 2022 Toyota Tundra, finds himself aligning with the consensus of Tundra owners and experts. In the realm of home-and-garden enthusiasts, such as Dan, who value longevity in their lifestyle and possessions, the 2016 Toyota Tundra's proven reliability and durability make it a better choice, particularly when compared to the 2022 model.
