Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Toyota Tundra S
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2018 Toyota Tundra S earns a Recommended rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.2/10, while Value at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.2/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.8/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.5/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.2/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $37,686–$50,721, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Tundra S sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2018 Toyota Tundra S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in value are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2018 Toyota Tundra S ranks #186 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 64% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,686 starting price is about 7% above the segment's median of $35,138.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Tundra S Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Toyota Tundra S scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.5 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2018 Toyota Tundra S
Is the 2018 Toyota Tundra S reliable?
We rate the 2018 Toyota Tundra S's reliability 8.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2018 Toyota Tundra S worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #186 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 64% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2018 Toyota Tundra S cost?
The 2018 Toyota Tundra S starts at $37,686 and ranges up to $50,721 across trims (MSRP when new). At 14 MPG, expect roughly $3,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Tundra S years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Tundra S years we've rated are 2015 (7.4/10), 2018 (7.5/10), 2017 (7.5/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.0/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Tundra S
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More Toyota Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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