Save big bucks on crew-cab trucks: Deals abound on the Toyota Tundra

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The experts at driving.ca regularly combine manufacturers’ incentives from Unhaggle.com with resale value, dependability, and overall ratings to find you the best deal for your money in new cars.

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Today, we look at one truck in particular, the 2020 Toyota Tundra CrewMax SR5 4×4. Check out the deal below.

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Save big bucks on crew-cab trucks: Deals abound on the Toyota Tundra Back to video

2020 Toyota Tundra SR5 CrewMax 4×4

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $47,420
Manufacturer Incentive: $3540
Unhaggle Savings: $1500
Total Savings: $5040
Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $1970
Total Before Tax: $44,350

Autumn is traditionally one of the best times of the year to score a great deal on a new pickup truck. While some new model release dates and roll-outs have shifted from the traditional September launch to which your author’s grandfather would always look forward, the changing of the leaves still bring a few deals to those looking for a new rig.

This particular truck combines a reasonably well-equipped trim, four-wheel-drive, and a popular cab configuration.

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For 2020, the SR5 CrewMax trim will be familiar to Toyota fans. Under the hood is a 5.7L V8 making 381 horsepower and just slightly better than 401 lb.-ft. of torque. These numbers compare well with other naturally aspirated V8 engines found in competitive full-size pickups. A six-speed automatic gives up a few cogs when stacked against trucks from other manufacturers.

Inside, shoppers will find a cabin that has much in common with Tundra models going back to the 2014 model year. The SR5 trim occupies the entry-level rung, so don’t look for features like dual-zone automatic climate control or leather seats. There are, however, handy items like an electric rear window defroster, tilt-and-telescope wheel, power driver’s seat, and heated sideview mirrors included as standard equipment. In other words, it’s a well-equipped truck you won’t be afraid to use and get dirty.

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Toyota makes a lot of noise about their Safety Sense suite of driver aids, and rightfully so. They pop up on this, the most affordable of Tundra CrewMax pickups, in the form of helpers like lane-departure alert and dynamic radar cruise control, plus a pre-collision system with pedestrian protection. There are also enough airbags to turn Tundra’s interior into a marshmallow if things go totally wrong.

Infotainment is handled by an 8-inch touchscreen that’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Satellite radio can be hauled in assuming one pops for the subscription fee, ready to blare out Prime Country or Willie’s Roadhouse (this is a pickup truck after all) from its 9-speaker audio system.

When it’s time to make this thing work for a living, owners of the SR5 CrewMax will enjoy the brand’s unique vertical power sliding rear window, a feature that’s so handy it’s a wonder every other truck manufacturer hasn’t rushed to copy it. The 5.5-foot cargo bed is an industry standard for this cab configuration; there are bed rails and a quartet of tie-down cleats in there to help hold your cargo in place. A trailer brake controller is also standard.

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Speaking of, this particular spec can tow 9,200 lbs, a hefty amount for an entry-level truck. One would do well to note the 1,265-lb payload limit, as maxing out that towing weight leaves just 345 lbs for passengers and cargo, assuming a typical tongue weight measuring 10 per cent of a trailer’s total mass. If one’s camper is a more reasonable 6,500 lbs, however, you’ve over 600 lbs for all hands and their gear.

It’ll take a sharp eye to pick this base model SR5 from a lineup of new Tundra pickups thanks to its grille and headlight combination that’s shared with more expensive trims. Look for the absence of a sunroof and these SR5-specific 18-inch wheels. The bumper’s chrome endcaps look good and it can be argued flat-black door handles and side mirror housings add a rugged look. All six of the paint shades are $0, so please choose something interesting like Barcelona Red or Cavalry Blue.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra CrewMax SR5 4×4 Short Box arrives with a $5,040 combined Unhaggle discount, leaving a sticker of $44,350. This price includes freight and PDI along with other mandatory government fees, but does not include sales tax.

LISTEN: This week on our Plugged In podcast we talk all-electric pickup trucks.

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