"Best" Gen/Year Tundra?

Hope this isn't too vague:

Regarding general performance, reliability, and longevity, is there a generally agreed-upon "best" year model for each generation of Tundras? 3rd gen is obviously too new for that to be answered, but for 1st gen, and 2nd gen especially, with so many model years I'm just curious if there are specific years to search for and/or avoid.

I'm in a 2nd gen Tacoma and have been considering a larger truck. I'm not dead-set on the specific styling of any particular years, more just concerned with reliability and something that can go forever.

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

2018-2021 in my opinion since that’s when they had all the bells and whistles while maintaining the tried and true powertrain.

 

05-06 for 1st gen

14-21 for 2nd gen

24+ for 3rd gen

05-06 has the 5 speed and lsd in most trims, its easily the best, rust is a factor

07 tundra had the most issues for 2nd gen

3rd gen is still writing its story, we dont see lots of issues beyond wind noise complaints. Obviously the engine failures are being taken care of, a smudge for sure.

 

I have a '25 so I am going to say '25 lol.

 

If you're going to tow, 2018 was the last year for the transmission cooler. However, we haven't heard of a rash of failures in the 2019-2021 trucks.

2016 was the first year for the 38 gallon fuel tank.

2018 was the first year for the new, nicer dash and all the nannies. I'm not sure about higher trims but the SR5 doesn't have too many nannies and they can all be turned off.