Raptor or Tundra Platinum

Currently deciding between ‘25 Raptor 801A or the Tundra Platinum. Have the Raptor on order for delivery in mid Dec but drove the Tundra yesterday and liked it quite a bit more than expected. Won’t do too much off roading (mainly getting to skiing, fishing, hiking etc) and want to be able to fit the family - two kids 11 and 13, wife and a 90lb dog. Any thoughts from this group? Thanks!

I truly think the Raptor is a better option overall. For your needs, be sure to measure the back seat. I’ve always been impressed with the legroom in the Raptor’s back seat, which might be beneficial for your 90lb dog.

I bought a brand new 2023 Tundra TRD Pro straight off the lot and kept it for a year. It was a nice truck and surprisingly quick with the electric motor. I miss my back window, though! :joy: I just got a 2023 Raptor, and I love it. In terms of looks, handling, interior, and capabilities, it’s on a whole different level.

It sounds like a Tremor could be a good fit for your needs. You have the option of choosing between the 3.5 and 5.0 engines. They perform well in the snow and on fire roads, offering better capability than a TRD Pro, though they aren’t as off-road oriented. Plus, they’re easier to park in town.

I was a Toyota guy for a long time and drove them all over the world; they were all I owned. I had a first-gen and a second-gen Tundra, both of which I loved. Eventually, I switched to an F-150 because of the long bed and larger fuel tank. I was much happier with the 3.5 Ecoboost and appreciated the range from the extended-range tank since Toyota’s tanks have always been small. Getting 673 miles between gas stops was fantastic. When Toyota launched the new Tundra with the TT V6, I considered going back.

I had a 2024 TRD Sport Tundra as a rental for a week, and I really didn’t enjoy it compared to the F-150. It felt sluggish and still couldn’t manage 300 miles on a tank. The tech interface wasn’t my favorite either; I really prefer Ford Sync.

On the other hand, I’ve loved every Raptor I’ve driven. I took one off-road from San Diego to Cabo and back and was thoroughly impressed. Right now, I’m in an F-350 because of horses, but I plan to get a 2025 Raptor next year and use the F-350 just for hauling.

The Raptor feels more comfortable, refined, and capable overall. Of course, that comes at a price; it’s expensive and has some maintenance needs that many other trucks don’t.

I’ve also seen numerous reports of poor manufacturing in Toyota engines, leading to long recalls for significant repairs. While I’m sure they’ve addressed those issues, it made me a bit nervous as well.

I owned a 2020 Tundra and considered the third-gen model but wasn’t really impressed. Honestly, I can’t even compare the two; the Raptor’s suspension is on a completely different level, and the 2024 model is even better than mine.

I have two Great Pyrenees, each weighing 130 lbs, and they fit comfortably in my third-gen model. They can both lie down in the back with plenty of space. The back seat is really spacious; I’m six feet tall, and my best friend, who is 6’7", can sit behind me with room to spare.

I think either option would work; it really depends on your personal preference. I just got my Raptor because I love its look and functionality, especially for off-roading on desert trails, plus it’s just fun to drive, and for that, I believe the Raptor comes out on top. However, if towing capacity is a priority for you, Toyota might have the advantage over the Raptor.