2017 Toyota Tundra: What's Changed

Most significant changes: Models with the 4.6-liter V-8 gain a tow hitch receiver as standard; power front bucket seats are a new standard feature for Limited models.

Price change: The average price increase across the 2017 Tundra lineup is $535. The base SR two-wheel-drive double cab is $880 more at $31,215, while the most expensive Platinum and 1794 Edition CrewMax models are $450 more at $51,225 (all prices include a $1,194 destination fee).

On sale: Now

Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2016 (slightly less expensive)

The major players in the half-ton, full-size pickup market have been upping the ante every year with new powertrains, convenience features and option packages. Nissan, in particular, has made a huge investment, making a renewed push into this competitive segment with a fully redesigned half-ton Titan and a more tow-worthy Cummins-equipped Titan XD. Toyota, though, has remained relatively quiet, with the last significant change to the Tundra coming three years ago.

The 2017 model year is another quiet one for the Tundra. The only changes are that models with the 4.6-liter V-8 gain a standard trailer tow hitch receiver and the Limited models add standard power front bucket seats.

Otherwise, Toyota's half-ton pickup returns relatively untouched in three cab styles: the two-door regular cab, the four-door double cab with conventional rear doors, and the massive CrewMax with larger rear doors and a bigger rear seat. Available bed lengths are 5.6, 6.6 and 8 feet long. Two gas V-8 engines are available: a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter and a 381-hp 5.7-liter.

All models have a six-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive except for the more rugged TRD versions, which are four-wheel drive only. No diesel or heavy-duty models are on the roster, and maximum towing capacity is 10,500 pounds.

Like other Toyota models, Tundra has a loyal following because of its perceived quality, reliability and general competence. But it lacks the low-end grunt, towing and payload strength of the other more popular pickups from Ford, Chevrolet, Ram and GMC. That is a key reason Toyota half-ton runs fifth in sales; the league-leading Ford F-150 outsells the Tundra by more than 4-to-1.

The 2016 Tundra competed in our and our .

Cars.com photo by Evan Sears