What is the Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition?

The Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition is named for the founding year of a cattle ranch in Texas, which is the current location of Toyota’s truck manufacturing plant. At first glance, it might seem odd that Toyota, a Japanese auto manufacturer, would have such an “Americana” special edition of their full-size truck. But for those that know the Tundra and how it’s marketed, it came as no surprise that Toyota was proud to show off that their pickups are made in the United States.

First launched in 2014, the 1794 Edition Tundra is a Western-themed luxury pickup truck. It competes directly with similar trims such as the Ford F-150 King Ranch and Chevy Silverado High Country. When it came out, it was the range-topping trim of the Tundra, sitting above the SR, SR5, Limited, and Platinum trims. However, it was topped the next year in 2015 when the new, more expensive Tundra TRD Pro was released.

Whether you’re shopping for a new Tundra, used model, or are just curious about how the 1794 Edition stacks up, check out this overview of Toyota’s Western-themed special edition truck.

Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition: Exterior

A 2014 Tundra 1794 Edition, distinguished by unique fender badges and heavier use of chrome

The 1794 Edition Tundra is only available as a crew cab, which Toyota calls CrewMax. This means that you’re getting a big, imposing truck with maximum interior space, especially in terms of rear seat legroom (42.5 inches). The bed is short, at 5.5 feet. To get the longer 8-foot bed, you’ll have to select a lower trim level.

Most trims of the Tundra have a good amount of exterior chrome, especially since the 2018 model refresh. The 1794 Edition adds even more, with a unique chrome grille surround and chrome front bumper. You’ll also receive some stylish 1794 Edition fender badges.

The 1794 Edition Tundra has been offered in a variety of different exterior paint colors. Although Sunset Bronze Mica was the signature color, it was not exclusive and could also be selected on the Limited and Platinum trims. This signature color was replaced during the 2018 refresh with Smoked Mesquite, another very Western shade that looks like a coppery molasses. It’s in the same palette as Sunset Bronze Mica, but noticeably darker.

Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition Colors

• Attitude Black Metallic (2014-2015)
• Midnight Black Metallic (2016+)
• Blue Ribbon Metallic (2014-2015)
• Blazing Blue Pearl (2016-2018)
• Barcelona Red Metallic (2014+)
• Sunset Bronze Mica (2014-2018)
• Smoked Mesquite (2019+)
• Magnetic Gray Metallic (2014+)
• Silver Sky Metallic (2014+)
• Super White (2014+)
• Voodoo Blue (2020+)

Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition: Interior

The distinctive brown leather, Ultrasuede inserts, and unique floor mats give the 1794 Edition a luxurious, Western feel

The most noticeable changes for the 1794 Edition are inside the cabin. This luxurious Tundra is famously noted for using high-quality leather, allegedly borrowed from Lexus. The Western theme is driven home with a very attractive “Premium Brown” color. There are also some fairly subtle microsuede inserts, which completes the cowboy saddle aesthetic. You’ll also get the 1794 Edition logo embossed into the front seats. Overall, it’s a really nice-looking place to be, with plenty of comfort for all occupants.

Other small details include a 1794 badge on the center console lid and some unique two-tone floor mats with a Western-themed pattern, mixing black and a marbled saddle color. These floor mats really stand out as something bold in an area that is usually left as something specifically designed not to draw attention.

If there’s one negative thing to say about the cabin, it might be that the faux wood finish is fairly glossy, which looks more outdated than the matte wood finishes that recent models have trended towards. And while the dashboard is also showing its age, Toyota has finally added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability for the 2020 model year. With newer competitors like the redesigned 2019+ Ram 1500 really pushing the envelope with interior design and quality, Toyota will be hard-pressed to make a big statement when they finally release the new Tundra, hopefully for 2021.

Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition: Engine and Performance

A 2019 Tundra 1794 Edition in Smoked Mesquite

The 1794 Edition Tundra is only offered with the larger 5.7-liter V8, with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. Toyota’s smaller 4.6-liter V8 can be found on lower Tundra trims. The transmission is a rather old 6-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose between RWD or part-time 4WD. The Tundra does quite well in terms of hauling, with the 1794 Edition coming in at up to 8,800 lbs of towing capability and a 1,600 lb payload capacity. However, fuel economy with the 5.7 is pretty dismal, at just 13 mpg city and 16 mpg highway.

In terms of safety, the current 1794 Edition comes standard with a lot of Toyota’s automatic safety technology in the Toyota Safety Sense suite. This includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control.

Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition vs Platinum Trim

The main factor in choosing the 1794 Edition is deciding if you like the interior

So is the 1794 Edition worth getting over the Platinum trim? Well, for the 2020 model year, the two trims actually have the same starting MSRP of $48,625 before destination fees. Both of these higher-level trims offer a bit more in terms of both standard equipment and options, even compared to the Limited trim (which starts at $44,175 for the CrewMax cab).

The differences between the Platinum and 1794 Edition trims are almost entirely visual in nature. The Platinum features body-color bumpers and grille surround, plus a black grille. On the 1794 Edition, all of those body components are chrome. This is the easiest way to tell the two trims apart at a glance, as even the wheels and exterior color choices are identical.

Inside the cabin, the Platinum trim greets you with black premium leather and brushed-metal-style trim. It’s a bit sleeker and sportier than the 1794 Edition, which goes all out with the saddle-colored leather, Ultrasuede trim, and wood-style accents. This is the biggest difference between these two trims.

Since they’re identical in price, it’s up to the buyer whether they prefer the more traditional look of the Platinum or want to opt for the Western style of the 1794 Edition. No matter which you choose, you’ll get all of the tech features like the premium audio system, heated and cooled front seats, and power-folding mirrors.

2020 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition Specs and Features

Image Credit: Toyota

Sources: Toyota | Gear Patrol