Well-Worn or Factory-Fresh, BAK Industries Has Your Tundra Covered

Toyota has managed to weave itself rather well into the denim overalls of two fiercely American automotive pastimes—trucks and NASCAR. It may surprise you to learn that the Japanese giant has actually topped three out of the past five NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer year-end standings.

The Toyota Tundra has carved itself quite a loyal fan base since its introduction at the turn of the century. Built with reliability, longevity, and capability in mind, the model has converted many former domestic light-duty shoppers over the past 20 years. And during that time period, the engineers at BAK have been outfitting Tundras with covers featuring the same three characteristics.

Have yourself a well-worn, first-year Tundra from 2000? BAK has a cover for it. Bought yourself an assembly line fresh 2020 Tundra TRD Pro? BAK has a cover for it. Two decades of Tundras, two decades of tonneaus.

But we’re here to talk about the future. So, let’s take a peek at a few new trims Toyota has available for the Tundra (as well as rumored changes for the 2022 model!) and break down a few of our favorite BAK covers that would pair well with the 2021 model year.

2021 Tundra Nightshade

If you can’t bear to see any chrome on your vehicle, the Nightshade Edition Tundra is right up your alley. Available on other Toyota models like the Tacoma and Sequoia, the Nightshade is based off the top level Limited trims from each vehicle. It’s essentially an appearance package only, but you should easily be able to tell a Nightshade apart from any other trim level—and that, our friends, is its appeal.

The Tundra version gives the blackout treatment to seats, door handles, and mirror caps, but the real eye-catcher is the darkened chrome grille. The Nightshade edition also receives 20” black wheels, badging, and exhaust tips to complete the silver-less look. But if you’re interested, act fast. Toyota is limiting production to just 5,000 vehicles stateside. Pricing starts at just $1,000 above the Limited at $43,390.

2021 Tundra Trail Edition

If the name sounds familiar, it’s what the TRD Pro used to be. For 2021, Toyota is bringing back the moniker for use on the Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner family. It won’t quite be TRD Pro levels of tech, styling, and capability, but it’s a great package for those seeking a little performance without paying the price of a top trim level.

The Tundra will be based on the SR5 Crew Max with the SR5 Upgrade Package. This will mean a larger fuel tank, lumbar-supporting bucket seats, and a few other center console and dash niceties.

It steals the sharp-looking chrome grille from the 1974 Edition and also features lockable bed storage, which will surely please the outdoorsman interested in additional security. But like the Nightshade, Toyota is only producing 5,000. Pricing starts at $43,565 for rear-wheel drive, and $46,615 for four-wheel drive.

2022 Tundra

I can’t hide my bias, I’m a big fan of the Tundra and Toyota trucks in general. I own one. And I also agree with the age-old adage that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But there comes a time in most vehicle’s life-cycle when the competition will force the hand of even the most beloved nameplate. And we’ve reached that point with the Tundra.

Some manufacturers never reach this point. In fact, Subaru comes to mind with refreshes of their cars seemingly every few years. But Toyota is known for milking every last drop from their truck platforms. And while it certainly doesn’t have the long heritage of many domestic pickups, it’s hard to believe that the Tundra is only on its SECOND generation.

The current XK50 body was introduced way back in 2007, receiving minor facelifts in 2010 and 2014. And while it was unanimously praised at the beginning of its life, winning the 2008 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, it’s fallen out of favor with many automotive pundits. The TRD Pro model is still a favorite for off-roaders, but its other trim packages lag behind the smooth transmissions, better fuel economy, and more plush interiors offered by the domestic big three.

But fear not ‘Yota-lovers, the 2022 Tundra will mark the first year of the third-generation.

Much is still under wraps, but as the calendar lurches toward 2021, more information leaks out every week. Aside from the exterior, which we’ll get to, perhaps the most notable change comes from under the hood.

It seems Toyota is finally dropping the standard V-8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged V-6, falling more in line with its American counterparts. Expect this engine to be a tweaked version of the V-6 found in the 416 hp/442 lb-ft Lexus LS500.

We also can’t rule out the possibility of a more-efficient hybrid offering to compete with Ford, GM, and the more exotic electric trucks sure to come out during its life cycle.

It is also likely the 2022 Tundra will adopt a coil-spring based suspension setup, ditching the rear-axle leaf springs. This should smooth out the ride which has been cited as a reoccurring weakness. Toyota also confirmed the 2022 Tundra will sit on its TNGA-F (Toyota New Global Architecture-F) truck chassis. This body-on-frame setup will use higher-strength steel and reduce weight.

All this sounds great, and we know it will be reliable, but this milkshake will have to look good to ultimately bring all the boys to the yard. We’ve seen a number of renderings this year, but just a few weeks ago leaked spy photos gave us the best look yet. I’ve always thought the TRD Pro 4Runner had the most appealing front-end in the Toyota lineup, and it looks as though the 2022 Tundra has been digging through its closet.

We’re looking forward to more concrete details and images in 2021, but one thing is for certain: The engineering team at BAK will be ready with state-of-the-art hard-folding, rolling, and retractable tonneaus for whatever Toyota brings to market in 2022 and beyond.

For now, let’s take a closer look at what is available for current Tundra models.

BAKFlip MX4

If hard-folding aluminum is what you’re after, you can’t do much better than the MX4. The bolt-on installation means if you’ve got a socket set, you can have this baby installed in under an hour.

And the simplicity doesn’t stop there. Just pull the string latch to operate and fold the cover to your desired position; the panels will automatically latch into place when you’re done. And for those awkward loads, the MX4 can be used while fully or 2/3 open.

Durable EPDM rubber seals keep your bed dry and the multi-function tailgate seal allows for closure with the tailgate up or down. Plus, the UV-resistant matte black finish is supremely durable and looks great with all trim levels of the 2021 Tundra.

Revolver X4

The Revolver X4 takes the simplicity of a standard roll-up tonneau and combines it with the strength of an aluminum hard-fold. What you get is an unbelievably smooth-rolling aluminum tonneau.

BAK’s ingenious Rotational Locking Rails automatically engage with the aluminum slats to give your bed unmatched security. When loading and unloading, simply pull the cable-release and roll the cover to the front of the bed for full access. Buckle straps allow the cover to be open and secure while driving.

And because this isn’t your standard flimsy roll-up tonneau, the Revolver X4 can hold up to 400 lbs. of evenly distributed weight.

Vortrak

So you’ve got an aluminum folding and an aluminum rolling cover—that’s it right? There’s actually third style of aluminum tonneau that just may be the sleekest of all—the retractable.

Instead of rolling on top of itself like the Revolver, the Vortrak rolls under itself into a rear canister. This creates the most seamless cover we’ve ever seen on a truck, providing full cab window visibility even when retracted. Each slat of the Vortrak is made of heavy-duty 1/2-inch extruded aluminum that forms a weatherproof bond for unbeatable bed protection.

Along with fully open or closed, the Vortrak also can be locked in two additional places to accommodate anything you may be hauling. A full-length pull strap allows for easy closure when operating from your tailgate.