Best Exhaust System for Toyota Tundra: Top 5 for 2021

Whether you are having trouble with your Toyota Tundra exhaust or you simply want an upgrade, it’s not difficult to find the model that fits your truck. We’ve chosen the top 5 options for the best exhaust system for Toyota Tundra, but before we review those, let’s take a look at some considerations you need to think about.

What is an Exhaust System?

Your Toyota exhaust system is made up of several parts, all working together to reduce noise and channel exhaust gases as they exit the engine. If the exhaust system didn’t work correctly, the harmful gases could infiltrate the cabin, causing people to become sick. Here are a few of the components that make up an entire exhaust system.

• Exhaust manifold – Collects the gases from the cylinders and directs them to the exhaust pipe.
• Catalytic converter – Otherwise known as the Cat. This part converts harmful emissions into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
• Muffler – Reduces noise while maximizing the exhaust gas flow.
• Resonator – Changes the vibrations of sound from the engine while improving flow effectiveness.
• Tail pipe – This final piece of the Tundra exhaust comes from the muffler, extending out past the rear bumper. It directs exhaust gases and often serves as a styling feature, especially when covered in chrome.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Toyota Tundra Exhaust System

Why would you choose a new aftermarket exhaust system for Toyota Tundra trucks? Aside from needing a replacement due to a defect, here are three main benefits to consider.

Added Power

The aftermarket Tundra exhaust can provide more power to your truck. It won’t provide as much boost as a supercharger or turbo, but you could notice a slight increase in horsepower by reducing back pressure.

Improved Fuel Economy

You may not think the exhaust could affect the fuel efficiency of your Toyota truck, but it does. While you won’t start saving boatloads of cash, you should notice a difference in fuel economy, especially if you choose to replace the entire exhaust versus simply changing the cat-back system.

Better Sound

While this doesn’t matter to everyone, some people prefer a more aggressive sound. With a specially-tuned aftermarket exhaust, you can achieve the deeper tone or rumble you are looking for.

This one may or may not be important to you, depending on your age and preferences. An aftermarket exhaust can greatly improve the sound of your engine.

Toyota Tundra Exhaust System Buying Considerations: What to Look for

Before you look for the best exhaust system for Toyota Tundra trucks, here are a few factors to consider.

Tundra Model Year

Not every Tundra uses the same type of exhaust system. Your 2007 Toyota Tundra exhaust system is likely much different from the 2015 Toyota Tundra exhaust system. It doesn’t matter how highly rated the exhaust is if it won’t work with your truck, so your first consideration is to choose a compatible option.

Material

Your exhaust system is exposed to road debris, contaminants and moisture on a regular basis. To ensure it’s protected from corrosion and rust, you want a material that stands up to the elements. Stainless steel is the best option and most durable when used on aftermarket Tundra exhaust systems.

Construction

Many stock exhaust systems use a style that produces crushed bends. This type is simple and easy to produce, but narrows the pipe and imposes restrictions on the air flow. In the end, you are left with a system that isn’t efficient. High-end exhaust systems use mandrel bending to ensure no loss of diameter. When you choose a mandrel bent exhaust, you receive more horsepower and often get a better sound.

Size

The size directly corresponds to the sound you receive. If you want an aggressive sound, you should look for a smaller muffler size. However, if you prefer a quiet sound, the bigger muffler will suit you better.

Parts Included With Kit

When you purchase a Tundra exhaust system, you want to know what parts are included. If you need hardware for the installation, it’s best to know that up front. Some kits will supply everything you need, saving you a trip to the auto parts store.

5 Best Exhaust Systems for Toyota Tundra

 

1. Flowmaster 817692 Outlaw Stainless Steel Aggressive Sound Cat-Back Exhaust System Review

Flowmaster is known for making high-end exhaust systems that fit a variety of vehicles. The Outlaw Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust fits the 2009-2018 Toyota Tundra. Not only does it provide a big improvement over the factory exhaust, but it’s also simple to install. Set aside two to three hours and you should be able to finish the installation.

The Flowmaster Outlaw exhaust is ideal for anyone in need of an aggressive upgrade. It features dyno tuning combined with a proprietary setup to create a uniquely powerful sound. Hit the throttle and listen to it roar. However, if you don’t want an aggressive sound, this exhaust might be too much for you.

Aside from the tone, this durable exhaust provides more power, thanks to the mandrel bent construction that creates superior airflow. Because it is constructed from stainless steel, there will be no corrosion or rusting concerns down the road.

While the installation is simple, we did find that the clamps included with the kit tend to be slightly weak. To fix this, you might prefer to perform spot welding so the pipes don’t hang down. Other than this, you won’t find a kit that offers more bang for the buck.

Features

Pros	Cons
Creates aggressive sound	Piping clamps are weak
Durable construction	Can be too loud for some users
Simple installation
Allows for plenty of airflow

2. Gibson Performance Exhaust 60-0013 Metal Mulisha Stainless Steel Exhaust System Review

There’s no reason to spend more than necessary for a Tundra exhaust system. If you own a 2007-2017 Toyota Tundra, you might find this Gibson Performance Exhaust to be your best option. It’s not only affordable, but it’s still made of high-quality parts for durability.

The bolt-on installation is simple to perform and doesn’t require a lot of expertise. Even though it’s cheaper, you’ll find that this Toyota exhaust still includes stainless steel and mandrel bends, just like the most expensive systems on the market. The tubes also feature a large, 4-inch diameter and your kit includes the factory-style hangers.

Overall, you should be pleased with the tone. Because of the straight-thru muffler design and the larger pipes, this exhaust produces a deep rumble. However, some users have commented that it creates a hum on the highway that might annoy some.

If you want a cheap Toyota Tundra exhaust system, you won’t find anything better. The bigger pipes on this Gibson exhaust allow for complete efficiency and should also provide a boost to your horsepower. We can’t find much to complain about considering the price.

Features

Pros	Cons
Low cost	Creates highway hum
Large pipes
Increases horsepower and efficiency
Solid construction

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3. Borla 140332 Cat-Back Exhaust System Review

If money is no object, you might as well invest in the best. This Borla 140332 Cat-Back Exhaust System creates horsepower that you weren’t planning on harnessing. Sure, it is much more expensive than the rest of our choices, but the quality and construction are unparalleled to anything else on the market.

Because of the high-tech construction, you can achieve the largest possible horsepower gains. Plus, the mandrel bends allow for more airflow. Borla constructs each part with precision machinery and uses multi-core tech to create the best-fitting system you will find.

Once this Tundra exhaust is installed, others will remark about the superior sound quality. Plus, you will be thrilled with the responsive engine. Over time, you might also notice savings when you pump fuel, which helps you recoup some of the cost.

When you install this system, you might want to make a few adjustments to get the positioning correct. However, if that’s all that’s wrong with it, there’s no reason to be dissatisfied.

Features

Pros	Cons
High-quality construction	Expensive
Distinctive sound	Might need to make some adjustments
Increases horsepower and efficiency
Quick installation

4. Genuine Toyota Parts PTR03-34101 TRD Cat-Back Exhaust System Review

Some people prefer to use Genuine Toyota Parts for their Tundra. After all, no one knows your Toyota truck better. If you need a replacement exhaust that won’t void your warranty, this is a superior option. Another perk is that you know what you are getting, since this replacement exhaust should match what’s already on your truck. For drivers that need a simple replacement, but don’t need an upgrade, this is a winner.

The Genuine Toyota Parts PTR03-34101 TRD Cat-Back Exhaust System is made with durable materials and a superior construction to ensure long life. Because it is made with stainless steel, you won’t have to worry about rust or corrosion. This dual exhaust also features side by side mufflers for a unique look.

However, you won’t get everything required for a seamless installation. Instead, you will need to purchase the tailpipes separately. Plus, this kit doesn’t include the installation bolts and gaskets. As you plan how much you are spending, remember to factor in all of these additional parts. You might find that it’s better to go with a different model altogether.

Features

Pros	Cons
High-quality construction	Expensive
Distinctive sound	Might need to make some adjustments
Increases horsepower and efficiency
Quick installation

5. Flowmaster 817664 American Thunder 409S Dual Rear/Side Exit Cat-Back System with Aggressive Sound Review

We have one more to consider from Flowmaster. The American Thunder Dual Exit Cat-Back exhaust system creates a slightly aggressive sound but not quite as powerful as the Outlaw model. While you will feel and hear the power, you aren’t going to piss off the neighbors. Still, it provides many of the same performance upgrades as the other option. Because of the dual 2.5-inch tailpipes, you should see some horsepower gains.

Because everything runs more efficiently, there will also be some improvement to fuel economy. Who knew you could save some money simply by upgrading your old or damaged exhaust. What’s most impressive is the installation. You don’t need special skills or tools to get this Toyota exhaust hooked up.

While everything seems good with this kit, you might want to go through some of the reviews. Every now and then, customers complain that the parts arrive damaged. However, this is something that could occur with any package, so probably nothing to worry about.

Features

Pros	Cons
Quieter, yet more aggressive tone	Reports of shipping damage
Complete installation kit included
Unique dual-out design
Fits a variety of trucks

Single Exhaust vs. Dual Exhaust: What’s the Difference?

When you look at upgrading your stock exhaust, you might wonder what the difference is between the single and dual exhaust. The single exhaust sends gas out through one pipe and is often found on four-cylinder models. Typically, six-cylinder or larger vehicles use a dual exhaust that utilizes two pipes. The dual exhaust system has separate pipes connected to each manifold that distributes the gas to separate tubes.

Some vehicles appear to have a dual exhaust, but it’s simply two tips. The double exhaust is going to provide better performance and create a throatier tone. However, some people prefer to buy a single exhaust because it is cheaper, lightweight and features a higher gas velocity.

How to Replace Toyota Tundra Exhaust System

If you are not familiar with the exhaust system installation instructions for your Toyota Tundra, it’s best to look at the information provided by the manufacturer. We can also provide some simple instructions for installing a new exhaust from the rear of the catalytic converter, but each model is different.

1. Buy the best exhaust system for Toyota Tundra. Make sure you get one that fits your needs.
2. Park your truck on a flat surface and raise it.
3. Remove the muffler and detach the exhaust from the catalytic converter.
4. Remove the rubber hangers and install the new ones.
5. Slip the new muffler into the rubber hangers.
6. Install a new gasket.
7. Fasten the flange.
8. Tighten your bolts ¼ to ½ turn past snug.
9. Perform a complete inspection of your work.
10. Return the truck to the ground and take a test drive.

If you are a visual learner, you might enjoy this YouTube video showing you how to install a 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra exhaust system.

FAQ

How much does it cost to replace the Tundra exhaust system?

You can find a high-quality Tundra exhaust system ranging from $500 to $2,000. If you install it yourself, you won’t have to pay a mechanic, further saving you some money.

Is a new Toyota exhaust worth it?

If your existing exhaust is worn out or damaged, you might be losing horsepower and paying more for fuel. A simple aftermarket exhaust can make a big difference in terms of performance and efficiency.

Is it hard to change a Toyota Tundra exhaust?

It depends on what aftermarket exhaust kit you purchase. With the right kit, some basic tools and patience, you won’t have trouble installing the exhaust.

How long does it take to change a Toyota Tundra exhaust?

If you are simply replacing a muffler, you shouldn’t need more than an hour. However, changing the entire exhaust system could turn into a two to three-hour job. We recommend giving yourself an afternoon.

Conclusion

Are you ready to upgrade to a high-performance exhaust? We’ve looked at the top 5 options for the best exhaust system for Toyota Tundra for you to consider. Determine what your needs are to find the cat-back exhaust that meets your goals.