TOYOTA TUNDRA

The 2025 Toyota Tundra represents Toyota Australia’s first factory-backed entry into the American-style full-size pickup segment, positioned above HiLux and LandCruiser 70 in size and towing capability. Built on the TNGA-F ladder-frame architecture shared with LandCruiser 300 but stretched for greater stability, it arrives as a CrewMax dual-cab with a 5.5-foot tub, aimed squarely at customers who need serious towing performance, interior comfort and long-distance touring ability. Conversion to right-hand drive is carried out in Australia under Toyota authority, integrating local engineering validation with Walkinshaw’s large-truck conversion expertise to deliver a vehicle that feels fully resolved for Australian roads and conditions.

Under the bonnet, all Australian-spec Tundras are powered by the i-FORCE MAX 3.5‑litre twin‑turbo V6 petrol hybrid powertrain, combining turbocharged performance with an integrated electric motor-generator to deliver strong, diesel‑rivalling torque with refined petrol manners. With a combined output of 326 kW (437 hp) and 790 Nm, the Tundra is one of the most powerful light commercials Toyota has ever sold here, and its 4,536 kg braked towing capacity positions it as a serious contender for owners of large caravans, boats and horse floats who want Toyota reliability in a full-size American-style truck package.

The 2025 Toyota Tundra range in Australia is structured around two grades, both using the same i-FORCE MAX 3.5L twin‑turbo V6 hybrid. The Tundra Limited 3.5L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid is priced at AUD 155,990 drive away and serves as the core work-and-tour specification, balancing high equipment levels with a more understated appearance. It rides on 20‑inch alloy wheels, uses leather‑appointed trim with synthetic leather surfaces, and delivers a strong blend of practicality and comfort, including heated and ventilated front seats, a premium JBL audio system and comprehensive towing hardware. This grade is aimed at buyers who prioritise towing, load carrying and long-haul use, but still want a well-equipped cabin without moving into overtly luxury territory or the largest possible wheels.

Above it sits the Tundra Platinum 3.5L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid at AUD 172,990 drive away, which adds a luxury and technology focus to the same underlying chassis and powertrain. The Platinum steps up to 22‑inch chrome or machined alloy wheels, a richer interior presentation with genuine leather upholstery and additional comfort features such as second‑row seat heating and a panoramic moonroof, along with extra premium touches such as enhanced mirror functionality and integrated outdoor‑oriented audio. It targets buyers transitioning from high‑end LandCruiser or luxury SUVs, or those cross-shopping American rivals’ flagship trims, who want a showpiece truck with maximum comfort and technology while still retaining full towing capability and off‑road hardware.

Both Tundra Limited and Platinum grades sold in Australia are powered by the i-FORCE MAX 3.5‑litre V6 twin‑turbo petrol hybrid, known internally as the V35A‑FTS. This powertrain pairs a 3,445 cc twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine with a parallel hybrid system to deliver a combined system output of 326 kW (437 hp) and 790 Nm. On its own, the petrol engine produces approximately 290 kW and 649 Nm, with the electric motor contributing around 36 kW and 250 Nm; the outputs are managed through the hybrid control system to provide the stated combined figures without simple linear addition. Coupled to a 10‑speed Sequential Shift automatic transmission and part‑time dual‑range four‑wheel drive, this configuration equips the Tundra with strong, immediate acceleration, a relaxed highway gait and assured towing performance even at or near its maximum braked rating.

The hybrid system operates via a motor‑generator packaged within the bell housing of the 10‑speed transmission, fed by a nickel‑metal hydride battery of approximately 1.87 kWh capacity. In low‑load urban driving, the electric motor can assist the V6 to reduce fuel consumption and smooth out stop‑start operation, while during heavier acceleration it fills in torque gaps between turbo spool and gearshifts, delivering an uninterrupted, muscular surge. Regenerative braking captures kinetic energy when decelerating and feeds it back into the NiMH battery, which is continuously managed by the power control unit. In real‑world terms, this translates to a 0–100 km/h time of around 5.6 seconds, combined-cycle fuel use of roughly 11.5 L/100 km depending on driving style and load, and the ability to tow up to 4,536 kg when correctly equipped, while still supporting a payload in the order of 680–860 kg depending on variant configuration and options.

Under sustained towing or off‑road use, the electric motor’s assistance reduces the load on the petrol engine at lower speeds and in transient conditions, improving drivability rather than chasing maximum fuel savings. At highway speeds with a heavy van attached, the Tundra behaves primarily as a powerful turbocharged petrol, but still uses the hybrid system to optimise efficiency where possible, for example when cresting hills or coasting. The hybrid tuning and 10‑speed gearbox work together to keep the engine in its sweet spot between approximately 2,400 and 3,600 rpm, where peak torque is delivered and where the Tundra feels particularly strong, even with significant trailer mass or cargo aboard.

In Australian specification, the Tundra is offered exclusively in CrewMax dual‑cab form with a short 5.5‑foot (approx. 1.67 m) cargo bed, balancing interior space with manoeuvrability and towing stability. Overall length is approximately 5,865 mm, with an overall width of about 2,030 mm and a height close to 1,965 mm, placing it among the largest light commercial vehicles on local roads and noticeably larger than HiLux or LandCruiser 300 in almost every dimension. The wheelbase measures around 3,700 mm, delivering a long, stable footprint that contributes to composure when towing large caravans or trailers at highway speeds, while the CrewMax cabin offers generous rear legroom suited to adult passengers or long‑distance family travel.

Ground clearance is about 248 mm, supported by approach and departure angles of roughly 27 and 26 degrees respectively, allowing the Tundra to tackle moderate off‑road tracks, boat ramps and access roads with ease. Kerb mass for the hybrid CrewMax models sits in the approximate 2,800–2,830 kg range, depending on variant, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of about 3,630 kg, leaving usable payload in the 680–860 kg region once specified and fuelled. A large fuel tank, approximately 138 litres in capacity for Australian‑delivered hybrid models, provides substantial touring range when combined with the hybrid powertrain, particularly on open‑road runs where consumption stabilises, making the Tundra well suited to long‑distance towing and regional travel.

In Limited grade, the Tundra presents a purposeful yet relatively understated aesthetic, tailored to owners who value functionality and rugged presence. It rides on 20‑inch black alloy wheels that strike a balance between on‑road comfort and visual toughness, wrapped in all‑terrain‑capable tyres chosen to support towing and light off‑road work. LED headlights with sequential turn signals give a modern lighting signature and confident night‑time visibility, while an integrated power tailgate with kick sensor adds convenience when loading the 5.5‑foot tub with hands full. A durable bedliner is fitted to protect the tub from abrasion and impact damage when carrying tools, camping gear or building materials, and both front and rear bumpers are styled to complement Toyota’s TRD‑influenced grille and bodywork details that emphasise width and stance. Roof‑rail cross bars and LED fog lights are also standard, enhancing both practicality and presence.

The Platinum grade builds on this base with a more overtly premium visual character. Wheel equipment is upgraded to 22‑inch chrome or machined alloy wheels, filling the arches more completely and lending the truck a luxury‑oriented, flagship appearance that aligns with its higher price point. Exterior mirrors gain additional premium features, such as more sophisticated power adjustment and memory, enhanced heating and, depending on specification, features like integrated lighting or extended blind‑spot visibility to support towing and manoeuvring. JBL outdoor speakers integrated into the vehicle’s design underscore the lifestyle focus of the Platinum, allowing owners to extend the audio experience outside the cabin at campsites, job sites or events. Despite these luxury additions, the Platinum retains the same fundamental TRD‑influenced styling cues, LED fog lights and roof‑rail cross bars as the Limited, ensuring the range maintains a cohesive identity while differentiating the flagship visually and functionally.

Inside the cabin, both Tundra Limited and Platinum focus on combining American full‑size truck spaciousness with Toyota’s familiar ergonomic logic and durability. Dominating the dashboard is a 14‑inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a high‑output JBL audio setup, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration to simplify smartphone mirroring and navigation. The driver faces a 12.3‑inch fully digital instrument cluster that can display a wide range of information, from hybrid system status and off‑road data to towing metrics and navigation prompts. Wireless phone charging is integrated into the centre console to reduce cable clutter, and multiple USB charging ports are distributed through the cabin, ensuring both front and rear occupants can power devices during long journeys. Front seats are heated and ventilated as standard, contributing to comfort in both Australian summer and winter conditions, and the overall layout favours large, clearly labelled controls suitable for gloved use.

Trim execution is the key differentiator between the two grades. The Limited uses high‑quality leather‑appointed upholstery with synthetic leather and patterned fabric combinations that provide durability and an easy‑to‑clean surface, ideal for owners whose trucks will see regular worksite or off‑road use. By contrast, the Platinum moves to genuine leather upholstery with a more luxurious stitch pattern and softer touch points across the cabin, elevating the ambience to match its flagship positioning. Platinum also adds a panoramic moonroof, which brightens the cabin and increases the sense of openness for both front and rear passengers, and it includes heated second‑row seats to extend comfort features beyond the front row. Together with the large CrewMax rear bench, these additions position the Platinum as a legitimate alternative to luxury SUVs for families or couples touring with a caravan, while the Limited retains a more utilitarian but still well‑specified interior aimed at mixed work‑and‑play use.

The Australian‑spec Tundra incorporates Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard, aligning the vehicle with Toyota’s latest active safety suite. The Pre‑Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection is designed to monitor the road ahead and apply braking assistance where the driver fails to respond, including operation in a range of light conditions. Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keeping Assist helps the truck stay centred within its lane by providing steering assistance and audible or visual alerts if lane markings are inadvertently crossed, particularly useful on long highway runs common for towing and touring. Automatic High Beam assists by automatically switching between high and low beam to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers while maintaining forward visibility, and Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go allows the Tundra to maintain a set following distance in traffic, even bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and moving off again where conditions permit.

Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert further support the driver when changing lanes or reversing, especially when the Tundra’s width and the presence of trailers can limit rearward visibility. Front and rear parking sensors assist with manoeuvring in tight spaces, while a Panoramic View Monitor offers a multi‑angle camera display to help position the truck accurately when parking, hitching a trailer or navigating obstacles off‑road. Trailer sway control is integrated to detect and mitigate trailer oscillation by adjusting engine torque and applying braking as needed, complementing the standard trailer brake controller to provide a comprehensive towing safety package. Combined with structural crash protection and multiple airbags, these systems work together to deliver a safety proposition that is competitive within the full‑size pickup segment and appropriate for a vehicle likely to be used for heavy towing and long‑distance family travel.

For the Australian market, the 2025 Tundra is offered in a focused but appealing colour palette designed to suit both private and fleet buyers. Glacier White is available on both Limited and Platinum and is likely to be popular with commercial users and owners who prefer a classic, easy‑to‑maintain finish. Additional hues include Feverish Red Crush Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Graphite and Atomic Silver, offering a spread from bold, high‑impact colour through to more subtle, premium‑leaning metallic shades. Exact colour availability can vary between the Limited and Platinum grades, with some metallics and special finishes reserved for the higher specification or offered in limited combinations with interior trims, so buyers should confirm final availability and build combinations with their Toyota dealer. All Australian vehicles are sourced as factory right‑hand drive under Toyota authority, rather than aftermarket conversions, ensuring that body, paint and trim integration meet Toyota’s global quality standards from the outset.

Towing is a central pillar of the Tundra’s Australian specification, with a maximum braked towing capacity of 4,536 kg when set up correctly and within all legal and vehicle limits. An integrated trailer brake controller is fitted from the factory, allowing precise adjustment of trailer braking force from the cab and fully integrated communication between the vehicle’s stability systems and the trailer. Trailer sway control is also standard, monitoring the combination for oscillations and intervening via selective braking and engine torque reduction to help stabilise the vehicle and trailer. The long wheelbase, wide track and robust ladder-frame chassis further contribute to confident towing dynamics, while the hybrid powertrain’s strong low‑ to mid‑range torque helps maintain speed with heavy loads on undulating highways without constant downshifting.

Off‑road, the Tundra employs an Electronic On‑Demand part‑time four‑wheel drive system with a transfer case offering 2H, 4H and 4L modes, enabling the driver to tailor driveline engagement to surface conditions. Multi‑Terrain Select offers driving modes such as Auto, Rock, Mud/Sand, Loose Rock and Rock and Dirt, adjusting throttle response, traction control and stability systems to optimise grip for the terrain at hand, while Crawl Control provides a low‑speed off‑road cruise function that manages throttle and braking so the driver can concentrate on steering across difficult surfaces like rocks or deep ruts. On Platinum models, the addition of Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) further enhances off‑road capability by varying front and rear stabiliser bar resistance, improving wheel articulation in rough terrain while preserving flatter cornering on road. Together with the generous ground clearance, approach and departure angles and the robust TNGA‑F chassis, these systems position the Tundra as not only a heavy‑duty tow vehicle, but also a capable off‑roader for owners who need to get large trailers into remote campsites, boat ramps or rural properties across challenging access tracks.