After an agonizing wait, the mighty Toyota Tundra stormed into dealerships in late 2024, battle-tested and ready to conquer. Forget showroom debuts; this truck underwent a grueling gauntlet, entrusted to real-world drivers who pushed it to its limits. Only after passing this ultimate trial by fire, and earning the unwavering seal of approval from Toyota’s relentless quality gurus, was the Tundra unleashed upon the open road.
Forget a year. Australian Toyota fanatics have been yearning for a proper, full-size pickup truck from the Land Cruiser kings fordecades. This isn’t some flash-in-the-pan newcomer; the Tundra nameplate roared onto the scene back in 1999, born from the ashes of the ’93 T-100 – a truck deemed too much "souped-up HiLux" to truly conquer the American wilderness. This, friends, is the Tundra’sthirdact.
The Tundra? Born and bred for American soil. Sure, it’s ventured beyond borders – waving hello to Canada, sipping tequila in Mexico, even throwing a shrimp on the barbie Down Under – but make no mistake: this truck was forged in the fires of the American car market, a direct challenger to the reigning pickup kings like Ford’s F-Series.
While the Tundra boasts a dedicated fan base stateside, Toyota’s pickup truck has consistently played second fiddle to the American pickup titans: Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram. Despite the Toyota brand’s formidable reputation, the Tundra remains a distant contender for the pickup crown.
The Australian pickup scene? A whole different ballgame. Forget US-style dominance; think David versus Goliath. While American roads roar with F-Series trucks, down under, the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger reign supreme, commanding the sales charts like emperors of the outback.
The full-size American pickup truck scene Down Under? Less of a long-standing tradition, more of a recent rumble. Forget scattered grey imports and backyard conversions – even of past Tundras. This segment truly roared to life when Ram Trucks Australia, backed by the factory itself, unleashed their pickups onto Australian roads in 2015, marking the dawn of a new, officially-sanctioned era of American muscle.
Like Ram and Chevrolet, Toyota has tapped local company Walkinshaw to remanufacture the Tundra in right-hand drive.
Toyota’s relentless pursuit of perfection, however, meant the Tundra’s arrival was delayed. Marking the first time Toyota entrusted right-hand drive remanufacturing to an outside firm, getting itabsolutelyright took precedence over being first to market. While rivals roared onto the scene, Toyota meticulously ensured its Tundra was flawless, a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality.
How much does the Toyota Tundra cost?
They say "a day late, a dollar short." But when it comes to the Tundra, forget the "short" part. This beast isn’t scraping by; it’s the undisputed heavyweight champion when it comes to price in its class.
| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Toyota Tundra Limited | $155,990 | |2026 Toyota Tundra Platinum|$172,990|
Initially offered solely in the Limited trim, a new Platinum edition has arrived sporting a price tag that will leave your jaw on the floor. We’re talking a staggering $32,045 premium over a fully loaded Ford F-150 Limited, a hefty $13,040 above a Ram 1500 Limited, and a mind-blowing $31,490 leap beyond a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2. Is the Platinum trim worth mortgaging your future?
To see how the Toyota Tundra lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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What is the Toyota Tundra like on the inside?
The Toyota Tundra looks and feels like a proper modern American pickup truck inside.
Sink into the throne-like front seats, where comfort reigns supreme. The colossal centre console swallows clutter whole, while the expansive touchscreen puts command at your fingertips. Space isn’t just ample; it’s an invitation to stretch out and savour the ride.
The black interior is a canvas punctuated with vibrant details. Blue stitching dances across the dark expanse, while faux metallic vents catch the light like subtle jewels. Need a mood boost? A touch of a button brings the elegant ambient lighting to life, perfectly complementing the vast, starlit canvas offered by the panoramic sunroof.
The dashboard’s so-called brushed metal trim? A shadowy imitation at best. Meanwhile, the center console, a glossy black expanse, becomes a near-instant testament to every fingerprint and dust mote in the cabin.
The cabin whispers promises of luxury, with soft-touch trim gracing the dashboard, doors, and center console. Yet, a closer inspection of the dash reveals a charade – a whisper-thin layer of leatherette clinging precariously to unforgiving plastic, a stark reminder that not all that glitters is gold.
Sink into a throne of comfort. These aren’t just seats; they’re personal spas. Forget chilly mornings with instant heat, and wave goodbye to stuffiness with built-in ventilation. But the real magic? A multi-mode massage system with five intensity levels to melt away tension. Pro tip: surrender to the "centripetal" mode. It’s not just your back that gets pampered; your thighs and glutes will thank you. Prepare for a driving experience redefined by pure, unadulterated bliss.
Forget fumbling for a seat-side button. In this car, the massage function – a feature usually flaunted with immediate access – is bizarrely entombed within the touchscreen’s Vehicle menu, lost in a digital labyrinth. It’s like hiding the volume knob in a symphony hall.
Right-hand drive conversions aren’t always seamless. Imagine stretching for the infotainment shortcuts while navigating unfamiliar roads, all because the anchored bar stubbornly clings to the passenger side. And in a cruel twist of ergonomic fate, your passenger luxuriates with an adjustable thigh extender while you, the driver, are left wanting. Welcome to the quirky compromises of driving a converted car.
Walkinshaw stubbornly left the indicator stalk on the wrong side – a quirky anomaly in a sea of right-hand-drive Toyotas. The Tundra, in this respect, felt like a rebellious outsider gracing the showroom floor.
Forget built-in GPS. You’re hitching a ride on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Pro-tip: venturing off-grid? Download those offline maps; otherwise, you might find yourself utterly, delightfully lost.
Tired of tangled cords cluttering your sleek dashboard? Apple CarPlay offers a seamless wireless connection, but Android Auto users are tethered to a USB-A port, forcing an unsightly cable to snake across the console. Forget fast charging; instead, wrestle with an inconveniently placed wire. Hidden deeper within the center console bin, you’ll discover a USB-A and a more modern USB-C port, almost as if mocking the tethered reality of Android Auto.
The sound system? Let’s just say it’s where Toyota apparently decided to save a few bucks. For a car boasting this price tag, the audio experience is shockingly…meh. You’d expect crystal-clear highs and thumping bass. Instead, you get a symphony of "adequate." Seriously, couldn’t they have sprung for a Bose? My ears deserve better.
The infotainment system is a vibrant splash of color. Toyota has ditched its old, gloomy blue screens for graphics that pop with clarity and intuitive menus you can breeze through. Say goodbye to squinting: the large, legible font ensures effortless readability at a glance.
The digital instrument cluster offers crystal-clear data, mimicking classic analogue gauges for speed, turbo boost, and hybrid performance. But why glance down? A convenient head-up display projects your speed right onto the windshield, keeping your eyes where they belong: on the road.
Ditch the cable! iPhone and Android users can power up wirelessly using the charger nestled at the base of the center console it’s angled for easy viewing and within perfect reach of the driver.
Ahead, a generous storage nook eagerly awaits, easily swallowing even a hefty 1.5L water bottle. Tucked just behind, a duo of oversized cupholders stand guard, flanking a centre console bin so deep, it feels like a hidden vault.
Forget cavernous voids; the front storage is a magician’s act. The center console boasts a stealthy, sliding tray integrated into its lid. Think of it as a secret agent for your phone, concealing a sneaky peek-a-boo entrance to the bin below. Need the full expanse? Shove the tray back, and the entire lid – a U-shaped slab of plastic and leatherette – rises like a plush, albeit slightly lavatorial, throne.
Forget fumbling through menus! This car puts climate control at your fingertips with satisfyingly tactile dials and buttons. And nestled just below, a command center of physical switches awaits, including a godsend of a button that instantly summons a crystal-clear, 360-degree view from the surround camera.
Night vision falters when headlights blaze. Picture this: backing out of a shadowy parking spot, the reversing camera your guide. Suddenly, headlights ignite, flooding the display with blinding light. The clarity vanishes, transforming your rear view into an overexposed blur, obscuring what lurks behind. This frustrating glare is the camera system’s singular stumble in the darkness.
Hauling oversized cargo? No sweat. Toyota’s got your back (and your view) with a clever digital rearview mirror. See right through that mountain of stuff! Need a classic, reflective perspective? Just flick a switch and boom traditional mirror’s back. Best of both worlds, seamlessly delivered.
Forget fumbling for a cozy grip on a frigid morning. Instead of the steering wheel itself, the heated steering wheel control hides like a mischievous elf, tucked away to the right, almost daring you to discover its comforting secret.
The Tundra’s interior held a peculiar secret: a phantom massage. A faint, persistent hum, like a forgotten shiatsu setting gone rogue, vibrated through the cabin, even when the massaging seats were dormant. It was a subtle anomaly, a sonic riddle whispering from within the dashboard, leaving us both intrigued and slightly perplexed.
The back seat? Let’s just say legroom’s not exactly stretched limousine territory. It dwarfs a HiLux, granted, but that intrusive driveline hump steals valuable foot space, a sin some competitors have managed to cleverly engineer away.
Forget cramming three adults in the back of the Tundra. Anyone nearing six feet will find the center seat a cranial claustrophobia chamber, thanks to that slightly elevated perch. And legroom? The driveline hump throws a party for itself right where your knees want to be. Let’s just say, if you’re planning a triple-threat adult road trip in the back, rivals offer a far less… intimate experience.
Rear passengers, especially those in the outboard seats, are treated like royalty with both heated and ventilated cushions. Beyond climate comfort, they’ll also find a pair of USB ports to keep devices charged, a convenient fold-down center armrest, and practical map pockets nestled in the front seatbacks.
Outboard seats boast user-friendly ISOFIX anchors, while all three rear positions include top-tether points for rock-solid car seat security.
Gleaming under the bright lights, the truck bed features robust metal tie-down points at each corner, ready to secure any load. Along the sides, find four burly plastic anchors – unclip, slide, and lock into place on the integrated rails for ultimate cargo flexibility.
Forget fancy foot gestures or hidden steps! This tailgate operates with a simple button press, offering effortless access without the gimmick.
Our tester didn’t come with a tonneau cover, but Toyota’s range of Tundra accessories includes one.
| Dimensions | Toyota Tundra Platinum | | — | — | |Length| 5955mm | |Width| 2040mm | |Height| 1985mm | |Wheelbase| 3700mm | |Tub length| 1666mm | |Tub width| 1491mm (1237mm between arches) | |Tub depth| 531mm |
To see how the Toyota Tundra lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Down Under, the Toyota Tundra sings a different tune. Forget rumbling V8s – every Aussie-bound Tundra boasts a potent twin-turbo V6hybrid. Meanwhile, stateside, you can still snag a Tundra with a pure, unadulterated twin-turbo V6, leaving some to wonder if electrifying the Tundra is a land-specific phenomenon.
| Specifications | Toyota Tundra Platinum | | — | — | |Powertrain| 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid | |Engine outputs| 290kW / 649Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 36kW / 250Nm | |System outputs| 326kW / 790Nm | |Transmission| 10-speed auto | |Drive type| Part-time 4WD with 2-speed transfer case, auto limited-slip differential | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 20MPG – US market ~11.7L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 14L/100km (inner-city, suburban and highway loop) 19.4L/100km (over the course of a week) | |Fuel tank capacity| 122L | |Fuel requirement| 95-octane premium unleaded | |Kerb weight| 2834kg | |Payload| 702kg | |Braked towing capacity| 4500kg | |Gross vehicle mass (GVM)| 3536kg | |Gross combination mass (GCM)| 7980kg |
Toyota’s playing fast and loose with numbers when it comes to the Tundra. They slap a "3.5-litre" badge on the engine, even though it’s technically a 3445cm3 powerplant. Fuel consumption? Mum’s the word. Since the Tundra tips the scales at over 3500kg, Toyota conveniently avoids publishing those pesky MPG figures.
Australia’s Tundra stands alone as the only hybrid pickup in its class, yet our real-world testing revealed a surprising truth: it’s thirstier than its gas-guzzling, twin-turbo V6 and naturally aspirated V8 competitors.
We pitted the Tundra Platinum against formidable rivals the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ and ZR2, plus the Ford F-150 XLT on our grueling proving ground. Each truck battled a blend of stop-and-go city streets, sprawling suburban avenues, and open highway stretches, revealing its true colors.
Fuel consumption figures told a similar story. While the Silverado LTZ (V8) guzzled 12.9L/100km and the ZR2 managed 13.7L/100km, our test vehicle drank a slightly thirstier 14L/100km. However, the F-150 eked out a narrow victory over the Tundra, posting a consumption figure of 13.9L/100km.
To see how the Toyota Tundra lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How does the Toyota Tundra drive?
This may be a Toyota hybrid, but it’s not like any Toyota hybrid we’ve ever been offered in Australia.
Forget searching for a hidden "EV Mode" button. And thankfully, ditch the rubber-band sensation of a CVT. At low speeds, a subtle, futuristic hum whispers its presence, but otherwise? This hybrid sheds its label, offering a surprisingly pure driving experience.
Ever been stuck at a red light in the city, expecting that blissful silence of your hybrid’s engine shutting off, only to be greeted by… nothing? Our test Toyota hybrid pulled that trick on us a couple of times, stubbornly idling even with a seemingly healthy 40% battery. Color us surprised – that’s not the Toyota hybrid experience we’re used to.
Unleash the beast within the twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 hybrid, but tread lightly. This engine roars to life with effortless power, so much so that a careless tap of the accelerator will send the rear tires singing a smoky tune.
The V6 actually has a lovely snarl to it, though the cabin is appropriately hushed even at highway speeds.
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The Tundra, while quieter than a wind-whipped F-150 on the open road, reveals its rougher edges upon closer inspection. Its 10-speed transmission occasionally stumbles, delivering a jarring shift. And the transition between gasoline and electric power isn’t always seamless, leaving a subtle shudder in its wake.
Unlike some trucks adorned with flashy paddle shifters, the Tundra offers a more deliberate, hands-on experience. You won’t find fingertip gear changes behind the wheel; instead, command the robust powertrain directly through the gear selector, forging a tangible connection with the road.
The Tundra isn’t just mimicking the F-150 on paper; it’s channeling its spirit. Sure, both boast a twin-turbo V6 and a 10-speed automatic. But the real connection? It’s in the driver’s seat – a feeling that transcends specs and dives straight into soul.
While the Ram 1500 and Silverado 1500 rumble with traditional truck DNA, the Tundra and F-150 offer a surprisingly nimble experience behind the wheel. Their lighter steering transforms the chore of navigating city streets and squeezing into parking spaces into a breeze, even if it feels a little disconnected. Think power steering that’s almosttooeager to please, making this full-size pickup feel smaller than it actually is.
While the Ford might still wear the crown for effortless handling, the Tundra is breathing down its neck, a close contender nipping at its heels.
Behind the wheel of the Tundra, prepare for a visual quirk: its hood seems to melt away towards the horizon, playing tricks on your eyes and hinting at a turn that isn’t there.
The ride balances that classic American pickup truck plushness with a firmer edge. Think less floating cloud, more supportive cradle. Yes, you’ll feel the occasional body-on-frame shimmy, a gentle reminder of its robust construction. The rear might skip a beat over harsh bumps, and patchwork pavement can make the live rear axle a tad restless. But overall, it’s a controlled and comfortable experience.
However, the Tundra generally feels plush. It also proved comfortable across unsealed roads.
Miles melt away in this highway cruiser. Engage the adaptive cruise control, and watch as the lane-keep system transforms into a lane-centering virtuoso. Settle in, because with these features activated, you’ll be gliding across the asphalt tapestry for hundreds of kilometers, worry-free.
The Tundra may not have seen any off-road action during our test, but it’s packing selectable low-range gearing for when the pavement ends. However, unlike many of its rivals, the Tundra skips a full-time four-wheel-drive system – meaning you can’t confidently engage it on wet or paved roads. And if you’re dreaming of serious rock crawling, take note: locking differentials are also absent from the options list.
The Tundra shrugged off a hefty 3200kg caravan during past towing trials, proving its mettle on winding country roads. While the big rig remained composed and sure-footed, a touch of fore-and-aft pitching ("nose-to-tail bobbing") was noted.
Taming a trailer just got easier. Activate Tow/Haul mode, then let the intelligent trailer backup guide take the reins, autonomously steering your rig into even the tightest spots. Reversing has never been so effortless.
To see how the Toyota Tundra lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
Across the Pacific, the Tundra roams in a dazzling array of configurations. But down under in Australia, the selection is a more curated affair, limited to just a dynamic duo.
2026 Toyota Tundra Limited equipment highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- 18-inch space-saver spare
- LED headlights
- Dusk sensing
- Manual levelling
- Automatic high-beam
- Power tailgate
- Power sliding rear glass
- Proximity entry and push-button start
- Electronic parking brake
- 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-speaker JBL sound system
- ‘Premium’ upholstery
- 8-way power-adjustable front seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Leather-accented steering wheel, shifter
- Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
- Dual-zone climate control
- Wireless phone charger
- 2 x front USB-A outlets
- 1 x front USB-C outlet
- 1 x rear USB-A outlet
- 1 x rear USB-C outlet
The Platinum adds:
- Black 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED tub lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 10.9-inch head-up display
- Leather-accented upholstery
- 4-way power lumbar for front seats
- Massaging front seats
- Heated and ventilated outboard rear seats
- Power tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
- Heated steering wheel
Unleash the Tundra’s true potential with an optional 70mm tow ball, transforming it into a towing titan capable of hauling a substantial 4500kg braked trailer. Amplify its versatility with a suite of genuine accessories: shield your payload with a sleek tonneau cover, conquer heavy loads with a load distribution hitch, and secure your cargo with a durable net – adventure awaits!
To see how the Toyota Tundra lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Is the Toyota Tundra safe?
The Toyota Tundra hasn’t faced the rigorous scrutiny of ANCAP, but across the Pacific, it snagged a prestigious award. In 2025, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) put left-hand drive Tundras through their paces, crowning it a "Top Safety Pick+." The kicker? It stood alone as the ONLY full-size pickup to achieve this top-tier safety accolade.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Daytime cyclist detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane Trace Assist (lane centring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Surround-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- 8 x airbags
To see how the Toyota Tundra lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How much does the Toyota Tundra cost to run?
Beyond the usual three-year warranty, the Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150 (now joined by the Chevrolet Silverado) stand out with extended coverage and capped-price servicing. However, Toyota drops the ball with shockingly short six-month/10,000km service intervals.
| Servicing and Warranty | Toyota Tundra Platinum | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres (vehicle incl. high-voltage electrical components) | |Roadside assistance| $99 per year | |Service intervals| 6 months or 10,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5 years | |Total capped-price service cost| $4500 ($450 each) |
To see how the Toyota Tundra lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Toyota Tundra
The Tundra struggles to find a unique selling point in this segment, beyond its brand’s extensive dealer network.
A hybrid twin-turbo V6 sounds terrific on paper, but in reality fuel consumption is no better than rivals without electrification.
Its interior isn’t as well-packaged as rivals, its four-wheel drive system isn’t as sophisticated, and it’s frankly overpriced.
Toyota’s legendary reliability casts a long shadow, tempting many to crown the Tundra king. But hold on. Even titans stumble. While Detroit’s recent truck launches haven’t been smooth sailing, the Tundra isn’t immune. Across the pond, a major recall exposed an engine vulnerability, with debris playing havoc under the hood. So, is the road to truck ownership truly paved with Toyota gold, or are there bumps along the way?
Even the seemingly invincible Toyota Tundra isn’t immune to the occasional hiccup. But before you envision a garage full of troubles, consider this: the Tundra’s local recall record is remarkably clean, with only a single blemish – a minor case of reversing lights getting a little too steamy.
The Tundra: A capable truck, yes, but is it worth the climb? It offers the utility to brawl with the big boys, a comfortable cockpit to command, yet its price tag leaves us questioning whether it truly conquers the competition or simply camps at base camp.
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