The full-size Toyota Tundra pickup truck gives this Japanese brand a player in an ultra-competitive segment. It comes with a standard twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an available hybrid variant that emphasizes power over efficiency.
Available in double and crew cab configurations, the 2025 Tundra trails its American competitors in towing and payload capacities, and also steers clear of the heavy-duty models favored by commercial customers. It is the Tundra’s perceived long-term reliability and strong resale value that keeps it in the game, although certain recalls may temper both attributes.
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2025 Toyota Tundra Overview
Toyota has offered the Tundra for 25 years, a model that replaced the smaller T100. The current generation, rolled out in 2022, is offered in 10 trims (see image below), including the SR, SR5, Limited, Limited i-FORCE MAX, Platinum, 1794 Edition, Platinum i-FORCE MAX, 1794 Edition i-FORCE MAX, TRD Pro, and Capstone.
The Double Cab comes in SR and SR5 trims only and features either a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed. These two are considered “work” trucks favored by fleet customers. The remaining eight trims are CrewMax models offering either a 5.5 foot or a 6.5-foot bed. Both cabs offer room for up to five, although the CrewMax is better suited for carrying adults in comfort.
Toyota does not offer as many configurations as does Ford with the F-150 or Chevrolet with the Silverado. That said, there are dozens of build possibilities based on cab, powertrain, and drivetrain. Prices range from $40,420 to $80,725, plus a $1,945 delivery, processing, and handling fee.
Just for kicks we played with the Tundra pricing configurator and built a top-of-the-line Capstone model. With a few accessories added, our final price approached $87,000.
You should know that the Ram 1500 Tungsten tops $100,000, while the Ford F-150 Raptor R retails for more than $111,000. As for the segment’s floor, a regular cab model (not offered by Toyota) can still be had for under $40,000. But most customers can expect to pay north of $60,000 to get the truck they want.
Designed by Toyota
It is a given that any full-size pickup truck exudes masculinity. Most shoppers are male, therefore their shopping preferences are far different than those looking at a Toyota Sienna van and especially the diminutive Fiat 500e. “Cute” is not named among pickup truck models.
The Tundra does everything it needs to do to advance its rugged look. From a formidable upright grille to a broad hood and onto strong pillars and massive cabs, the look is unquestionably powerful.
Our test TRD Pro, though, went a step further, swapping out the brand’s now iconic logo with prominent TOYOTA lettering. Moreover, the lighting detail front and back features extra sets of LED lights. On close inspection, TRD Pro is chiseled on each bulb.
Handsome color schemes and 18-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels wrapped in Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires are included with the TRD Pro. Most other trims include alloy wheels, wrapped by traditional radial or all-terrain tires. Yes, steel wheels are still offered, reserved exclusively for the SR and SR5 trims.
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Roomy Interior… With a Catch
While Ford, GMC, and Chevrolet offer full-size models with regular, double, and crew cab configurations, Toyota and Ram do not. In the Tundra’s case, most models feature a crew cab offering expansive space for five.
A few trims start with a double cab, which features smaller rear doors, resulting in reduced legroom for rear-seated passengers. The flip side is that these double (or extended) cab models are the only ones with the eight-foot bed.
Regardless of the cab or trim chosen, the Tundra offers all the amenities expected in a work truck plus some comfort features common to today’s pickup trucks. The latter includes full power accessories, climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and in some cases heated seats.
Base models feature seating wrapped in cloth or imitation leather seats that are vinyl, yet breathable. The remaining trims feature leather seating, with the range-topping Capstone outfitted with two-tone semi-aniline leather seats with authentic dark American walnut wood pieces.
Other features offered or available include a heated tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a power vertical sliding window, and a panoramic tilt-slide sunroof with a sunshade. Leather touchpoints, under seat storage compartments, and ambient lighting are other features of note.
Tech & Safety
On the tech front, the Tundra comes with a standard 8-inch screen that is upgradable to 14-inches. This model offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, multiple USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Optional features include a digital dashboard, a wireless phone charger, and a heads-up display. Other options include a towing backup camera system, and a 120-volt power outlet found in the bed.
The Tundra comes equipped with a safety package that features such technologies as lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane tracing assist. Other features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
Power to the People
Every Tundra comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Base models feature 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Enhanced tuning in upper trims develop 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Most models feature standard rear-wheel drive with part-time four-wheel drive available.
Models sporting i-FORCE badging are hybrids. These, though, are optimized for performance, delivering 437 horsepower and 589 pound-feet of torque.
On the towing spectrum, the Tundra pulls up to 11,450 pounds. Its payload rating range reaches a maximum of 1,940 pounds, depending on the trim. While impressive, certain models from GMC, Ford, Ram, and Chevrolet have higher ratings.
Out and About
Our hybrid Tundra was a beast. We have driven Tundras with every powertrain choice available. This one stands out.
And the best thing about this model? You won’t know that it is a hybrid. Unless you pay attention to the dashboard. Sure, the Tundra starts quietly, but the engine soon kicks in. Even when idling.
Toyota could have stuffed its largest V8 under the hood, but it would have yielded less power than the hybrid. And although our test model struggled to average 17 mpg (far short of the EPA-reported 21 mpg), that’s still 2 mpg better than the previous V8.
The Tundra is big, burly, but handles well. Effortless steering and decently connected handling are among its attributes. On pavement, it rides comfortably, although the available all-terrains are not as smooth. Off road, you can go anywhere a big pickup truck can travel, with four-wheel drive at the ready.
Our TRD Pro came with crawl control, which is low-speed cruise control. This feature is ideal for ascending or descending steep places, allowing you to concentrate on steering alone.
While we did not tow this time (we have in the past), the Tundra can handle nearly every requirement of residential drivers along with most towing commercial customers want. Of course, without a more powerful powertrain option along with dual rear wheels, fifth-wheel towing is not possible.
But the Tundra shines everywhere else, which makes this pickup a player in a tough segment
Toyota Tundra Considerations
After recalling all 2022-2023 Tundra gas models to replace defective engines, Toyota recalled all 2022-2025 models to replace the reverse lamp assemblies, which are prone to failure.
These are blights on the Tundra record, but also point to Toyota taking quick action by acknowledging problems and offering speedy remedies. That hasn’t always been the case with some competitors delaying recalls to avoid negative publicity.
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Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.