- The 2025 Toyota Tundra has been launched in Australia.
- The hybrid powertrain includes a 290kW/649Nm twin-turbo V6 with a 36kW/250Nm motor generator.
- Prices will start at AUD$155,990 before on-road costs.
The 2025 Toyota Tundra Ute has arrived in Australia, and it’s a sight to behold. Described as the ‘biggest and boldest’ vehicle Toyota has ever released Down Under, the new Tundra is set to rival RAM, Chevrolet and Ford for pick-up truck supremacy, bringing a swathe of rugged features to an already much-loved international frame. Unlike the recently announced LandCruiser Prado, however, the Tundra won’t come cheap. The long-awaited right-hand drive model will be available for a whopping AUD$155,990 before on-road costs when it rolls into dealerships this month.
Toyota confirmed that the new ute has been revamped through a partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group. The Melbourne-based modifiers and car experts were able to re-engineer the US-sourced vehicle to be in line with Australian standards, starting first with a right-hand drive configuration. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, said the the lengthy process ensured the Tundra more than met the demands of Australian customers and our unique conditions.
“Toyota has never before worked with a third party to re-engineer a vehicle for a right-hand drive, so we needed to ensure that it met our high-quality standards, and the result is something that all parties can be proud of,” Hanley said.
2025 Toyota Tundra Price
The full-size Tundra Limited pick-up will be priced from AUD$155,990 in Australia following an extensive, Toyota-first, local re-engineering and development program to convert the vehicle from left-hand drive to right-hand drive. The hefty price tag means the Tundra will be almost $50,000 more expensive than a Ford F-150 and more than $30,000 dearer than a RAM 1500.
For now, only one ‘Limited’ variant is on offer, which is loaded to the brim with features with nine colour options, including:
- Glacier White
- Frosted White
- Graphite
- Silver Storm
- Eclipse Black
- Feverish Red
- Vintage Brown Pearl
- Jungle Khaki
- Saturn Blue
The automaker also confirmed an optional paint pricing of AUD$675.
2025 Toyota Tundra Design
As explained, the Tundra is first imported to Australia in left-hand drive configuration and then converted to right-hand drive by the Walkinshaw Automotive Group at its facility in Melbourne. A first for Toyota, the project reportedly required a six-year planning and development program that also saw extensive local re-engineering and modification of additional parts.
Since the start of production in October last year, around 600 examples have been made, 300 of which will go to the ongoing 12-month Tundra Insider customer evaluation program. Going forward, Walkinshaw plans to increase production to meet potential demand and make around 1200 or so in the coming year.
Much like its brethren, the Tundra is a full-sized Ute with immense road presence thanks to its 5955mm length and while it shares its underpinnings with the TNGA-F ladder-frame platform, the wheelbase has been lengthened plus it has a wider track. Toyota also claims that the maximum braked towing capacity is rated at 4500 kg.
Looking at the design more broadly, it’s clear that Toyota has taken several cues from the large pickup market in America. The expansive grille at the front is framed by a chrome octagonal bezel and flanked by bold T-shaped LED headlight clusters that feature automatic high-beam technology. It’s not unlike the recent RAM 1500 designs, albeit a little more refined and streamlined despite being hefty in structure. Throw in the black and chrome 20-inch alloy wheels and the standard crushed tube side steps, and you’ve got an enticing rival for the big players.
“Its bold stylish design, the high level of performance from its twin-turbo V6 i-FORCE MAX powertrain, and spacious comfortable interior will appeal to a variety of customers, whether as a work vehicle for carrying tools and workers around town, or getting out onto the open road and touring the country with a caravan or boat in tow,” Hanley continued.
2025 Toyota Tundra Australia Powertrain
Interestingly, for this new beefed-up ute, Toyota has not gone for a burly diesel powertrain but rather a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol hybrid V6. This configuration dishes up 437bhp/790Nm via a standard 10-speed automatic. Power is, of course, sent to all four wheels via a part-time selectable four-wheel drive system with a dual-range transfer case. Compared to rivals, the Tundra is well placed in the power stakes with the F-150 developing 400bhp/678Nm with its 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 and the Ram 1500 making 390bhp/556Nm.
In two-wheel drive mode (2H), drive torque is delivered to the rear wheels, while switching to high range 4WD (4H) via the sliding switch on the centre console, engages the front wheels by locking the automatic disconnecting differential (ADD) to provide extra traction in slippery conditions.
Other highlights include three drive modes, large 354mm ventilated discs with 4-piston callipers on the front and 335mm ventilated discs with single-piston callipers on the rear for braking power and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of active safety features.
2025 Toyota Tundra Interior
Inside, the Tundra cops a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen (the largest ever on an Australian Toyota), alongside a 12-speaker JBL audio system. Creature comforts include dual-zone climate control, a digital rear-view mirror, synthetic leather seats with eight-way electric adjustment with three-stage heating and ventilation, and power lumbar support. For storage inside the cabin, Toyota has fitted the new Tundra with a large glove box, centre console storage trays, big front, and rear door bins with bottle holders and two front and two rear cupholders in the centre console.
If nothing else, the release of the new 2025 Tundra ute speaks to Toyota’s plans for the future. Bigger, bolder and more brash than ever before, the Tundra gives Toyota a certain edge that previously was lacking, allowing the brand to play in a decidedly heavier weight class. Whether or not the Tundra will be able to steal market share away from RAM, Ford and Chevy is anyone’s guess, but with the nation’s increasing penchant for full-size American pick-up trucks, the Tundra will fit right in.
