Toyota Tundra: A Big Arrival at a Big Price

Toyota’s Tundra, the brand’s flagship American pickup, has finally landed in Australia—but the price tag is undeniably steep.

The Tundra’s arrival marks a significant move for Toyota, as it officially offers a large truck in Australia. However, its premium price means buyers will need a compelling reason to justify the investment.

Priced higher than most of its US-built, Australian-converted competitors, the Tundra faces tough competition. Its cost is a notable drawback, but as this review unfolds, we’ll explore other challenges big truck buyers need to consider. On the flip side, the Tundra comes with a long list of advantages—sometimes, the iconic Toyota badge alone is enough to sway buyers.

Keep reading to find out what it’s like to own, drive, and tow with the 2025 Toyota Tundra.

How much does the Toyota Tundra cost?

The sole variant available is the Tundra Limited, priced at $155,990 plus on-road costs. While it does carry what some might call a “Toyota Tax,” the price is somewhat comparable to Ram’s high-end 1500 Limited. However, it’s around $15,000 more than the Ford F-150 Lariat and $22,000 above the starting price of the V8-powered Chevrolet Silverado, making it a tough sell in a competitive market.

Like its rivals, the Tundra is imported from the US and converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne by Walkinshaw Automotive Group, alongside the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado.

Inside the Toyota Tundra

Stepping into the Tundra, the first thing you’ll notice is the sheer size. The cabin is spacious, and the centrepiece is a 14.0-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. Thankfully, Toyota has kept physical buttons and dials for essential controls, blending modern tech with practical usability.

The screen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but lacks built-in navigation, relying instead on smartphone apps. While the display is functional, its layout isn’t perfect—features like the tuning and volume knobs, as well as the Apple CarPlay home bar, are positioned awkwardly. Some adjustments, like software updates, could improve user experience.

Additional features include multiple camera views, a surround-view monitor, and a digital instrument display with customisable menus. Practical touches abound, such as straightforward climate controls, seat heating and cooling buttons, and ample storage options, including a rear windshield that can be completely lowered.

Rear passengers enjoy generous space with thoughtful additions like directional air vents, USB ports, and ISOFIX anchor points. However, some design quirks, like the placement of interior lights, might frustrate parents trying to assist sleeping children.

The Tundra’s cargo area is versatile but limited by its smaller 5’5” tub. While it accommodates pallets and includes adjustable tie-down points, it misses out on features like a spray-in liner, power outlets, or integrated lighting. Buyers must also pay extra for tonneau covers.

Under the bonnet

The 2025 Tundra Limited features Toyota’s i-Force Max powertrain: a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine paired with an electric motor. While this hybrid system aims for efficiency, real-world fuel consumption is far from frugal. Official fuel economy figures are absent due to the Tundra’s gross vehicle mass exceeding 3500kg, but estimates suggest around 11.7L/100km. However, test drives yielded averages closer to 13.8L/100km for mixed driving and a hefty 23.8L/100km when towing.

The Tundra requires 95 RON premium unleaded petrol, and with a 122-litre tank, refuelling is an expensive affair.

Driving the Tundra

Despite its size and weight, the Tundra surprises with its agility and ease of handling. The hybrid powertrain delivers impressive torque, making acceleration effortless and urban driving smooth. The 10-speed automatic transmission performs well overall but occasionally delivers jolting shifts.

Steering is light and responsive, although the Tundra’s large turning circle means navigating tight spaces can be challenging. The coil-spring rear suspension ensures a comfortable ride, even on uneven terrain.

Off-road, the Tundra handles itself admirably, though its weight and dimensions can become apparent on narrow trails. As for towing, the Tundra excels with a 3200kg caravan, offering stability and power. However, some features, like a zoom-in camera for hitch alignment, are conspicuously absent.

Features and safety

The Tundra comes well-equipped, boasting a long list of amenities, including a 14.0-inch infotainment system, leather-accented upholstery, and a host of practical storage solutions. Safety features include eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While it hasn’t been rated by ANCAP, it achieved a Top Safety Pick+ in North America.

Tundra Limited highlights:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Heated, power-folding side mirrors
  • incl. reverse tilt-down function
• Active front spoiler
• Tub management system
  • Side and back rails
  • Moveable tie-down points
• 12-pin trailer wiring harness
• 50mm tow ball (3500kg rated)
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• 12-speaker sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• Dual-zone climate control
• Proximity entry, push-button start
• 5 x USB ports
• 12V outlet
• Front and rear carpet floor mats
• Leather-accented steering wheel
• Black synthetic leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 8-way power adjustable front seats

A 70mm tow ball is optional and enables the Tundra to able tow a 4500kg braked trailer. There is also a range of genuine accessories ranging from a tonneau cover, load distribution hitch, and all-weather floor mats.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 8 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian, Cyclist detection (day, night)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure alert
• Lane Trace Assist
• Emergency steering assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Surround-view cameras
• Front, rear parking sensors

Cost of ownership

Toyota backs the Tundra with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Capped-price servicing costs $4500 over five years, with six-month/10,000km intervals. Combined with fuel costs, owning a Tundra isn’t a budget-friendly proposition.

Verdict

The Toyota Tundra impresses with its power, towing capacity, and interior space, making it a solid contender for those seeking a large, capable truck. However, its high price, fuel consumption, and occasional design oversights might give some buyers pause.

MRT Compatibility with the Toyota Tundra

At MRT, we’re committed to ensuring our Aluminium Ute Canopies and Chassis Mount Canopies are fully compatible with the vehicles that matter most to Australian ute owners. With the arrival of the 2025 Toyota Tundra, our research and development team is eager to dive into designing and testing products tailored specifically for the Tundra’s unique specifications.

The Tundra’s size and power make it a standout option for tradespeople, adventurers, and anyone seeking a robust utility vehicle. MRT will focus on creating durable, lightweight canopies and trays that enhance its functionality, ensuring you get the most out of your investment—whether for work, travel, or recreation.

Stay tuned as we develop industry-leading canopy solutions that complement the Tundra’s powerful design and take its capabilities to the next level.

 

MRT Canopy Packages for Your Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is built to handle big challenges, and with an MRT ute canopy package, you can turn it into the ultimate work or adventure vehicle. Here’s how our packages can enhance your Tundra:

Initiator Package

Perfect for those starting out, the Initiator Package adds essential storage and functionality to your Tundra without compromising style. It’s designed for versatile use, whether you’re on a worksite or hitting the open road.

Explorer Package

Tailored for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Explorer Package equips your Tundra with robust canopies, additional storage options, and custom features that ensure your vehicle is ready for any journey—whether it’s into the outback or to a remote camping destination.

Tradesman Package

Tradies need a ute that works as hard as they do. The Tradesman Package includes secure, durable canopies and trays to keep tools and equipment organised and safe, all while maintaining easy access for those busy days on-site.

Companion Package

For everyday practicality, the Companion Package offers tailored storage solutions to suit your Tundra’s needs. Whether you need secure compartments for sports equipment, camping gear, or work tools, this package ensures you’re always prepared.

These packages are designed to unlock the full potential of your Toyota Tundra, making it more than just a ute—it becomes your most reliable partner, ready for work, play, and everything in between.

 

Why Choose MRT for Your Toyota Tundra?

Customisation at Its Best

MRT canopies are built to suit your specific requirements. From slide-out drawers to shelving and rooftop racks, we offer endless options to create a setup that works for you.

Lightweight and Durable Design

Our X-Series Chassis Mount Canopy is engineered to reduce weight without compromising strength, optimising payload capacity for the Tundra’s robust performance.

Built for Australia

Every MRT product is designed and tested for Australia’s harshest conditions, ensuring your canopy or tray is up to the task, whether on rugged trails or busy worksites.

 

Take Your Toyota Tundra to the Next Level

The 2025 Toyota Tundra is already a powerhouse, but an MRT Ute Canopy can make it even better. From increased storage and functionality to enhanced versatility, our products are the perfect match for a vehicle like the Tundra.

Explore our range of aluminium canopies and packages at www.mrt.com.au, or visit one of our stores to see how we can help you transform your Tundra today!