Toyota Tundra Prototype Spotted in Melbourne: Is Australia Ready for the Full-Size Pickup?

Will the Toyota Tundra conquer the Australian full-size pickup truck market with its hybrid drivetrain and superior refinement?

A prototype version of the Toyota Tundra, a Ford F-150 rival, has been spotted in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs without much disguise. This right-hand drive prototype hints at Toyota’s plans to bring the Tundra to Australia with a segment-first hybrid drivetrain. But will it pass the global approval process and be available for retail? Let’s find out!

Toyota Australia is making significant progress in its efforts to bring the Tundra to the country. As part of the final validation stage of the right-hand drive (RHD) program, Toyota plans to deploy around 300 Tundra vehicles across Australia in the fourth quarter of 2023. These vehicles will be closely monitored under real-world usage conditions to ensure their suitability for the Australian market.

Toyota aims to introduce the Tundra to Australia with a segment-first hybrid drivetrain. This hybrid powertrain, already offered in the USA, combines a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with a motor generator, Power Control Unit, and a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. The total system outputs an impressive 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque. With its hybrid technology, the Tundra promises both performance and fuel efficiency.

To achieve the right-hand drive conversion, Toyota is collaborating with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, known for re-engineering vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500. The Tundra will share key components, such as the steering column and rack, pedals, and shift lever, with the right-hand drive LandCruiser 300. This leveraging of existing parts will help streamline the RHD conversion process.

While Toyota is making substantial progress, there are still hurdles to overcome. The Australian RHD version of the Tundra must go through Toyota’s global approval process before a retail introduction can be confirmed. This process ensures that the Tundra meets Toyota’s stringent quality and safety standards.

The Tundra will enter the Australian market to compete against established players like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, and Ford F-150. The Silverado and Ram 1500 have already undergone right-hand drive conversions by Walkinshaw Automotive Group, while the F-150 is being converted by RMA Automotive. Toyota will aim to stand out in this competitive segment by offering a segment-first hybrid drivetrain, along with class-leading refinement and comfort.

As Toyota prepares for the final validation stage of testing later this year, it suggests that the Tundra could be ready for a market launch in 2024. Australian car enthusiasts and pickup truck lovers will eagerly await the Tundra’s arrival, as it promises to offer a compelling alternative to the existing full-size pickups in the Australian market.

• Toyota plans to deploy approximately 300 Tundra vehicles across Australia for real-world testing as part of the RHD program.
• The Tundra will feature a hybrid drivetrain, offering high levels of refinement and comfort.
• Toyota is partnering with Walkinshaw Automotive Group to re-engineer the Tundra for right-hand drive.
• The Tundra will share key components with the right-hand drive LandCruiser 300.
• The first batch of Tundra test mules in Australia will feature the hybrid powertrain from the USA.
• The Tundra will compete against the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, and Ford F-150 in the Australian market.

Toyota’s progress with the Tundra in Australia is an exciting development for both Toyota and pickup truck enthusiasts. With its segment-first hybrid drivetrain and high levels of refinement, the Tundra could make a strong impression in the Australian market. However, there are still hurdles to overcome in Toyota’s global approval process. Only time will tell if the Tundra will be available for retail in Australia, but the anticipation is certainly building up.