The most powerful Toyota ever produced: Tundra TRD Pro

Toyota extended its hybrid technology to its 2025 Tundra 4 X 4 CrewMax line. With 37 model and trim configurations available, there is a Tundra for everyone.

The built-in-Texas Tundra is a traditional body-on-frame full-size pickup that comes in double or crew-cab configurations. It has a sheet-molded compound bed all but impervious to dents and similar damage, but more importantly rust-proof.

Power and pickup are two words that belong together. The base Tundra comes with a 3.4-litre V6 engine. Thanks to a pair of turbochargers, it produces 358 horsepower and a hefty 479 lb. ft. of torque.

It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is rear-wheel drive only at the base level. The next step up the trim ladder brings an on-demand four-wheel-drive system.

The most powerful Toyota ever built

The new hybrid powertrain, available in 11 models, puts a motor-generator and clutch between the engjne and transmission. The result is a combined output of 437-horsepower and whopping 583 lb. ft. of torque, making it the most powerful Toyota ever produced.

The motor is fed from a 1.87 kWh, 288-volt battery under the rear seat. This means you can’t flip that seat bottom up for added storage space.

Pickup buyers are the last bastion of loyalty in the industry.

Those who shop for full-size trucks prefer a V8. The Tundra hybrid counters that with a V6 and numbers that put a bent eight to shame.

The AC motor makes the difference. The hybrid V6 produces 50 more horsepower than the old 5.7-litre V8 and, more importantly, an additional 175 lb. ft. of torque.

The frosting on this cake is that a full 500 lb. ft. of torque is available from the moment you step on the throttle, no need to wait for the revs to build. So equipped, the Tundra can tow up to 5,067 kg (11,171 lbs.).

Don’t expect a fuel-sipping pickup… or a tight turning circle

At more than 6,000 pounds with nobody aboard, this is a lot of weight to move. That takes power which in turn takes fuel.

Transport Canada rates the Tundra hybrid at 12.7 litres/100 km in the city and 10.5 on the open road, where the gas engine does literally all the work. The non-hybrid Tundra is rated at 13.5 in the city and 10.6 on the highway, a barely discernable difference.

All that power is great for working – towing or hauling – but you obviously don’t spring the extra bucks for the hybrid to save on your fuel bill!

Another gripe while I am at it? The turning circle of this rig is horrendous! Plan your close quarters parking lot driving with care.

Toyota’s hybrid and ride quality expertise shows

From behind the wheel, you notice the instant and abundant power supply from the first time you use the throttle. It is possible to use electric-only power at parking lot speeds, but at all other times the engine comes into play.

Nobody knows more about hybrids than Toyota and that expertise shows with perfectly seamless transitions between electric and combined power.

The other impression is of a much better ride than expected from a pickup of this capability. Much of that can be attributed to the coil spring rear suspension.

Pricing up the trim ladder

The base two-wheel-drive Tundra, that nobody buys, starts at $56,595. The test vehicle was the CrewMax Limited Nightside version which started at $74,655.

The addition of the $13,351 TRD Rally Package, intended to make that model stand apart from the pack, resulted in a bottom line that topped $90,000 before taxes.

The off-road credentials are impressive

TRD Pro front stabilizer, off-road suspension with 3.8-cm front lift, 6.4-cm Fox shocks (internal by-pass coil-overs up front and remote reservoirs at the rear), hill start assist, to name a few.

The tester boasted a host of visual upgrades including 20-inch black TRD Pro wheels, unique trim touches including the grill, rear bumper, and various molding, badges and trim.

This trim level also gets a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats with memory for the driver’s side, and numerous other upgrades.

Inside the Tundra TRD Pro

The driver faces a 31-cm digital instrument cluster, the large (34-cm) infotainment screen is bright, clear and very quick to respond. There are lots of places to store your ‘stuff’, including a commodious centre console.

Appreciated by those who often wear gloves when driving, there are big, thick knobs to control major functions.

Safety is a Toyota priority.

The tester had the full array of active and passive systems including blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, smart stop technology,

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Toyota Tundra Hybrid CrewMax Limited

PRICE

Base: $74,655

As tested: $90,072 including freight

INFOTAINMENT

36-cm screen, nine-speaker audio system with HD and satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth compatibility, wireless charger

SAFETY

Automatic LED headlights, Intuitive parking assist with automatic braking, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, left-turning oncoming vehicle detection, oncoming pedestrian detection, pre-collision system, power heated mirrors with memory, windshield wiper de-icer

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Power tailgate, dual zone automatic climate control, tilt & telescope steering wheel, power sliding rear window

OPTIONS

TRD Pro ($13,351) heated, power mirrors with memory, Softex seats, heated steering wheel, multi-terrain monitor, unique grill with light bar, black dual exhaust with TRD logo, skid plates, 20-inch black wheels

MECHANICAL

3.4-litre twin-turbo V6, 389-horsepower, 479 lb. ft. of torque, AC electric motor, 48-horsepower, 184-lb.ft. of torque; combined output 437-horsepower and 583-lb.ft. of torque, nickel metal hydride battery, 10-speed automatic transmission, part-time four-wheel-drive, NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway):12.7/10.5

DIMENSIONS

Length, 5,932-mm; wheelbase, 3,700-mm, width, 2,030-mm; weight, 2,775-kg

COMPETITION

Ford F-150 Hybrid