01-03-2025
Is the 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro worth $74,455?
It's unimaginable that Toyota let the Tundra's design and engineering calcify over 15 years while its Detroit competitors continued to improve. Thankfully that changed with the 2022 Toyota Tundra, which does a decent job of matching, but not surpassing, America's best.
Far better than previous models, the Tundra is manufactured in Toyota's San Antonio, Texas plant, while its engine is built in Huntsville, Alabama.
Offered in SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, TRD Pro and Capstone trim, the Tundra is offered with a Double Cab \paired to a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed, or as the CrewMax, with a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed.
For 2025, it gets a new TRD Rally Package, which plasters a block of red, orange and yellow stripes in various places around the truck. It also provides 18-inch all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Tundras come powered by a twin-turbocharged and intercooled double-overhead-cam 3.4-liter V6 producing 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, although base SR models are tuned for only 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
The V6 can also be paired with a 48-horsepower electric motor placed between the engine and transmission that generates 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It's powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack located beneath the rear seats, which is otherwise used for under-seat storage in non-hybrid models.
Both drivelines hitch to a 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear-wheel- or all-wheel drive.
Opting for the TRD Off-Road Package brings all the requisite off-road goodies, including Bilstein monotube shocks, 2.5-inch diameter Fox internal bypass shocks with a 1.1-inch front lift, a TRD Pro front stabilizer bar, an aluminum front skid plate, additional underbody protection, unique all-terrain Falken tires, a TRD-developed upper control arm, and red-painted suspension parts.
You can also opt for a rear air suspension system with automatic and manual leveling functions and an Adaptive Variable Suspension system. It's transformative and more than competitive with other off-road full-size pickups from Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and the lack of a V8, the turbocharged V6 provides strong acceleration with fairly refined shifts, unusual for a pickup. It also delivers a remarkably smooth ride, thanks to its double wishbone front suspension and multi-link coil spring rear suspension with twin-tube shocks at each corner. They make a perceptible difference, especially off-road, where they add significant civility.
Crew Max models are very roomy, making them a good choice for family duties. We applaud the ability to tart up the interior with walnut trim and semi-aniline leather trim. You can even get massaging front seats, a welcome relief after a tough day at the job site. Fit and finish are far better than previous models, but its American competitors more than match its luxury Toyota Tundra comes with a composite bed, which is not only lighter than a conventional bed to help with fuel efficiency, but it also offers superior resistance to dents and scratches, excellent corrosion resistance, and improved impact strength. The F-150 doesn't offer one, but the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado do.
With all-wheel drive, the I-Force returns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in combined city/highway, while the I-Force Max hybrid returns 20 mpg. GM's Silverado and Sierra 3.0-liter turbo-diesel returns 24 mpg, but at least it's a little better than most Detroit trucks. That said, Detroit full-size pickups offer a greater variety of powertrains.
For those who simply must have a V8 engine, you'll have to look elsewhere, as the current generation of Tundra doesn't offer one. That said, the I-Force Max hybrid is prioritizes power over fuel economy, which explains its healthy 583 pound-feet of torque.
If getting the highest payload capacity and towing rating is a priority, look elsewhere. The Tundra's maximum payload is rated at 1,940 pounds, while its maximum towing is 12,000 pounds.
For comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500's maximum payload capacity is 2,260 pounds, while maximum towing capacity is 13,300 pounds. The Ram 1500's maximum payload capacity is higher than the Chevrolet's at 2,300 pounds, while its maximum towing capacity is somewhat less, at 12,750 pounds. The Ford F-150 remains the champion heavyweight half-ton with a maximum payload capacity of 2,445 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 automakers offer pickups with multiple opening options to make bed access easier. Others have built-in steps. The Toyota does have a power tailgate, but steps for easier access must be bought aftermarket.
Trucks like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX and RHO offer far more off-road chops and speed than the TRD Pro, but some of that comes at a far higher price.
The 2025 Toyota Tundra matches its American competition but doesn't top them in any particular area. It's certainly a strong performer, and for those burned by the Detroit Three's reliability, the Toyota Tundra holds out the promise of better reliability. But Detroit offers a far greater variety of drivelines, as well as high-performance and battery-electric options that aren't offered by Toyota.
It's a competitive offering, but not compelling.
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