The Toyota Tundra takes on Detroit’s Big Three
The Toyota Tundra has managed to hold its own in a segment packed with tough trucks, including the legendary Ford F-150. There isn’t much foreign competition left in this arena, and with the fall of the Nissan Titan, the Toyota Tundra is the only full-size truck left to challenge the Big Three. The Japanese automaker has managed to produce a pretty balanced truck with plenty of power and muscle behind it, but the 2025 model might not have what it takes to tackle American competitors.
The 2025 Toyota Tundra comes with a handful of changes for the model year. The TRD Sport package is no longer available, and a new TRD Rally appearance package arrives in its place. There are a couple of notable equipment changes as well, such as a standard power tailgate on every trim above the SR5. There are some more luxurious features available in the higher-end models, and the 1794 Edition gets a unique tailgate.
Reason to love it #1: Twin-turbo V6 engine
The Toyota Tundra’s V8 engine is long gone, and a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine takes its place. It comes in two variations, the first of which is exclusive to the base SR trim. Regardless of variation, that engine comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or part-time four-wheel drive.
The Tundra’s twin-turbo V6 produces 358 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the base model. All other models get a boost in power, bringing the total output to 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful variant includes various driving modes that change how the powertrain operates.
Reason to love it #2: $40,090 starting price
Available from $40,090, the 2025 Toyota Tundra is within striking distance of its American competition and a slightly lower price than the Ram 1500’s $40,275 entry figure. The fan-favorite Ford F-150 starts at $38,810, close to the GMC Sierra 1500, available from $38,300. Moving up to the Sierra 1500’s second trim level will add more than $10,000 to that price tag. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is among the most affordable full-size pickups, starting at $37,000.
Reason to love it #3: Western-themed 1794 Edition
The Toyota Tundra is built on practicality and capability, but the Japanese automaker offers a model specifically designed to appeal to Americans. The 1794 Edition rides on 20-inch wheels that pair well with a chrome-finished grille and accents. Inside, the western-themed model features a Saddle Tan interior with American walnut wood-grain trim.
While it may be a truck that nods to the American west, the 1794 Edition isn’t lacking in the luxury department. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats come standard, as does a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. The Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition also features a standard 12-speaker JBL premium audio system and an interior full of soft-touch materials.
Reason to love it #4: Available hybrid powertrain
Some trucks offer a more efficient engine as an available option. More often than not, it’s powered by diesel fuel, but that isn’t the case in the Toyota Tundra Hybrid. It features a hybridized version of the twin-turbo V6 engine that offers 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. That’s 48 horsepower and 104 lb-ft of torque on top of the more powerful version of the gas engine. The Toyota Tundra Hybrid earns up to 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, which is a bit better than the non-hybrid engine.
Reason to think twice #1: Middle-lane fuel efficiency
As far as full-size trucks go, the Toyota Tundra falls towards the middle of the pack when it comes to fuel efficiency. At its best, the 2025 Tundra is rated for an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The Ford F-150 does slightly better, earning up to 21 mpg combined. The Ram 1500 outdoes the Tundra by a fairly wide margin, earning up to 26 mpg combined when equipped with the turbodiesel engine option. On the bright side, the Japanese truck does better than the base Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s 18 mpg combined.
Reason to think twice #2: 12,000-lbs. Towing capacity
On its own, the Toyota Tundra’s 12,000-lbs. maximum towing capacity looks pretty healthy. That changes once you put the Japanese automaker’s pickup next to American competition. The Ford F-150 leads the segment with a 14,000-lbs. towing capacity, while the Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 lbs. when properly equipped. The Tundra does top the Ram 1500’s 11,550-lbs. towing capacity, though.
Final thoughts
The Toyota Tundra is the last foreign challenger to American dominance in the full-size pickup segment. While it might be a great alternative to Detroit’s Big Three, the 2025 Tundra has its downsides. If you’re looking for better towing capability, check out the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 before finalizing your decision.
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Joseph Pudlewski
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog