Toyota to develop Tundra for Australian market

Toyota are set to join the full-size pickup market in Australia, potentially pitching a factory-approved RHD Tundra against existing offerings from Chevrolet and RAM, as well as the soon-to-arrive RHD Ford F-150. Toyota Australia confirmed on 24 August that a local re-engineering programme is underway, in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

However, Toyota stress that, while they are committed to the development programme, the Tundra’s addition to the local range is not yet guaranteed.

Originally developed and manufactured in the US, the Tundra has been available in North America since 2000, with the third-generation ‘XK70’ to be the Tundra variant that Toyota will likely offer in Australia.

Of body-on-frame configuration, the Tundra is offered in extra cab and dual cab forms in the US, with resulting variations in pickup bed length, while power comes from the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 used in the LandCruiser 300 Series. This is available in standard and hybrid form on the Tundra, matched to a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota Australia are focusing their testing on the hybrid V6, with the local conversion work undertaken by Walkinshaw Automotive (chosen for their experience in RHD conversions of the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado) to use parts from the LandCruiser 300 Series that include the steering rack and column, pedals and shifter.

What Toyota Australia are calling one of the most thorough local development projects ever undertaken for a vehicle of this type will see RHD-converted Tundras hitting Australian roads in September, culminating with 300 units to be under test around the country by the end of 2023.

"This is a dedicated re-engineering program, led by Toyota Australia and made possible by our global partners and is closely supported by our parent company and Toyota North America,” said Toyota Australia’s Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley. “It will utilise OE levels of design, development, testing and componentry rooted in Toyota's deep commitment to quality, durability and reliability."