Tested: 2026 Toyota Tundra with TRD Performance Gets Loud Quick
New Code and Enhanced Mechanics Elevate Output on Toyota’s Turbocharged Truck Engine
Published: April 2, 2026
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Toyota isn’t heavily advertising it, but the manufacturer is providing an added power surge for its twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6. A refined engine calibration works with intake and exhaust enhancements to extract an additional 29 horsepower from the Tundra’s available hybridized powertrain, yielding a combined output of 466 horsepower. The peak torque remains unchanged at 583 pound-feet. The hybrid configuration is standard on the TRD Pro and other premium trims. The package is also available on nonhybrid Tundras, where it increases output by 32 horsepower, and the hybrid-only Sequoia SUV. We previously tested a Sequoia with the upgrades and now it’s the Tundra’s turn.
Subtle Visuals
With all the shouting the 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro already does about its TRD-ness, it’s easy to overlook the small TRD Performance badge on the lower left corner of the TRD PRO-embossed tailgate. Other than some aggressive bedside graphics (no, thank you), there’s virtually no space left to advertise this package on the exterior, but that badge could be a bit larger. Pop the hood, and you’ll see a pair of TRD-branded airboxes, each assigned to its own turbo.
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Helping the 3.4-liter engine exhale more efficiently is a cat-back exhaust. Its rear termination features a TRD-styled single tip, replacing the standard Pro’s dual circular outlets. The shape of this new piece appears inspired by the Tundra grille’s somewhat trapezoidal geometry. Like the rest of the truck, it’s chunky.
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One final detail is tucked inside the fuel filler door—a label proclaiming \”PREMIUM FUEL ONLY\” accompanied by the TRD Performance logo—reminding you that you invested more in this truck so you could spend more at the pump. Thankfully, the modest upgrades don’t seem to harm fuel economy. We observed an average of 15 mpg over our time with the TRD pickup, which aligns with previous Tundra performance.
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Pump up the Volume
With this setup, the power peak occurs at the same 5200 rpm, but max torque—unchanged at 479 pound-feet—is delivered 400 rpm earlier. Compared to an unmodified Tundra TRD Pro, the TRD Performance truck was 0.1 second quicker to 60 mph, the same difference as with the Sequoia, achieving a 5.6-second result. Larger gains appear in the rolling-start metric, with this test truck accelerating from 5 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.3 second faster than stock. Its 14.2-second run through the quarter-mile at 97 mph is quicker and faster, by 0.3 second and 5 mph respectively. If you’re seeking more power, you might need to explore aftermarket solutions that void the warranty to achieve a greater output boost, several of which exist.
HIGHS: Quicker than stock in every test, no fuel-economy penalty, a visually stealthy upgrade.
With all that gas-mashing, the exhaust sound can be, well, tiresome. The performance cat-back system is only an improvement if your objective is loudness. At wide-open throttle, it reaches the same 80 decibels as the standard TRD Pro, but the tonal quality is quite droney on the highway, which quickly loses its appeal. At a 70 mph cruising speed, the performance exhaust introduces 70 decibels into the cabin, three more than the standard setup. Compared to the exhaust that comes on the TRD Performance-ified Sequoia—which only replaces the center exhaust pipe, raising volume from 65 to 70 decibels—it’s more noticeable but less pleasing. And even with the exhaust upgrade, Toyota continues to inject synthetic engine noise that cannot be deactivated.
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A Catch-22: You might not want to floor it very often, which means not fully utilizing the tune’s potential.
LOWS: Aftermarket tuners coax more from this V-6, makes loud louder, will people notice it’s special?
The tune does nothing to improve the Tundra transmission’s occasional lumpy shifts. At part throttle, the unit is busy cycling through its 10 gears, and with your foot down, gear changes are rapid and intense, but not in a positive way. This is one area where the domestic half-tons have a clear advantage.
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Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Chairs with Flair
Though not TRD Performance specific items, the unique IsoDynamic suspend-o seats that are standard on the Tacoma TRD Pro are newly available on the Tundra for 2026 and were included on this test vehicle. While they reduce already limited rear-seat space in the Tacoma, the Tundra CrewMax offers more room, and we received no complaints from our rear-seat passengers—only questions about why there are bike pumps on the back of the front seats.
The TRD Performance package is offered on select Tundra trims and configurations, costing an additional $2999. It is a more reasonable $2299 for the Sequoia, which produces less noticeable noise. However, if you simply want your TRD Pro to be louder, this is the modification package for you.
VERDICT: More power is appealing, but the Sequoia with this package enhances performance without the excessive noise.
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Michael Simari|Car and Driver
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Specifications
2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $74,660/$82,388
Options: TRD Performance package (dual air intake, cat-back exhaust, TRD Performance badge), $2999; TRD cast-aluminum running boards, $1219; IsoDynamic front seats, $980; Tow Tech package with wireless trailer camera, $850; bed step, $431; dash camera, $375; 2-year Connected Services trial offer, $325; TRD Pro Tow package (heated power tow mirrors with LED turn signals, 360-degree camera system), $290; TRD Pro bed lettering in black, $160; chrome front bumper lettering, $99
POWERTRAIN
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.4-liter V-6, 421 hp, 479 lb-ft + AC motor, 48 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined output: 466 hp, 583 lb-ft; nickel-metal hydride battery pack)
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.9-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3W
285/65R-18 116T M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 145.7 in
Length: 233.6 in
Width: 81.6 in
Height: 78.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 61/55 ft³
Curb Weight: 6270 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.2 sec @ 97 mph
100 mph: 15.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 107 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 190 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.68 g
Interior Sound
Idle: 31 dBA