Tested: 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Performance Gets Loud Quick
New engine calibration and better breathing crank up the power of Toyota’s turbocharged truck engine.
Published: Apr 2, 2026
Reviewed by
David Gluckman
Contributing Editor
Save Article
2026 toyota tundra trd pro crewmaxView exterior photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Toyota isn’t publicizing it much, but the automaker is offering a little extra power for its twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6. A new engine calibration works with intake and exhaust mods to squeeze out an additional 29 horsepower from the Tundra’s available hybrid powertrain, for a combined output of 466 hp. Peak torque remains unchanged at 583 lb-ft. The hybrid configuration comes standard on the TRD Pro and other high-dollar trims. This package is also available on nonhybrid Tundras, where it adds 32 hp, and on the hybrid-only Sequoia SUV. We previously tested a Sequoia with these upgrades, and now it’s the Tundra’s turn.
Subtle Visuals
With the 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro already shouting about its TRD heritage, it’s easy to overlook the small TRD Performance badge in the lower left corner of the TRD PRO–embossed tailgate. Aside from some loud bedside graphics (which I would skip), there’s not much way to advertise this package on the outside. The badge could be a bit bigger. Pop the hood, and you’ll see two TRD-branded airboxes, each feeding one turbo.
For Sale Near You
See all results for new 2026 Toyota Tundra for sale near 63606
view exterior photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Helping the 3.4-liter engine breathe better is a cat-back exhaust system. The rear tip is a TRD-badged single pipe instead of the standard Pro’s dual circular outlets. The shape of this new tip seems to echo the trapezoid-like geometry of the Tundra grille. Like the rest of the truck, it’s chunky.
More on the Tundra
2026 Toyota Tundra Details, Pricing, and Specs
2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Details, Pricing, and Specs
Spied! Tundra TRD Hammer with Raptor-Like Upgrades
One last clue is hidden behind the gas flap—a label saying \”PREMIUM FUEL ONLY\” with the TRD Performance logo—reminding you that you spent more money on this truck so you can spend more money at the pump. Thankfully, the modest upgrades don’t seem to hurt fuel economy. We averaged 15 mpg during our time with the TRD pickup, which matches past Tundra experiences.
For Sale Near You
See all results for new 2026 Toyota Tundra for sale near 63606
view interior Photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Pump Up the Volume
With this setup, the power peak stays at 5200 rpm, but max torque—unchanged at 479 lb-ft—arrives 400 rpm earlier. Compared to an unmodified Tundra TRD Pro, the TRD Performance truck was 0.1 second faster to 60 mph, the same difference as the Sequoia, hitting 5.6 seconds. Bigger improvements are seen in the rolling-start metrics, with this test truck going from 5 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.3 second faster than stock. Its 14.2-second quarter-mile run at 97 mph is quicker and faster by 0.3 second again and 5 mph, respectively. If you want more performance, you may need to look at aftermarket solutions that void your warranty, of which there are several.
HIGHS: Quicker than stock in every test, no fuel economy hit, visually stealthy upgrade.
With all that throttling, the exhaust note can be, well, exhausting. The performance cat-back system is only an improvement if you want loudness. At wide-open throttle, it’s the same 80 dBA as the standard TRD Pro, but the tonal quality is quite droning on the highway, which gets old fast. At a 70-mph cruising speed, the performance exhaust puts 70 dBA into the cabin, three more than the standard setup. Compared to the exhaust that comes on the TRD Performance-ified Sequoia—where only the center exhaust pipe is replaced, taking it from 65 to 70 dBA—it’s more noticeable but less appealing. And even with the exhaust upgrade, Toyota continues to pump in fake engine noise that can’t be turned off.
view exterior photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
A Catch-22: You might not want to floor it very often, so you won’t get the most out of the tune.
LOWS: Aftermarket tuners coax more from this V-6, makes loud louder, will people know it’s special?
The tune does nothing to fix the Tundra transmission’s occasional lumpy shifts. At part throttle, the unit is busy running through its 10 gears, and with your foot to the floor, gearchanges come fast and furious, but not in a good way. This is one area where domestic half-tons have a clear advantage.
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
view interior Photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Chairs with Flair
Although not specific to the TRD Performance package, the quirky IsoDynamic suspend-o seats that are standard on the Tacoma TRD Pro are now available on the Tundra for 2026 and came on this test truck. While they eat up an already tight back seat in the Taco, the Tundra CrewMax offers more space, and we received no complaints from our rear-seat occupants—only questions about why there are bike pumps on the back of the front seats.
The TRD Performance pack is available on select Tundra trims and configurations for an additional $2999. It’s a more reasonable $2299 for the Sequoia, which makes a more reasonable amount of noise. If you just want your TRD Pro to shout, however, this is the mod package for you.
VERDICT: More power is nice, but the Sequoia with this package improves performance without the noise.
view exterior photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.
Shop New Cars Shop Used Cars
Specs panel icon
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 offering, $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/1 sone
Full Throttle: 80 dBA
70