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Tested: 2026 Toyota Tundra with TRD Performance Gets Loud Quick
New engine tuning and better airflow unlock more power from Toyota’s already potent turbocharged V6 hybrid system.
Published: April 2, 2026
Verified/Reviewed by: David Gluckman, Contributing Editor
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2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax – Exterior View
Michael Simari | Car and Driver
While Toyota doesn’t make a huge splash about it, the automaker now offers an extra boost of power for the Tundra’s standard twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine. A revised engine calibration, paired with intake and exhaust improvements, boosts the Tundra’s hybrid powertrain output by an additional 29 horsepower, reaching a total of 466 hp. The peak torque remains unchanged at 583 lb-ft. The hybrid configuration is standard on the TRD Pro and other higher-end trims, but it’s also available on non-hybrid Tundras, adding 32 hp, as well as the hybrid-only Sequoia SUV. We previously tested the Sequoia with these upgrades, and now it’s the Tundra’s turn.
Subtle Visual Enhancements
Between the aggressive TRD styling already prominent on the 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, it’s easy to overlook the small “TRD Performance” badge located in the lower left corner of the embossed tailgate. Aside from potentially loud side decals (which we’ll pass on, thanks), there’s not much left to signal this upgrade on the exterior, but the badge could have been slightly larger. Opening the hood reveals a pair of TRD-branded airboxes, each dedicated to one of the turbos.
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Michael Simari | Car and Driver
The 3.4-liter engine breathes easier thanks to a cat-back exhaust system. At the rear outlet, a TRD-finished single tip replaces the standard Pro’s dual circular outlets. The shape of this new tip seems to take inspiration from the Tundra grille’s somewhat trapezoidal geometry. Like the rest of the truck, it’s robustly built.
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One last indicator is tucked behind the fuel filler flap—a label reading “PREMIUM FUEL ONLY” along with the TRD Performance logo. This serves as a reminder that you paid more for this truck so you could spend more money at the gas station. Fortunately, these modest upgrades don’t seem to negatively impact fuel economy. We recorded an average of 15 mpg during our time with the TRD pickup, which aligns with previous Tundra testing.
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Michael Simari | Car and Driver
Pump Up the Volume
With this setup, the peak power occurs at 5200 rpm, but max torque—unchanged at 479 lb-ft—is delivered 400 rpm sooner. Compared to an unmodified Tundra TRD Pro, the TRD Performance model was 0.1 second quicker to 60 mph, matching the Sequoia’s delta with a 5.6-second time. Bigger gains appear in the rolling-start metric, where this test truck accelerated from 5 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.3 second faster than the standard version. Its 14.2-second quarter-mile run at 97 mph is quicker and faster, by another 0.3 second and 5 mph. If you’re still looking for more, you might need to investigate warranty-voiding aftermarket options, which are plentiful.
HIGHS: Quicker than stock in all tests, no fuel economy penalty, and a visually subtle upgrade.
With all that throttle input, the exhaust sound can be, well, overwhelming. The performance cat-back system is only an improvement if your primary goal is increased volume. At wide-open throttle, it reaches the same 80 decibels as the standard TRD Pro, but the tonal quality can be quite droning on the highway, which becomes tiresome quickly. At a 70 mph cruising speed, the performance exhaust injects 70 decibels into the cabin, three more than the stock setup. Compared to the exhaust on the Sequoia with this package—where only the center exhaust pipe is replaced, moving from 65 to 70 decibels—it’s more noticeable but less pleasing. Additionally, even with the exhaust upgrade, Toyota continues to pipe in synthetic engine noise that cannot be disabled.
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Michael Simari | Car and Driver
A catch-22: You might not want to floor it very often, which prevents you from fully utilizing the tuning’s potential.
LOWS: Aftermarket tuners can extract more from this V-6, makes loud even louder, and will people notice it’s special?
The tuning doesn’t improve the Tundra’s transmission, which occasionally shifts awkwardly. At partial throttle, the transmission works hard to shift through its 10 gears. When you floor it, the gear changes are rapid but not refined. This is one area where the domestic half-ton trucks have a distinct advantage.
Michael Simari | Car and Driver
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Michael Simari | Car and Driver
Enhanced Seating
Although not specific to the TRD Performance package, the innovative IsoDynamic suspension seats, standard on the Tacoma TRD Pro, are now available on the Tundra for 2026 and were included in this test vehicle. While these seats reduce the already limited rear legroom in the Taco, the Tundra CrewMax offers more space, and our rear passengers had no complaints—only questions about why there were bike pumps on the back of the front seats.
The TRD Performance package is offered on select Tundra trims and configurations and adds $2999 to the price. It’s a more affordable $2299 for the Sequoia, which produces less noise with the same performance boost. If you simply want your TRD Pro to stand out and sound louder, however, this is the package for you.
VERDICT: More power is nice, but the Sequoia with this package delivers performance without the excessive noise.
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Michael Simari | Car and Driver
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Specifications icon
Specifications
2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front-motor, rear/4-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base Price / As Tested: $74,660 / $82,388
Optional Equipment: TRD Performance package (dual air intake, cat-back exhaust, TRD Performance badge), $2,999; TRD cast-aluminum running boards, $1,219; 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 3.4L 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, Front/Rear: Control arms / Live axle
Brakes, Front/Rear: 13.9-inch vented disc / 13.6-inch vented disc
Tires: Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3W
285/65R-18 116T M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 145.7 inches
Length: 233.6 inches
Width: 81.6 inches
Height: 78.0 inches
Passenger Volume, Front/Rear: 61 ft³ / 55 ft³
Curb Weight: 6,270 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Quarter-Mile: 14.2 seconds @ 97 mph
100 mph: 15.1 seconds
Results above exclude 1-foot rollout of 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Top Gear Acceleration, 30–50 mph: 3.4 seconds
Top Gear Acceleration, 50–70 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed (governor limited): 107 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 190 feet
Road Holding, 300-foot Skidpad: 0.