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Tested: 2026 Toyota Tundra with TRD Performance Gets Loud Quick
New engine coding and better airflow boost output on Toyota’s turbocharged truck.
Published: April 2, 2026
Reviewed by: David Gluckman, Contributing Editor
(View exterior photos of 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro)
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
The Subtle Power Push
While Toyota isn’t heavily marketing it, there’s an added performance boost for the twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 in the 2026 Toyota Tundra. New engine tuning, along with upgrades to the intake and exhaust, squeeze out an additional 29 horsepower from the hybrid powertrain, resulting in a combined output of 466 horsepower. The peak torque remains unchanged at 583 pound-feet.
This hybrid configuration comes standard on the TRD Pro and other premium trims. The package is also available on non-hybrid Tundras, where it adds 32 horsepower, and on the hybrid-only Sequoia SUV. We previously tested the Sequoia with these upgrades, and now it’s the Tundra’s turn to undergo evaluation.
(View exterior photos of 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro)
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Under the Hood
With all the TRD branding on the 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, it’s easy to miss the small TRD Performance badge on the lower left corner of the tailgate. Aside from the potential for loud side decals—which we opted out of—there isn’t much else to advertise the package on the exterior. However, that badge could stand to be a bit larger. Lifting the hood reveals a pair of TRD-branded airboxes, each dedicated to its own turbocharger.
Helping the 3.4-liter engine exhale more efficiently is a cat-back exhaust system. At the rear, it features a TRD-branded single tip that replaces the standard Pro’s dual circular outlets. The shape of this new tip seems inspired by the trapezoidal-esque geometry of the Tundra grille. Like the rest of the truck, it’s quite substantial.
(See all results for new 2026 Toyota Tundra for sale near 63606)
(View exterior photos of 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro)
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Subtle Exterior Cues
One final indicator is tucked inside the gas flap—a label stating “PREMIUM FUEL ONLY” alongside the TRD Performance logo. This serves as a reminder that you’ve invested more in this truck to incur higher fuel costs. Fortunately, the modest upgrades don’t appear to negatively impact fuel economy. We achieved an average of 15 mpg during our testing, which aligns with past Tundra results.
(See all results for new 2026 Toyota Tundra for sale near 63606)
(View interior photos of 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro)
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
The Sound of Power
With this setup, the power peak occurs at the same 5200 rpm, but the maximum 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, matching the delta we saw with the Sequoia, with a 5.6-second result. The most significant gains were in the rolling-start metric; this test truck went from 5 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.3 second quicker than stock. Its 14.2-second quarter-mile at 97 mph is both quicker and faster, by 0.3 second and 5 mph respectively. If you’re seeking even more power, you might need to explore aftermarket solutions that don’t void the warranty, as there are several available.
HIGHS: Quicker than stock in every test, no fuel-economy penalty, visually subtle upgrade.
With all that acceleration, the exhaust note can be, well, exhausting. The performance cat-back system is only an improvement if your goal is loudness. At wide-open throttle, it reaches 80 decibels, the same as the standard TRD Pro, but the tonal quality is quite droning on the highway, which quickly wears thin. At a 70-mph cruising speed, the performance exhaust emits 70 decibels into the cabin, three more than the standard setup. Compared to the exhaust that comes on the Sequoia with TRD Performance upgrades—where only the center exhaust pipe is replaced, increasing the volume from 65 to 70 decibels—it’s more noticeable but less refined. Even with the exhaust upgrade, Toyota continues to pipe in synthesized engine noise that cannot be disabled.
(View exterior photos of 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro)
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
A Catch-22
You might find yourself not wanting to floor the throttle very often, which means you won’t fully capitalize on the tuning benefits.
LOWS: Aftermarket tuners coax more from this V-6, makes loud louder, will people know it’s special?
The tune doesn’t improve the Tundra transmission’s occasional lumpy shifts. At part throttle, the unit runs up through its 10 gears, and with your foot to the floor, shifts are fast and frequent but not in a smooth manner. This is one area where the domestic half-tons have a clear advantage.
(View interior photos of 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro)
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Cabin Comfort
While not exclusive to the TRD Performance package, the innovative IsoDynamic suspension seats—standard on the Tacoma TRD Pro—are now available on the 2026 Toyota Tundra and were included in this test truck. In the Tacoma, these seats reduce an already tight rear seating area, but the Tundra CrewMax offers more space, and we received no complaints from our rear-seat occupants—only questions about the bike pumps located on the back of the front seats.
The TRD Performance package is available on select Tundra trims and configurations, adding $2,999 to the price. The Sequoia offers a more budget-friendly option at $2,299, with more appealing exhaust acoustics. However, if you simply want your TRD Pro to sound more aggressive, this is the upgrade package for you.
VERDICT: More power is nice, but the Sequoia with this package boosts performance without the extra noise.
(View exterior photos of 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro)
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
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
Options:
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 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
Engine: 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
Battery: Nickel-metal hydride pack
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): Control arms / live axle
Brakes (F/R): 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 (F/R): 61 / 55 cubic feet
Curb Weight: 6,270 pounds
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 seconds
1/4-Mile: 14.2 seconds @ 97 mph
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