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Tested: 2026 Toyota Tundra with TRD Performance Gets Loud Quick
New Engine Code and Enhanced Breathing Boost Output on Toyota’s Turbocharged Truck Engine
By David Gluckman, Contributing Editor
April 2, 2026
Overview
Toyota isn’t heavily promoting a power boost for its twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine, but the automaker is offering additional output on the Tundra. The new engine calibration, paired with intake and exhaust upgrades, extracts an extra 29 horsepower from the Tundra’s available hybrid powertrain, achieving a total output of 466 horsepower. Peak torque remains at 583 pound-feet. The hybrid configuration is standard on the TRD Pro and other higher-end trims. This package is also available on nonhybrid Tundras, where it adds 32 horsepower, as well as the hybrid-only Sequoia SUV. Previous testing of the Sequoia with these enhancements has been conducted, and now it is the Tundra’s turn to undergo our comprehensive testing protocol.
Subtle Visual Enhancements
Despite the Tundra TRD Pro’s already pronounced TRD aesthetics, the small TRD Performance badge located on the lower left side of the TRD PRO–embossed tailgate is easy to overlook. Aside from some assertive bedside graphics (which, let’s be honest, aren’t necessary), there is really no room left to advertise this package externally; however, the badge could be slightly larger. Opening the hood reveals a pair of TRD-branded airboxes, each dedicated to a specific turbocharger.
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Michael Simari|Car and Driver
The 3.4-liter engine’s exhaust is improved with a cat-back exhaust system. The exhaust tip is a TRD-styled single tip, replacing the standard Pro’s dual circular outlets. The shape of this new tip seems to echo the trapezoidal geometry of the Tundra’s grille. Like the rest of the truck, it has a sturdy appearance.
More on the Tundra
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One final indicator is hidden inside the fuel filler flap—a sticker proclaiming “PREMIUM FUEL ONLY” alongside the TRD Performance logo, serving as a reminder that you’ve spent more money on this truck to spend more at the pump. Fortunately, the modest upgrades do not appear to negatively impact fuel economy. We observed an average of 15 mpg during our time with the TRD pickup, which is consistent with previous Tundra experiences.
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Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Pump up the Volume
With this configuration, the power peak is achieved 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 achieved 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, the same improvement as the Sequoia, with a resulting time of 5.6 seconds. Greater gains are observed in the rolling-start metric, with this test truck completing the 5 to 60 mph run in 6.2 seconds, 0.3 second quicker than stock. Its 14.2-second quarter-mile at 97 mph is quicker and faster by 0.3 second and 5 mph, respectively. If you are seeking further performance enhancements, you may need to look into aftermarket tuning solutions that void the warranty and provide a larger output bump.
HIGHLIGHTS: Quicker than stock across all metrics, no compromise in fuel efficiency, an understated performance upgrade.
With extensive throttle application, the exhaust note can become quite noticeable. The performance cat-back system is only an improvement if your objective is increased noise level. At wide-open throttle, the noise level is 80 decibels, the same as the standard TRD Pro, but the tonal quality is quite droning on the highway, which becomes monotonous quickly. At a 70-mph cruising speed, the performance exhaust produces 70 decibels in the cabin, three more than the standard setup. Compared to the exhaust that accompanies the TRD Performance-equipped Sequoia—where only the center exhaust pipe is replaced, increasing the noise level from 65 to 70 decibels—this upgrade is more audible but less pleasing. Furthermore, even with the exhaust enhancement, Toyota continues to pipe in simulated engine noise that cannot be deactivated.
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Michael Simari|Car and Driver
A Catch-22: You may not want to floor the accelerator often, meaning you may not fully benefit from the tune.
LOWS: Aftermarket tuners can extract more power from this V-6, the loudness increases, and the question remains: Will people notice it is special?
The tune does not improve the Tundra transmission’s occasional clumsy shifts. At part throttle, the transmission is constantly shifting through its 10 gears, and under full throttle, gear changes are fast and aggressive, but not in a desirable way. This is an area where domestic half-ton trucks hold a significant advantage.
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
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Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Seats with Flair
Although not exclusive to TRD Performance models, the distinctive IsoDynamic suspended seats that come standard on the Tacoma TRD Pro are now available on the Tundra for 2026 and were featured in this test truck. While these seats reduce an already tight backseat in the Taco, the Tundra CrewMax offers more space, and our rear-seat occupants reported no complaints—only questions about why there are bicycle pumps on the back of the front seats.
The TRD Performance package is available on select Tundra trims and configurations, adding $2999 to the cost. It is a more reasonably priced $2299 for the Sequoia, which produces less noise. However, if you simply want your TRD Pro to be louder, this is the performance package for you.
VERDICT: More power is beneficial, but the Sequoia with this package improves performance without 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 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-mph Cruising: 7