🔻 WATCH FULL VIDEO BELOW 🔻
Tested: 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Performance Pack—More Power, Louder Growl
Toyota’s turbocharged V-6 gets a firmware update and breathing improvements to boost output—but does it hit the mark?
Published: April 2, 2026
Verified Reviewed by: David Gluckman, Contributing Editor
Save Article 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver
Toyota isn’t shouting about it, but the automaker has quietly rolled out an additional power boost for its twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine. A new engine calibration, combined with intake and exhaust modifications, unlocks an extra 29 horsepower from the Tundra’s standard hybridized powertrain, bringing the total combined output to 466 horsepower. Maximum torque remains steady at 583 pound-feet.
This upgraded package comes standard on the TRD Pro and other high-end Tundra trims. It is also available on non-hybrid Tundra models, adding 32 horsepower, and the hybrid-only Sequoia SUV. We previously tested the Sequoia with these enhancements, and now it’s the Tundra’s turn under the microscope.
Subtle Styling Cues
With the standard TRD Pro already making its intentions clear through aggressive styling, the small TRD Performance badge on the lower left of the tailgate is easy to miss. Beyond that badge, there are few external indicators—not counting the optional loud bedside graphics (which we skipped)—to advertise this performance package. However, the badge could certainly be larger.
Popping the hood reveals a pair of TRD-branded airboxes, each feeding its own turbocharger.
For Sale Near You See All Results for New 2026 Toyota Tundra for Sale Near 63606
View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver
To help the 3.4-liter engine exhale more efficiently, the truck features a cat-back exhaust system. Its outlet terminates in a single TRD-branded tip, replacing the standard TRD Pro’s dual circular outlets. The shape of this new tip seems inspired by the trapezoidal geometry of the Tundra grille. Like the rest of the truck, it is undeniably 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 final telltale is hidden under the fuel flap—a label proclaiming “PREMIUM FUEL ONLY,” marked with the TRD Performance logo, reminding you that you spent extra money to make your truck thirstier at the pump. Thankfully, these minor upgrades appear to have no negative impact on fuel economy. During our testing, we averaged 15 mpg, which aligns with previous Tundra performance figures.
For Sale Near You See All Results for New 2026 Toyota Tundra for Sale Near 63606
View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver
Boosting the Volume
With this setup, the peak power occurs at the same 5,200 rpm, but max torque—unchanged at 479 pound-feet—is delivered 400 rpm sooner. Compared to an unmodified Tundra TRD Pro, the TRD Performance truck shaved 0.1 second off its 0–60 mph time, matching the delta seen in the Sequoia test. The result was a time of 5.6 seconds.
Bigger gains were evident in the rolling-start metric. This test truck accelerated from 5 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.3 second quicker than the stock Tundra. Its 14.2-second quarter-mile run at 97 mph was both quicker and faster—again, by 0.3 second and 5 mph, respectively.
If you’re seeking even more performance, you might need to look toward warranty-voiding aftermarket solutions, as several options exist to provide a bigger output boost.
HIGHS: Quicker than stock in every test, no fuel-economy penalty, a visually stealthy upgrade.
With all that aggressive acceleration, the exhaust note can become quite… aggressive. The performance cat-back system is only an improvement if your goal is loudness. At wide-open throttle, it reaches the same 80 decibels as the standard TRD Pro, but the tonal quality is rather droning on the highway, which quickly wears on the nerves. At a 70-mph cruising speed, the performance exhaust pumps 70 decibels into 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, raising the noise level from 65 to 70 decibels—it is more noticeable but less appealing. Furthermore, even with the exhaust upgrade, Toyota continues to pump artificial engine noise into the cabin, which cannot be disabled.
View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver
A Catch-22: You may not want to floor the throttle very often, which means you don’t experience the full benefit of the tuning.
LOWS: Aftermarket tuners extract more from this V-6, makes loud louder, will people notice it’s special?
The tune does nothing to improve the Tundra’s transmission’s occasional jerky shifts. At part throttle, the unit feels busy working through its 10 gears. When you put your foot down, gear changes come fast and furious—but not necessarily smoothly. This is an area where domestic half-ton competitors hold a noticeable advantage.
Michael Simari | Car and Driver
View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver
Plush Interior Comfort
Although not exclusive to the TRD Performance package, the innovative IsoDynamic suspension seats—standard on the 2026 Tacoma TRD Pro—are now available on the Tundra and were featured in this test truck. While these seats eat into the already limited rear-seat space in the Tacoma, the Tundra CrewMax offers more room, and we received no complaints from our rear-seat occupants—just questions about the bike pumps mounted on the back of the front chairs.
The TRD Performance package is available on select Tundra trims and configurations, adding an extra $2,999 to the price. For the Sequoia, it’s a more reasonable $2,299, and that model makes less noise. However, if your goal is simply to make your TRD Pro shout louder, this is the package for you.
VERDICT: More power is nice, but the Sequoia with this package ups performance without the yelling.
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), $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
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: 6,270 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
