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Tested: 2026 Toyota Tundra with TRD Performance Gets Loud Quick
New engine calibrations and improved airflow push more power from Toyota’s popular truck.
Published: Apr 2, 2026
Verified Reviewed by
David Gluckman
Contributing Editor
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Michael Simari|Car and Driver
For 2026, Toyota has quietly rolled out a subtle yet potent upgrade for its celebrated twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine. With a recalibrated engine control unit (ECU) coordinating intake and exhaust modifications, the Tundra’s hybridized powertrain now delivers an extra 29 horsepower, bringing the total combined output to a formidable 466 horsepower. While the peak torque remains locked at 583 pound-feet, this package is standard on the TRD Pro and other upscale trims. Enthusiasts can also opt for this performance boost on nonhybrid Tundras, where it adds 32 horsepower, or integrate it into the Sequoia SUV, which offers it exclusively in its hybrid configuration. The Sequoia equipped with these enhancements underwent our rigorous testing gauntlet, and now the Tundra takes center stage.
Subtle Styling Cues
Given the already bold aesthetic of the 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, the petite TRD Performance badge located on the lower left corner of the embossed tailgate might easily go unnoticed. Aside from the aggressive bedside graphics, which many buyers wisely opt out of, there are few external markers advertising this powertrain package. However, the badge could certainly be more prominent. A closer look under the hood reveals a pair of TRD-branded airboxes, each serving a dedicated turbocharger.
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The 3.4-liter engine’s ability to exhale has been further improved thanks to a cat-back exhaust system. The tailpipe features a TRD-designed single outlet, replacing the stock Pro’s dual circular tips. The shape of this new pipe appears to be inspired by the trapezoidal geometry of the Tundra grille, and like the rest of the truck, it has a substantial presence.
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One last telltale clue is nestled inside the gas flap—a label declaring “PREMIUM FUEL ONLY” alongside the TRD Performance logo. This serves as a reminder to owners that they’ve invested in an upgraded truck, which now necessitates higher-grade premium fuel at the pump. Fortunately, the modest power gains do not seem to penalize fuel economy. Our testing recorded an average of 15 mpg during our time with the TRD pickup, which aligns with the performance of previous Tundra models.
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Pump up the Volume
With this mechanical configuration, the power peak remains at 5200 rpm. However, the maximum torque, which is unchanged at 479 pound-feet, is now delivered 400 rpm sooner. Compared to an unmodified Tundra TRD Pro, the TRD Performance variant achieved a 60-mph time of 5.6 seconds, matching the 0.1-second improvement we observed in the Sequoia—a nearly identical performance delta. The gains are even more apparent in rolling-start metrics; this test truck completed the 5-to-60 mph acceleration run in just 6.2 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the stock model. The quarter-mile performance was also notably quicker and faster, finishing in 14.2 seconds at 97 mph, again improved by 0.3 second and 5 mph, respectively. For those seeking even greater performance, aftermarket tuners offer a range of warranty-voiding solutions that unlock even more horsepower.
HIGHS: Quicker than stock in every test, no fuel-economy penalty, a visually stealthy upgrade.
With the pedal floored, the exhaust note can become, frankly, loud. The performance cat-back system only makes sense if your goal is increased loudness. While wide-open throttle still produces 80 decibels, matching the standard TRD Pro, the tonal quality is quite drone-y during highway cruising, which can become irritating quickly. At a steady 70 mph, the performance exhaust channels 70 decibels into the cabin, three more than the standard setup. Compared to the exhaust found on the TRD Performance Sequoia—where only the center exhaust pipe is modified, raising the decibel level from 65 to 70—it’s more noticeable but less refined. Furthermore, even with this exhaust upgrade, Toyota continues to pipe artificial engine noise into the cabin, which 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 means not getting 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 performance tune does nothing to improve the occasional lumpy shifting of the Tundra’s transmission. At lower throttle inputs, the transmission works busily, cycling through its 10 gears. When the throttle is pressed all the way down, the shifts come fast and hard, but not necessarily in a good way. This is one area where domestic half-ton trucks exhibit a palpable advantage in refinement.
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
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Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Chairs with Flair
While not exclusive to the TRD Performance package, the innovative IsoDynamic suspension seats, which come standard on the Tacoma TRD Pro, are now available on the Tundra for 2026 and were featured on this test vehicle. Although these seats reduce the already limited rear-seat space in the Tacoma, the Tundra CrewMax offers ample room, and our rear-seat passengers had no complaints, aside from wondering why there are 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 $2999 to the total price. The package is more reasonably priced at $2299 for the Sequoia, which also produces less intrusive noise. However, if your sole desire is to make your TRD Pro shout louder, this is the performance upgrade package for you.
VERDICT: More power is nice, but the Sequoia with this package ups performance without the yelling.
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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
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