2025 Toyota Tundra: Does Toyota’s Full-Size Ute Justify Its Price Tag?

The Toyota Tundra has officially hit Australian soil, throwing its hat into the full-size pickup truck battle against the RAM 1500, Silverado 1500, and Ford F-150. Built in Texas and converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne, Toyota is banking on brand loyalty, hybrid power, and dealer support to lure buyers away from the big American names. But with a $155,990 price tag, is the 2025 Toyota Tundra Limited really worth it, or is it just an overpriced Truck and tub?

Let’s break it down.

Toyota Tundra Price – A New Benchmark for Expensive Utes

At $155,990 plus on-roads, the Tundra Limited is officially the most expensive full-size ute in Australia. To put that into perspective:

• Ford F-150 XLT starts at $106,950

• Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ comes in at $130,500

• RAM 1500 Laramie starts at $119,950

That means the Toyota Tundra is $25K more than a Silverado and $36K more than a RAM—and that’s before on-road costs. A chunk of that price (around $20K) is due to the right-hand drive conversion, but even then, Toyota is asking big money for a truck that still lacks some key features. If you were hoping for a fully factory-built right-hand drive model, think again. The Tundra is stripped down and rebuilt in Melbourne, which is better than aftermarket conversions, but still not quite the same as a factory-spec vehicle.

Power & Performance – A Hybrid That Doesn’t Really Save Fuel

Under the hood, Toyota has ditched the traditional V8 diesel in favour of a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid—which they still insist on calling a 3.5L (it’s not). Here’s what you’re working with:

✔ 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid (i-Force Max)

✔ 326kW & 790Nm combined output

✔ 10-speed automatic transmission

✔ Full-time 4WD with low range

✔ 4.5-tonne towing capacity

On paper, those numbers are solid, even outgunning the Silverado and RAM in raw power. But where Toyota’s hybrid tech usually shines in efficiency, the Tundra misses the mark.

Even in gentle driving, real-world fuel consumption sits between 13-16L/100km, which is on par with petrol-powered rivals. So if you were hoping for LandCruiser 300 Series fuel efficiency in a full-size truck, forget it—this thing still drinks like a traditional V8.

That said, the V6 sounds surprisingly good, with Toyota tuning it to give off a beefy exhaust note—a nice touch considering most turbo V6s sound like oversized hairdryers.

Towing & Payload – Built for Big Loads, But…

The Tundra is rated to tow 4.5 tonnes, which matches the Silverado 1500, RAM 1500, and F-150. However, there’s a catch—to tow the full 4.5 tonnes, you’ll need to upgrade to a 70mm tow ball, because the factory-fitted 50mm tow ball is limited to 3.5 tonnes.

Then there’s the payload—just 758kg. That’s less than a HiLux and well below what many tradies and tourers need. So while it’s great for hauling a big caravan or boat, if you’re planning to load it up with tools, accessories, and gear, you might hit weight limits fast.

Another downside? The spare is a space saver, not a full-size wheel—less than ideal for a vehicle designed for touring and off-road use.

Interior & Tech – High-End But Not Flawless

The Tundra’s cabin is massive, which makes it a great option for families, tourers, or anyone who just wants more space than a typical dual-cab ute. Here’s what you get inside:

✔ 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

✔ 12.3-inch digital driver display

✔ 12-speaker JBL sound system

✔ Wireless phone charging & five USB ports

✔ 360-degree camera for better visibility

✔ Heated and ventilated front seats

It’s a comfortable, well-equipped space, but for a $150K+ truck, some of the finishes feel underwhelming. The cloth seat inserts and plastic trim don’t exactly scream luxury, and there are inconsistent panel gaps in the bumper, which isn’t something you’d expect from Toyota.

One cool feature? The rear window slides open, making it perfect for airflow or keeping an eye on your dog in the tray.

Safety – Big Truck, Big Metal, But Not ANCAP Tested

Like most full-size utes, the Tundra hasn’t been ANCAP crash tested, so there’s no independent safety rating. However, it does come with a decent safety package, including:

✔ Adaptive cruise control

✔ Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

✔ Blind-spot monitoring

✔ Lane departure warning & lane trace assist

✔ Rear cross-traffic alert

What’s missing? Front cross-traffic alert and exit warning, which would have been useful in a truck this size. At 2.8 tonnes, the Tundra will likely do very well in a crash against smaller cars, but for pedestrians, cyclists, or anything smaller than a dual-cab ute, this thing is a rolling tank.

Off-Road Capability – Built for Touring, Not Rock Crawling

The Tundra is no 70 Series, but it’s still more than capable for most off-road touring. With 216mm of ground clearance and a full-time 4WD system with low range, it should handle beach driving, fire trails, and rough road touring with ease. That said, long overhangs and a long wheelbase mean it’s not built for hardcore rock crawling. It’s more of a big outback tourer than an off-road weapon.

Final Verdict – Is the 2025 Toyota Tundra Worth It?

The Toyota Tundra is a solid truck, but at $155,990, it’s a hard sell. While it has:

✔ Toyota’s legendary reliability

✔ Access to Australia’s biggest dealer network

✔ Strong towing power & modern tech

It’s $20K+ more than its American rivals, and for that price, it’s missing:

❌ GVM & BTC upgrades (for serious towing & touring setups)

❌ Factory-built right-hand drive (it’s still a conversion)

❌ A proper diesel option (which many tourers prefer)

If you’re a Toyota die-hard who refuses to drive anything else, the Tundra might be worth it for the peace of mind that comes with Toyota support. But if you’re after the best full-size truck for towing, touring, or off-roading, the RAM 1500, Silverado 1500, and Ford F-150 still offer more value for money.

Want to take your full-size truck to the next level with premium off-road and towing upgrades? BAW Automotive has you covered.