The latest generation of the Toyota Tundra began in 2022, and it changed the truck market for the better. This new Tundra might be right for you.
Should you choose the Tundra or one of the more popular and familiar trucks from the Detroit Big Three? Would you rather drive this Toyota truck or a Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, or Ram 1500? Does the Tundra have the chops to take on the big boys? Let’s dig in and see what the 2025 Toyota Tundra brings to the market.
Pros and Cons of the Tundra
Pros
- Strong and refined powertrains
- Brash styling
- Smoother coil-spring suspension
- Easy-to-use controls
- Standard composite bed limits dents and scratches
- Available 14-inch touchscreen looks sharp and easy to use
Cons
- Some cheap interior materials
- Middling highway fuel economy
- Behind the towing and hauling curve
- Thick front roof pillars hamper outward visibility
What makes the Tundra stand out?
The latest generation of the Toyota Tundra doesn’t use a V8 engine. It’s the only full-size truck that doesn’t have a V8 in any trim, giving you a twin-turbocharged V6 as the base engine and a hybrid-powered model called the iForce Max as an upgrade. This powertrain offering makes the Tundra unique, but the GM trucks (Silverado and Sierra) are also unique because they are the only trucks that still have a diesel powertrain in the half-ton truck size.
The hybrid powertrain for the Toyota isn’t the only hybrid offered among full-size trucks. Ford has the PowerBoost, which is a hybrid trim and the Ram truck has a mild-hybrid powertrain, making assisted power a little more common than you might expect.
How much power do you get?
The new 2025 Toyota Tundra starts with a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that sends 348 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque in the base model. Higher trims have more power from this engine, delivering 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. When the hybrid electric motor is added to the mix, the truck delivers 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. All three power plants use a 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver smooth shifting.
The Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, which is plenty for most drivers, but the Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds, the GM pair maxes out at 13,300 pounds, and the Ram 1500 tows up to 12,750 pounds. This puts the Toyota at the back of the pack. The max payload for the Tundra is 1,940 pounds, which is far behind the 3,250 pounds of the Ford truck.
Why should you choose the 2025 Toyota Tundra?
The latest generation of the Tundra builds on its stellar reputation for reliability and longevity. This truck might not match the others in terms of towing and capability, but it has a lot going for it, including:
Technology
The Tundra is packed with smart technology, making it easier to drive and more convenient. The Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist uses sensors and cameras to help keep your trailer straight while reversing. There’s also a Panoramic View Monitor to give you a 360-degree view of your surrounding through cameras on the front, sides, and rear of the truck. This makes it easier to park in gith spaces.
Connected Services
The Tundra has connected services called Remote Connect. This feature allows you to use your smartphone or smartwatch to start the engine, lock and unlock the doors, and locate your truck through the Toyota app. You can also turn your Tundra into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, making it easier to stay connected when you’re at a remote jobsite without internet.
Design
The Toyota Tundra has optional power-extending and folding tow mirrors that improve towing visibility, which makes it much easier to see what’s behind you. The Tundra is also durable and efficient, thanks to the use of lightweight aluminum in key areas with high-strength steel where its necessary. This smart construction improves safety and performance while keeping the truck tough and ready for heavy-duty work.
Should you drive the Tundra?
If you need more than 12,000 pounds of towing or simply want a V8 engine, the 2025 Toyota Tundra is not for you. On the other hand, if you can live with the towing and want a more efficient powertrain, the twin-turbocharged V6 engines under the hood of the Tundra could be right for you. This reliable, enjoyable, and capable truck has a lot going for it that could make it the right choice for many drivers.
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