2024 Toyota Tundra for Australia: Non-hybrid model spied testing

Another 2024 Toyota Tundra has been spied by avid Wheels reader, Luke Farrell. Parked in streets South East of Melbourne, this example looks to be a petrol-engined model previously ruled out for local sale.

The latest images are clearly of a different vehicle, this time a mid-spec Limited variant finished in Army Green. It carries a simpler grille design and smaller wheels than the flagship Tundra Capstone spotted last year.

Interestingly, the Tundra Limited isn't available in the US with the 326kW and 790Nm i-Force Max hybrid powertrain that was promised for Australia. Instead, it gets a 290kW/515Nm twin-turbo V6 without electric assistance.

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Toyota Tundra spied in Australia | Photo courtesy of Wheels reader Luke Farrell

Confirming this particular Tundra is petrol-only are its number plates. In the state of Victoria, electric, plug-in, and traditional hybrid vehicles are required to carry an 'EV' sticker on the registration to aid first responders – this car is missing the stickers.

The right-hand-drive Army Green Tundra Limited has had a badge on the rear tailgate covered up where you'd typically see the 4X4 badge on American vehicles, but no extra hybrid insignia.

Does this mean a more affordable petrol V6 Tundra may be available in Australia? It's very possible, as nothing is ruled in or out just yet. However, this would go against prior communications that Australian test Tundras would be fitted exclusively with the hybrid powertrain.

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Toyota Tundra spied in Australia | Photo courtesy of Wheels reader Luke Farrell

The vehicles will be equipped with a new inline hybrid system featuring a twin-turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6 - the most advanced and fuel-efficient powertrain available on this model

Above is lifted straight from Toyota Australia's August 2022 press release confirming the Tundra localisation program in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

Toyota Australia was not forthcoming with any additional information when questioned about the petrol Army Green spotting, but did reiterate that the 300-strong Tundra test fleet will begin local testing in Q4 this year.

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Toyota Tundra spied in Australia | Photo courtesy of Wheels reader Luke Farrell

"Right-hand drive Tundra faces further checkpoints in Toyota's global approval process before its retail introduction can be confirmed. The program will utilise OE levels of design, development, testing and componentry based on Toyota's deep commitment to quality, durability and reliability.

"It will not be available for sale in Australia until we are totally satisfied," a Toyota Australia Spokesperson told Wheels.

John Law

The Story to here

September 2022: Local evaluation for the 2024 Toyota Tundra has commenced this month, with one of the first right-hand drive examples photographed in Australia.

Clad in camouflage at the front and rear – and with covered badging and provisional tail-lights – this Tundra example looks representative of the flagship Capstone variant sold in the United States, with 22-inch chrome alloy wheels and adaptive air suspension.

“Toyota has confirmed an extensive development program in Australia for the Tundra pick-up, demonstrating its intention for local development and evaluation experts to re-engineer Tundra in a RHD format and evaluate the vehicle against Australia's severe local conditions and tough customer use,” said Toyota Australia in a media release last month.

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The company is partnering with the Walkinshaw Automotive Group for the Tundra project, thanks to its experience in converting full-size pickups in Australia.

It says that by late 2023, the final stage of the RHD re-engineering program will involve 300 vehicles testing nationwide in real-world conditions.

If the program is successful, local sales will officially commence soon after – likely in early 2024.

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Spied hauling a twin-axle trailer, local engineers are naturally evaluating the towing capacity of the Tundra, which is rated up to 5443kg in the United States – while the grime suggests it has been taken on dirt roads or off-road.

This rating is unlikely to carry across to Australia, with its Ram 1500 rival limited to 4500kg locally, despite a similar claim in its home market.

Under the bonnet, the Tundra will feature an “advanced and fuel-efficient” twin-turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6 hybrid – with the ‘EV’ tag on the registration plate required for vehicles featuring any type of electrification in Victoria.

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It produces 326kW and 790Nm and is offered only in the highest trim grades in the US, such as the TRD Pro and Capstone.

Other models feature a non-hybrid setup with lower outputs, which will not be offered in Australia.

The interior of this vehicle was covered up, but is right-hand drive, confirming top-secret development work at Toyota Australia has taken place over the past few months before the project was confirmed in August.

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Toyota has confirmed the RHD conversion will see components borrowed from the LandCruiser 300, including the steering column and rack, accelerator, brake pedals, and gearshift lever.

That’s made easier by the Tundra and LandCruiser 300 sharing Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, along with the Sequoia three-row large SUV sold in the States.

The new-generation Tundra was unveiled in September 2021, replacing the previous model that had been on sale for 14 years.

Notable changes include a switch from leaf springs to a multi-link arrangement for the rear suspension, a more sophisticated cabin featuring either 8-inch or 14-inch infotainment systems and an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhanced active safety technology, and new towing-focused drive modes.

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It will compete against the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado – both available since 2018 – and the Ford F-150, which will commence local conversion next year ahead of a mid-2023 on-sale date.

As with Ram – which is managed by third-party distributor Ateco, rather than its Stellantis parent – and GM Speciality Vehicles (Chevrolet), Toyota Australia has partnered with Victoria-based Walkinshaw Automotive “for its extensive experience in this type of work”.

The factory-backed local conversion for the F-150 will be undertaken by RMA Automotive, also in Victoria, in partnership with Ford Australia.

Jordan Hickey

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