Toyota Tundra starts at $102,000 in Australia, almost double that

All Tundra models sold in Australia will feature the flagship i-Force Max powertrain

Australia’s love affair with large pickup trucks continues with the local launch of the Toyota Tundra. It joins a growing number of trucks launched in Australia in recent years, including the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado.

The local launch of the Tundra marks the culmination of six years of work, culminating with a soft launch earlier this year in which 300 test vehicles were delivered to selected customers for analysis and review. Like its competitors, the Toyota Tundra is not available in right-hand drive configuration. Instead, Australian engineering firm Walkinshaw was tasked with retrofitting all LHD models to comply with local regulations.

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Converting a Tundra to RHD is a complex process that requires dismantling each vehicle down to its frame and then rebuilding it. As you can imagine, this adds to the cost and means the Tundra is much more expensive than in the US.

In fact, it will cost local buyers AU$155,990 before on-road costs, or the equivalent of around $101,900 at current exchange rates, and will only be sold in limited-edition form with the i-Force Max powertrain. Similar versions in the US start at $58,005.

The Tundra’s i-Force Max system consists of a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline V6 engine and electric motor-generator that delivers 326 kW (437 hp) and 790 Nm (583 lb-ft) of combined torque. That roar is sent to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission and two-speed transfer case. An optional all-wheel-drive system is standard, offering rear- and all-wheel-drive modes.

Visually, the Tundra sold in Australia will look identical to the US model and will be available in Glacier White, Matte White, Graphite, Storm Silver, Eclipse Black, Frenzy Red, Retro Pearl Brown, Jungle Khaki and Saturn Blue color. Local shoppers will be pleased to know that the integrated tow hitch is suitable for 3,500 kg (7,716 lb), while an optional 4,500 kg (9,920 lb) towing package is also available.

The package also includes a trailer brake controller, two different towing modes, and trailer backup rails that automatically control steering. Payload is 758 kg (1,671 lbs), about the same as the much smaller Hilux.

Toyota didn’t skimp on safety features, adding the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, emergency steering assist, active cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, blind spot monitors and a surround-view monitor. There are plenty of creature comforts in there too. These include a 14-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker JBL audio system.

All Tundra models sold locally come with Toyota’s standard five-year, unlimited kilometer warranty.