2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickGrand Junction, Colo.- Toyota is broadening the 2027 Tundra lineup by doing that most unexpected of moves: going affordable.What isn't unexpected is that the brand's newest name, the overlanding Trailhunter trim, is arriving on the Tundra. Except it isn't a trim here: it's a package. While we don't have pricing yet, that should make it a markedly more approachable overlanding option than the comparative 4Runner and Tacoma.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlong with detail changes outside, inside, and under the skin, the Tundra rolls into the new year comprehensively-but not dramatically-improved.2027 Toyota Tundra Quick TakeWith the first taste being the rowdy TRD Pro and rugged Trailhunter, the 2027 Tundra promises added refinement and affordability for the only non-domestic full-size truck left standing.2027 Toyota Tundra Debuts New Trailhunter Package2027 Toyota Tundra Debuts New Trailhunter PackageToyota has pulled the curtain back on a mid-cycle refresh for the 2027 Tundra, introducing a sharper exterior design, an overhauled infotainment system, and an all-new factory overlanding package called the Trailhunter. The updates represent the first major cosmetic and technological revision to the full-size pickup platform since the current generation debuted. Penned by Toyota's CALTY Design Research center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the updated truck adopts a distinctly squared-off front geometry. Designers implemented a more vertical fascia profile, a new lower bumper treatment, and a rugged hexagonal grille texture that changes visual characteristics depending on the specific trim level.AutoGuide.com News StaffAutoGuide.com News StaffWhat's New for 2027?Modest styling changes have been the name of the game at Toyota for most mid-cycle facelifts, and the Tundra is no different. Truck buyers are a notoriously fickle bunch, so why mess with success?AdvertisementAdvertisementAside from the Trailhunter package, the trim lineup is likely to continue as before. We're here to drive only the Trailhunter and the TRD Pro, which picks up numerous suspension upgrades from the smaller Tacoma. Powertrains remain the same as before: the 3.4L turbocharged V6 has a healthy 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid setup available in higher trims and standard on the TRD Pro bumps those numbers to 437 hp and 586 lb-ft. An available performance package adds a further 29 ponies to the corral.The cabin benefits from a new steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and the 14.0-inch touchscreen now being standard across the board. The brand's Toyota Safety Sense suite of assists is upgraded to the latest 4.0 version.2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickExterior Style:No more moustache! Toyota has brought the Tundra's front-end design closer to that of the Sequoia, and that means a small bit of bodywork now separating the (reshaped) grille from the lower bumper. It makes for a more cohesive look. The TRD Pro sees its light bar moved lower down in the nose to minimize glare, while available RIGID fog lights sit lower still. Beyond some tweaked wheel designs, there isn't much else to report here.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs Toyota has done for years now, there is a new TRD Pro-exclusive color for '27, dubbed Honey Comb. (The 4Runner actually gets a different shade, called Hot Honey.) With a light dusting of Colorado sand I admit it's working more for me, though it can't top this year's Wave Maker.2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickPowertrain and Fuel Economy:Toyota has built a long, varied dirt track for the event, with multiple instances of high banking, big bumps and yes, a bit of hang-time. It's here where the entire TRD Pro family-including the 4Runner and Tacoma-are let loose.As mentioned above, there are no changes to the powertrain this year. That's fine: the TRD Pro's epic torque still makes it a satisfying drive on the loose stuff, easily finding power at any combination of road and engine speed. The 10-speed is decisive yet smooth, with little of the hunting found in a Blue Oval rig. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Trailhunter experience is later, on a few of the myriad trails criss-crossing the Colorado-Utah border. As it's based on the SR5 trim, the Trailhunter does without the electrified portion of the Tundra's powertrain. What it lacks in low-end grunt it makes up for with utterly predictable power delivery. Swapping from 4HI to 4LO is easy, though on these early pre-production examples, the system does sometimes require a bit of roll-out before the change is complete.While these are new models, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the existing issues Toyota is facing with earlier versions of this engine.2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image ToyotaImage: ToyotaHandling and Drivability:The Tundra TRD Pro now has the same internal-bypass Fox QS3 shocks as its little brother, though naturally tuned differently for the bigger beast. The pros who spent weeks building the course have set the manually adjustable suspension to its softest setting at the front and the stiffest at the rear, apparently in service of rotating the tail through thicker sand. For a big vehicle the Tundra is remarkably easy to point around the course, though the nose-heavy weight balance requires patience. Yes, matting the throttle will spin the tires and kick the tail out-especially with Multi-Terrain Select set to Sand-which makes for dramatic but not necessarily quick progress.AdvertisementAdvertisementPaces slow right down with the Trailhunter. By dint of its focus the steering is lighter and fuzzier, allowing drivers to more easily make small adjustments while on the trail. The upgraded Old Man Emu suspension isn't the fancy-pants setup of the Tacoma Trailhunter but nonetheless gives the Tundra good articulation and additional clearance. On the more technical sections, where we need to slowly but surely navigate around tire-threatening jagged rocks, the Trailhunter is biddable.2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image ToyotaImage: ToyotaRide Quality and Comfort:Those who've experienced any of the latest crop of desert-runner pickups will tell you: despite being able to tackle increasingly gnarly obstacles, the tech that makes that possible also makes them smoother everyday drivers. Our time not jumping the TRD Pro is brief, but the road drive proves this is the case once again for the Tundra. Outside of significant tire roar, it's a happy space to spend time.Do you have a dislike of bouncing around in your seat during a hot desert run? The Tacoma's available IsoDynamic seats are optional on Tundra for 2027, and they really do an excellent job by providing another suspension for the squishy pilot. Just be warned that passengers seated in the back will think you have a dislike of their knees, too: the seats are bulky and the various bits house plenty of hard edges.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's a distinctly old-school feel to the Trailhunter. With an empty bed, there's some slight pogoing over rougher surfaces, but it's nothing unusual for a truck of this size and focus. It lacks the fancy leather seats of the TRD Pro but is no worse for comfort on most day-to-day activities. Even this lower trim has power-adjustable front seats and a driver's memory setting, too.2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image ToyotaImage: ToyotaInterior Style and Quality:With both of these trucks being early pre-production models, it's unfair to discuss material quality. The layout is recognizable from this year's model, meaning plenty of chunky, physical controls. I maintain Toyota's multi-level dial, incorporating controls for the two-speed transfer case, drive modes, and Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) is one of the best bits of in-cabin tech on the market. It controls so much while using little physical space, yet is simple to comprehend.2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image ToyotaImage: ToyotaTech and Safety:Toyota took a significant jump forward with the infotainment system in the current RAV4, so it's a welcome upgrade in the 2027 Tundra. The big screen is easy to read, while the tile-based menus are obvious and strike a good balance between detail and amount. Response times are also super-speedy. The excellent built-in Drive Recorder eliminates the need for a dashcam, and incorporates vehicle data by default. It is a little funny to see the "incident detected" warning a half-dozen times during the TRD Pro hot laps, mind you. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and plenty customizable, while the drive mode animations are a nice touch (and mercifully short).AdvertisementAdvertisementToyota Safety Sense 4.0 doesn't add any new-fangled acronyms, but it does improve most of the existing ones, with more natural operation of lane-keep, adaptive cruise, and the like.2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image ToyotaImage: ToyotaValue, Dollars, and Sense:Toyota won't talk pricing for the 2027 Tundra lineup, and full production isn't set to start until autumn. We suspect TRD Pro stickers to only slightly move above the current $74,760 (including destination) starting point.Currently the SR5 sits around $50,000; if Toyota can keep the Trailhunter package under $5,000 it would be a good deal.2027 toyota tundra first drive review a smarter pickup, Image ToyotaImage: ToyotaFinal Thoughts: 2027 Toyota Tundra First Drive ReviewOverall, these two Tundra trims don't dramatically shake things up. The TRD Pro still isn't as hardcore as a Raptor or an RHO, but it remains a thoroughly capable and enjoyable truck. The Trailhunter should be the one to watch, however: pricing could make it more affordable than even the mid-sized Trailhunters, giving buyers the option of an affordable blank canvas to build their own overlanding rig.AdvertisementAdvertisementBecome an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.2027 Toyota Tundra Trailhunter: All The Details2027 Toyota Tundra Trailhunter: All The DetailsView Gallery44 photosPros:Cons:Addictive powerSilly thirstSuper capable off-roadSilly priceSurprisingly comfortable on-roadSilly size
+52 others
