The growth in popularity of utes as multi-purpose family vehicles saw a number of manufacturers introduce ‘full size’ American pickup trucks to Australian drivers, with Toyota joining the ranks with the Tundra.
Although classed as a ‘full size’ pickup, the Tundra looks remarkably compact, helped by a lower roofline compared to even existing ‘mid size’ utes already available locally.
With an overall height of 1985mm, it slides into most underground car parks, but with a length of 5955mm, good luck putting in a shopping centre carpark.
Our test car was the range-topping Platinum, tipping the scales at 2834kg, the maximum weight of 3,536kg giving it a payload of 702kg and a 4,444kg maximum towing capacity.
While a ute body doesn’t leave much scope for individuality, the Tundra manages to stand out from other blockier looking models, courtesy of rounded corners and a stand-out grille stretching groundwards from the bonnet lip to the bumper line.
Factory-fitted full length side steps ease entry and exit, even for tall drivers, while the rear bumper includes a recessed step, and the trailer harness plug built into the step, no need to search under the bumper for the connector.
Proving its luxury credentials, the tailgate is electrically operated for raising and lowering, with switches on the body, in the dash and even on the remote key fob!
Continuing the luxury theme, the 10-way power adjustable front seats are broad and deep, with thick, soft padding, trimmed in a synthetic leather, with heating, cooling and four-way massage functions, while the rear bench is also synthetic leather trimmed with heating and cooling for the outboard seats.
The rear seat is the only let-down, although comfortable, it is arranged stadium-style, while this gives a good field of view for passengers, it reduces rear headroom, anyone over 170cm is up in the headlining, especially with the standard panoramic sunroof.
Rear headroom aside, everything was big, with numerous storage spaces, multiple cup holders, wireless charging and multiple USB connections.
Audio was a thunderous 12-speaker JBL sound system with Apple and Android connectivity and a 14” touchscreen, resembling a domestic television.
The driving position was outstanding, while ergonomics are not always a Toyota specialty, the Tundra was exceptional, everything was where you wanted it, except for the main volume switch, it was a bit of a stretch, but there is a steering wheel-mounted control as well.
While all body shapes and sizes are accommodated, taller and wider drivers will appreciate the extra room available.
Not surprisingly, fit and finish is superb, it is a Toyota after all, although this one is proudly built in Texas, USA, with the right-hand drive conversion carried out by Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Melbourne, with a full Toyota warranty.
Under the bonnet is a twin-turbo petrol V6 with hybrid electric drive, producing a healthy 326kW and 790Nm, enough to comfortably push the Tundra down the road, even when fully laden, although I will admit to not having a trailer remotely heavy enough!
With no V8 option for Australia, the engineers created an aural extravaganza with the exhaust note, a rumbling thunder that is one of the 10 best engine sounds I have ever driven.
The instant kick of the electric motor combined with the seemingly endless torque of the V6 lets the Tundra leap away from a standing start, easily keeping pace with stop-start traffic.
With so much power available from the electric drive, it also means fuel consumption is not ridiculously high, there is very little wasted effort in the driveline, although it is tempting to crack the throttle every so often, just to hear that glorious exhaust note.
Rolling starts are the same, the Tundra is nearly unstoppable, the 10-speed auto drops back to 4th or 5th gears, depending on the road speed, and in a few heartbeats you have thundered past the slower traffic.
While power and acceleration are attention-grabbing, the Tundra is no one-trick pony, it has a superb ride, proving it is possible to have a load-carrying capability and a smooth ride in the same vehicle.
This is where the Tundra really impresses, there is no mistaking it is a capable and efficient load carrier, but it offers genuine comfort for five, making it a true all-rounder.
The suspension is firm, but the long wheelbase has enough time between impacts to absorb shocks without sending vibrations through the cabin.
For such a big vehicle, the steering is excellent, it turns and tracks accurately, no, you don’t throw it into corners, but you can place it on the road with confidence you will go where you wanted.
That said, this is a longer wheelbase than most people are used to, it is truck-sized, you need to adjust your lines accordingly, it will stay inside the lines comfortably, but your turn-in points become wider.
Okay, this is a $185,000 vehicle, sadly not one I am likely to own, nor are most people, but yes, if the chance came up, I would take it in a heartbeat.
There is a fun factor about driving the Tundra that is missing in many modern cars, you can’t help but enjoy yourself, it just makes you smile every time you drive it.
Yes, parking can be interesting, this is not the car for the milk run, but let’s face it, if you can afford a Tundra, you can afford a runabout as well.
Bottom line – if you get the chance, take it!
Gary is an experienced motoring journalist, and a graduate of Griffith University.