THERE’S NO MISSING the Toyota Tundra Platinum on Australian roads. At nearly six metres long and more than two metres wide, it commands space. And for a car with a name like Tundra, which brings to mind a Siberian snowscape, it’s surprisingly well suited to Australian conditions. That’s thanks to Toyota’s efforts to re-engineer it and deliver a full-size American pick-up truck tailored specifically for Australian roads.
The Tundra Platinum represents the top of the local Tundra range, joining the Limited variant that marked the nameplate’s official entry into Australia. The Platinum is the result of a six-year, world-first program to convert a US-built, left-hand drive truck into a right-hand drive without compromising performance.
That transformation wasn’t a quick flip of the steering wheel. Toyota partnered with Walkinshaw Automotive Group to completely rework the US-built Tundra, ensuring it met the brand’s famously exacting standards. The result is a full-size pick-up that was purpose-built for Australia, rather than retrofitted as an afterthought.
The Tundra Platinum is unapologetically large, but that size serves a purpose. It thrives when it’s given the freedom to stretch its legs, and that large frame allows it to house some seriously impressive performance specs. Under the bonnet sits Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, a combination of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor producing a combined 326kW, a mammoth 790Nm of torque and up to 4,500kg towing capacity.
Power is channelled through a 10-speed automatic transmission into a part-time four-wheel drive system, giving drivers the flexibility to toggle between efficiency and capability depending on the terrain. The hybrid system smooths out power application, blending brute strength with surprising smoothness, making the Tundra feel less like a traditional workhorse and more like a grand tourer with freakish power.
That duality continues inside. Step into the Platinum and you’re greeted with a cabin that leans heavily into luxury. Blue and black genuine leather trim sets the tone, while front seats offer not only heating and ventilation, but massage functionality. It’s an indulgence rarely associated with vehicles of this class, but a welcome one. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either, with heated and ventilated outboard seats and enough space to comfortably accommodate three full-sized adults across the back row.
Technology is equally front of mind. A 14-inch central touchscreen anchors the dashboard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12-speaker JBL sound system delivers a premium audio experience.
