Toyota Tundra earmarked for local sale as rival to Ford F-Series

Our most popular brand is considering offering a US-style pick-up in the local market to compete with Ford’s F-Series and Chevrolet’s Silverado.

Toyota is looking at importing its Tundra pick-up truck into Australia. Picture: Supplied.

Toyota is seriously investigating introducing its massive Tundra pick-up truck into Australia, giving the nation’s best-selling brand a big brother to the popular HiLux ute.

The Japanese giant will work with the Walkinshaw Automotive Group to convert test examples of the massive Tundra to right-hand-drive as part of an initial evaluation before the ute is approved for sale in dealerships.

Prototype testing on public roads will begin next month, while 300 test vehicles will deployed around Australia from the fourth quarter of next year as part of a final validation stage.

The new machine will give Toyota a rival to increasingly popular full-size pick-ups such as the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado, as well as the Ford F-150 that goes on sale next year.

Toyota and Walkinshaw will pinch parts from the latest LandCruiser 300 Series to convert the Tundra to right-hand-drive.

Toyota will evaluate the giant Tundra pick-up for the local market. Picture: Supplied.

The Walkinshaw group is already involved in the conversion of RAM and Silverado models in Melbourne.

The comprehensive conversion process adds significant cost to the American purchase price for vehicles such as the Tundra, which is almost guaranteed to carry a six-figure price tag.

Australian examples of the Tundra will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre petrol V6 similar to that found in the LandCruiser, albeit with the inclusion of a hybrid system not currently offered in the flagship four-wheel-drive.

The Tundra will be a favourite with Aussies who like to tow. Picture: Supplied.

Toyota Australia vice president Sean Hanley said the model had not been locked in for sale to the public, as the project had to meet internal quality standards before it got the green light.

“This a dedicated re-engineering program, led by Toyota Australia and made possible by our global partners and is closely supported by our parent company and Toyota North America. It will use OE (original equipment) levels of design, development, testing and componentry rooted in Toyota’s deep commitment to quality, durability and reliability,” Mr Hanley said.

The Tundra will compete with Ford’s F150. Photo: Supplied

“This project shows just how serious we are at Toyota about quality, and a RHD Tundra will not be available for sale in Australia until we are totally satisfied.

“We are really excited to get such a significant project to this stage, and look forward to seeing development prototypes on our roads and test tracks in the weeks and months ahead.”

Given the testing involved, a model is not expected to hit local showrooms until 2024.