The facelifted 2027 Toyota Tundra is officially revealed in the US market. It brings visual tweaks, better tech, and components from Australia’s Old Man Emu. But don’t hold your breath for Australian showrooms. Local availability remains unconfirmed.
Sales data tells a stark story. The Tundra is currently the slowest-selling of Australia’s “big four” full-size pickups. The competition includes the Ford F-150. The Chevrolet Silverado. The Ram 15.00.
Toyota hasn’t announced pricing. Details on the exact release window are also scarce. What we do have is a closer look at what’s changing in the States.
A Squarer Front End with New Tech Inside
Toyota’s design studio in Michigan handled the exterior changes. They call it a “more modern and purpose-driven front-end treatment.” Practically, this means a squarer profile. A new hexagonal grille dominates the nose. The front bumper is redesigned to house rectangular fog lights. It’s a subtle refresh. Not a revolution.
The interior gets a more significant upgrade. Every US model now sports a 14.0-inch infontainment touchscreen. This size is already standard on Tundras delivered to Australia. The screen now runs Toyota’s latest system. This is the same software introduced locally with the new-generation RAV.
Safety tech joins the party too. Toyota’s Drive Recorder Dash Cam makes its Australian debut here. It was first seen in the new RAV. The Tundra picks it up for MY27. The system records 20-second clips. It triggers only when it detects an event. A potential collision. An incident. You can turn it off if you want.
There’s also an Enhanced Digital Key. It works via the Toyota smartphone app. You can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle from your pocket.
Powertrain and Trim Variants: What’s Staying and What’s New
Under the hood, things are static. At least for Australia. Toyota hasn’t announced changes for the hybrid powertrain here. It remains a capable setup. A 3.4-litre twin-tourbocharged V6 petrol engine. Paired with an electric motor.
The combined output sits at 326kW. Torque is 790Nm. Power goes to all four wheels. It’s robust. It’s proven. And it’s not changing.
In the US, however, the lineup is expanding. Buyers now have seven variants to choose from. The new addition is the Tundra Trailhunter.
This model sits on the SR5 platform. The SR5 is below the Limited and Platinum grades sold in Australia. So, this isn’t an entry-level model. It’s a specialized off-road variant.
The Trailhunter brings specific hardware. Michelin LTX Trail tyres. Bronze-finished alloy wheels. And crucially, upgraded suspension from Old Man Emu. ARB owns this Australian off-road brand. The suspension changes are tuned for rough terrain.
Toyota hasn’t detailed the exact suspension tweaks. But the package includes recovery hooks. Additional underbody protection. Multi-Terrain Select. Crawl Control. A locking rear differential. These come standard. It’s built to handle abuse.
When Will the 2027 Toyota Tundra Arrive in Australia?
Toyota Australia was blunt. No news on when the MY27 model arrives locally. No comment on whether the Trailhunter is under consideration.
This is frustrating for local buyers. The updated Ford F-150 recently overtook both the Toyota and the V8-powered Chevrolet Silverado in sales. The Ram 150 continues to lead the segment overall.
Australian Tundra sales did jump 45 per cent in the first half of 2020. Momentum was there. But the F-150 held its ground despite being a MY204 model.
All four major pickups in Australia follow the same import route. They arrive in left-hand drive. Then get remanufactured into right-hand drive locally. It adds cost. It adds complexity. It also explains why updates often lag behind US reveals.
Will the Trailhunter come to our shores? We don’t know. The Limited and Platinum remain the current focus. The Trailhunter’s off-road credentials might appeal to a niche group. But niche groups don’t always move units fast enough to justify the import hassle.
The Tundra is changing. Faster tech. Sharper looks. Tougher suspension options elsewhere. But in Australia? It’s still waiting. And the big guys are getting more aggressive.
