Toyota says it 'won't rule out' bringing LHD models like the Tundra to Australia

UPDATE, August 24, 2022: Toyota Tundra confirmed for Australia

In huge news for local fans of heavy haulers, the Toyota Tundra is confirmed for an Australian launch, thanks to a conversion program announced by Toyota and partner Walkinshaw. Get all the details at the link below.

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UPDATE, December 8: Tundra not ruled out, but...

Toyota Australia executives have said they "wouldn't rule out" the possibility of the popular Tundra pick-up truck coming to Australia in future.

However, there are several factors currently preventing the large ute, which is available in the US, from coming to our market – and they aren't likely to be resolved any time soon.

Speaking at an event this week marking the opening of its new Product Centre in Altona, Victoria, Toyota Australia's product planning and development general manager, Rod Ferguson, reiterated that the carmaker has no current plans for the model but that could change.

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"We certainly don’t have plans to convert from left- to right-hand-drive – we don't actually have that capability [here].

"It is possible [to convert vehicles that way], but the only way we would ever achieve something like that would be through a partnership or arrangement at the moment.

"As we’ve said before, we do study that [US} market and would be interested in that [the Tundra].

"If we are ever able to find a way or can make a business case to bring that product to Australia, then we will try to pursue that – but at the moment we don’t have any announcements."

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September 20: After a long, drawn-out release campaign, Toyota USA has finally shown off the new Tundra pick-up – aiming to take on the Big Three with a solid redesign.

Replacing the outgoing generation, which was first introduced in 2008 and updated since, the 2022 Tundra features a host of firsts for the Toyota pick-up range – most notably a move towards multi-link rear suspension to replace the ageing leaf springs.

Available in seven trim levels, the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Sport and 1794 grades will be powered by Toyota's i-Force 3.5L twin-turbo V6, developing 290kW and 650Nm – while the range-topping TRD Pro's i-Force Max bumps the figures up to 326kW and 790Nm.

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The TRD Pro has been Toyota's go-to variant throughout the Tundra reveal process, already showing off the off-road oriented vehicle with upgrades such as; Fox shocks, a TRD-embossed skid plate, bright red sway bars and staunch looking body – setting it apart from the lower grades.

Stepping up its game to match the truck offerings from Ford, Chevrolet and RAM, the Tundra now features an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a larger 14-inch touchscreen also available sitting above a wireless dock for smartphone charging.

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Perhaps the biggest feather in the Tundra's cap is its 12,000 pound (5443kg) towing capacity – now coupled with two new driving modes which allow the truck to be set up for whatever it is towing, whether it's a small trailer or a large boat.

With seven variants available, the Tundra will be offered as either a double cab or crew cab in most trims, as well as a choice of two bed lengths in each body design to give buyers almost any combination they desire.

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While unconfirmed for the local market, earlier this year Toyota told 4x4 Australia: "Toyota Australia is aware that the large truck segment in Australia has grown in popularity over the last few years and it is a segment we are continuing to study and we are interested in generally.

"We have no announcements to make on the introduction of Tundra to Australia today and will continue to study its viability and introduction to Australia."

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