Toyota Tundra TRD Pro to match Ford F-150 Raptor

Toyota has previewed yet more of its 2022 Toyota Tundra as part of the build-up to the new-generation full-size pick-up's launch in November.

This time, the Japanese car-maker has revealed that the fastest TRD Pro versions will come with rear coil suspension, instead of leaf springs, plus dampers sourced from Fox in a bid to match a similar set-up of the Ford F-150 Raptor.

Up front, the high-performance version of the new Toyota Tundra, which could be imported to Australia through official factory channels, will come with a TRD-branded bash plate and a thick red-painted anti-roll bar.

The advantage of the coil springs is the big Toyota truck should get better axle articulation, promising more capability off-road.

It's not yet clear if the leafless set-up will be adopted across the board or only reserved for the fastest TRD Pro version.

Toyota has already promised the new Tundra will be the most capable full-size pick-up off-road, and in a previous video it previewed Terrain Response-style driving modes that feature a rock crawl setting, plus hill descent control and a dedicated setting for those who tow.

Toyota has also shown off the Tundra's digital customisable instrument cluster. Other teasers have revealed that the new Tundra will get an ultra-widescreen infotainment and an enormous panoramic sunroof and opening rear window.

A full undisguised photograph of the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has also been officially posted that revealed the Raptor rival will wear massive 32.5-inch all-terrain tyres and feature an LED light bar and daytime running lights within an enormous black honeycomb grille that extends down into a black lower skid plate.

The new Tundra will be based on the TNGA-F ladder platform that underpins the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

Under the bonnet, Toyota’s new iForce MAX 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 is set to star, which delivers 305kW/650Nm in the 300 Series in markets outside Australia.

Toyota has already promised the new Tundra’s base engine will outperform the old V8, making Lexus’ new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 an outside chance for the Japanese brand’s new flagship pick-up.

However, as with the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, a petrol-electric hybrid version of the twin-turbo V6 is expected to join the new Tundra line-up down the track, and it’s possible the ute will also be available with Toyota’s all-new 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6.

The latter will be the standard engine for the new LandCruiser in Australia, and with 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque, it should also easily maintain or better the current Tundra’s 4.5-tonne towing capacity.

The Tundra will also adopt the new LandCruiser’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

It’s still unclear whether Toyota’s biggest ute will become a global model built in both left- and right-hand drive from the factory for the first time, but Toyota Australia has made no secret of its desire to bring the Tundra Down Under.

Local Toyota executives have repeatedly said they’re aware Aussie customers are crying out for a vehicle that can tow more than 3500kg – the limit of the HiLux ute and LandCruiser 200 and 300 Series – and remain keen to establish a business case for RHD production.

Full-size US pick-up trucks like the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado are ‘remanufactured’ in Australia, but a factory-built RHD Toyota Tundra could prove to be cheaper and undermine demand for its locally converted rivals.