Why the 2025 Toyota Tundra Platinum Is More Than Just a Pick-Up Truck

Toyota has introduced a new flagship grade to its Tundra lineup for the Australian market, and it is called the Platinum. This new addition arrives just months after the Limited variant went on sale in November 2024. The move represents a significant milestone, as it comes after six years of development focused on re-engineering the American-built Tundra into a right-hand drive configuration specifically for Australia.

The Tundra Platinum stands out not just for its rugged size and presence, but also for its added luxury. On the outside, it looks more assertive and refined, while the interior takes comfort to a new level with leather-accented upholstery, massaging front seats, and heated and ventilated outboard seats in the rear. Toyota is clearly aiming to blend brawn with a touch of class for those who want a capable full-size pick-up without giving up creature comforts.

Sean Hanley, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations for Toyota Australia, emphasized the significance of the Tundra project. He acknowledged that converting the Tundra from left-hand drive to right-hand drive was a massive challenge. Toyota had never attempted something like this globally before. The success of this program, he noted, is thanks to their close collaboration with Walkinshaw Automotive Group. It is a rare case where a global Toyota product has been tailored so specifically for the needs of the Australian market.

The Tundra is now officially the largest and most powerful vehicle offered by Toyota Australia. Assembled locally in Melbourne, the vehicle’s transformation is the result of extensive engineering work, using a mix of original Toyota components and locally sourced parts. The final product meets Toyota’s global quality standards, a critical factor considering the brand’s reputation.

This full-size pick-up measures 5,955 millimeters in length and 2,040 millimeters in width, offering a commanding road presence. Under the hood, both the Limited and Platinum grades share the same i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. It consists of a 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 petrol engine producing 290 kilowatts and 649 Newton-meters of torque, paired with an electric motor generating 36 kilowatts and 250 Newton-meters. Combined, they produce an impressive 326 kilowatts and 790 Newton-meters of torque.

This power is routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission into a part-time four-wheel drive system with a dual range transfer case. In rear-wheel drive mode, torque is delivered through an automatic limited slip differential. When more grip is needed, the high and low-range four-wheel drive modes kick in to tackle tough terrain.

Both versions of the Tundra boast a braked towing capacity of 4,500 kilograms. A factory-fitted tow hitch, wiring harness, and a 3,500 kilogram-rated tow ball and tongue make it ready for serious hauling. Drivers can choose between two towing modes for different types of loads, use a trailer brake controller with ten adjustable settings, and benefit from an intelligent trailer backup guide that can steer the vehicle in reverse.

The Tundra rides on the TNGA-F ladder frame platform, shared with the LandCruiser 300 Series and the upcoming LandCruiser Prado. It has a 3,700 millimeter wheelbase, making it 850 millimeters longer than the 300 Series, and up to 70 millimeters wider at the tracks. Suspension duties are handled by a front double wishbone setup and a rear four-link rigid axle, tuned for both handling and ride comfort.

Braking is managed by large ventilated disc brakes, measuring 354 millimeters at the front and 335 millimeters at the rear, offering confidence even with a heavy load. Steering assist comes from an electric power steering system derived from the LandCruiser 300 Series.

Safety is another strong point, as both trims come with Toyota Safety Sense, including pre-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, and emergency steering assist. There is also a blind-spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and a panoramic view monitor. The Platinum grade further adds a 10.9-inch head-up display.

The interior space is generous, especially in the rear where three adults can sit comfortably. The Limited version includes black synthetic leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, two-way lumbar support, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Platinum adds blue and black genuine leather, 10-way front passenger power adjustment, four-way lumbar support, and massage functionality for the front seats. Rear outboard seats are also heated and ventilated.

Both grades include a power rear window, power tailgate, and a massive 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Audio is delivered through a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system, and there are multiple USB-C ports and a wireless smartphone charger.

The Tundra is covered under Toyota’s Warranty Advantage, which includes a five-year unlimited kilometer warranty and capped-price servicing every six months or 10,000 kilometers at 450 dollars per service.