Toyota Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed TRD Pro 3.5 V6 i-FORCE MAX (437 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i ECT-i

The third generation of Toyota’s venerable full-size pickup truck, the Toyota Tundra, made a significant splash upon its debut in September 2021. Among its most advanced offerings is the Toyota Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed TRD Pro 3.5 V6 i-FORCE MAX (437 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i ECT-i, a variant that redefines what a modern American truck can be. This particular model, configured as a CrewMax Short Bed, is designed to cater to a demanding market that expects both robust capability and sophisticated efficiency. As a full-size pickup, the Tundra TRD Pro directly challenges established domestic competitors, distinguishing itself with a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain and a strong emphasis on off-road prowess, encapsulated within the TRD Pro badge. Its introduction marked a pivotal moment for Toyota, signaling a commitment to advanced technology and environmental responsibility within the traditionally V8-dominated truck segment, all while retaining the legendary reliability and durability the brand is known for.

Engine & Performance: The i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Powertrain of the Toyota Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed TRD Pro 3.5 V6 i-FORCE MAX (437 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i ECT-i

At the heart of this formidable pickup lies Toyota’s innovative i-FORCE MAX powertrain, a Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FHEV) architecture that masterfully blends a twin-turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This advanced setup delivers a potent combined output of 437 horsepower at 5200 rpm, paired with an impressive 582.67 lb.-ft. (790 Nm) of torque arriving early at just 2400 rpm. This substantial torque figure is crucial for a truck designed for towing and hauling, providing immediate and sustained pulling power across the rev range.

The internal combustion component is a 3.5-liter (3445 cm3 or 210.23 cu. in.) V6 engine, designated V35A-FTS, featuring a front, longitudinal layout. It boasts a sophisticated design with 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), and Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), optimizing both performance and efficiency. Fuel delivery is handled by a combination of direct injection and multi-port manifold injection, ensuring precise fuel atomization and combustion efficiency. The engine’s twin-turbo, intercooled aspiration system is key to its high power output, providing forced induction that enhances volumetric efficiency and horsepower per liter (126.9 Hp/l). With a compression ratio of 10.4:1, the engine is optimized for gasoline fuel and meets the stringent LEV-III emission standard.

Complementing the V6 engine is a synchronous electric motor, strategically positioned between the combustion engine and the 10-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. This electric motor contributes an additional 49 horsepower and a significant 184.39 lb.-ft. (250 Nm) of torque, instantly available to bolster acceleration and low-speed performance. The hybrid system is energized by a 1.87 kWh Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, operating at 288 volts, discreetly located under the front seats. This battery technology, while not lithium-ion, offers proven durability and reliability in Toyota’s hybrid applications. The system allows for electric-only propulsion at speeds up to 18.02 mph (29 km/h), enhancing fuel economy in urban driving conditions and providing silent operation when maneuvering in tight spaces.

Power is delivered to all four wheels through an intelligent 4WD-i system. The drivetrain architecture is designed for versatility: the internal combustion engine and electric motor permanently drive the rear wheels, capable of operating in full electric or mixed mode. When additional traction is required, an electrically or mechanically controlled clutch engages the front wheels, providing robust all-wheel-drive capability. This system ensures optimal traction across a variety of terrains and driving conditions, whether on-road or off-road. The vehicle’s impressive weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 kg/Hp (160.3 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.5 kg/Nm (289.8 Nm/tonne) underscore its potent performance relative to its substantial curb weight, ranging from 6009.8 to 6095.78 lbs. (2726-2765 kg).

Design & Features: Form Meets Function in the Toyota Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed TRD Pro

The Toyota Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed TRD Pro 3.5 V6 i-FORCE MAX (437 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i ECT-i is a full-size pickup truck designed to be both imposing and highly functional. Its CrewMax Short Bed configuration offers ample passenger space with four doors and seating for five occupants, making it a comfortable family vehicle as well as a capable workhorse. The TRD Pro trim level signifies an enhanced focus on off-road capability and a distinct rugged aesthetic, featuring specific styling cues and performance enhancements tailored for adventurous use.

Dimensionally, the Tundra is a commanding presence, measuring 233.58 inches (5933 mm) in length, 81.61 inches (2073 mm) in width, and 77.99 inches (1981 mm) in height. A substantial wheelbase of 145.71 inches (3701 mm) contributes to both stability and interior room. With a ground clearance of 9.02 inches (229 mm), the Tundra TRD Pro is well-equipped to tackle uneven terrain, further emphasized by its respectable approach angle of 26.2° and a departure angle of 24.2°. The design also considers aerodynamic efficiency for a truck of its size, evidenced by a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.36, which helps in reducing wind resistance and improving fuel economy at highway speeds.

The chassis and suspension systems are engineered for both durability and ride comfort. The front suspension employs a double wishbone setup with a transverse stabilizer, providing precise steering and handling. At the rear, a rigid axle suspension with coil springs is utilized, a departure from the leaf springs found in previous generations, contributing to a more refined ride and improved articulation. Braking performance is handled by large ventilated discs at both the front (353 mm) and rear (345 mm), complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety and control under heavy braking. Steering is managed by an electric power steering rack and pinion system, offering ease of maneuverability despite the truck’s size, with a minimum turning circle diameter of 49.87 feet (15.2 m).

The TRD Pro’s capability is further underscored by its robust utility metrics. It offers a maximum payload capacity ranging from 1219.16 to 1684.33 lbs. (553-764 kg) and an impressive permitted trailer load with brakes of up to 11175.23 lbs. (5069 kg), along with a permissible towbar download of 1117.74 lbs. (507 kg). These figures highlight its suitability for heavy-duty tasks, from recreational towing to professional hauling. A substantial 32.23 US gallons (122 liters) fuel tank capacity ensures extended range for long journeys. The truck rolls on 285/65 R18 tires mounted on 8J x 18 wheel rims, providing a balance of on-road comfort and off-road grip, perfectly suiting the TRD Pro’s dual nature.

Technical Specifications