2027 Toyota Tundra TRD Hammer Is a Raptor Rival Worth Waiting For
Key takeaways
- Toyota will challenge the F-150 Raptor with a high-speed desert runner, featuring a long-travel suspension and a widebody design.
- But that's about to change with the new Tundra TRD Hammer, which turns the full-size truck's off-road chops up to 11 with a wider waistline, an upgraded suspension, and a more potent powertrain.
- Off-roading has grown increasingly popular in post-pandemic America, or at least owning a vehicle that looks like it can traverse any terrain has.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
Toyota will challenge the F-150 Raptor with a high-speed desert runner, featuring a long-travel suspension and a widebody design.
Illustration by Avarvarii|Car and Driver What It Is While Toyota has offered its largest pickup truck, the Tundra, with a capable TRD Pro model since 2015, the company has never fielded a true high-performance off-road variant to compete with the likes of the Ford F-150 Raptor. But that's about to change with the new Tundra TRD Hammer, which turns the full-size truck's off-road chops up to 11 with a wider waistline, an upgraded suspension, and a more potent powertrain. Toyota trademarked the TRD Hammer name in March, and prototypes wearing brawnier bodywork have been spied testing, suggesting Toyota's top-dog Tundra is near.
Off-roading has grown increasingly popular in post-pandemic America, or at least owning a vehicle that looks like it can traverse any terrain has. While the TRD Pro already has more aggressive styling, the TRD Hammer will elevate the Tundra's look even further. Truck owners care about bragging rights, and a burlier version of the Tundra that's on par with the Raptor could help Toyota steal customers away from the American automakers who dominate the full-size segment.