Toyota is about to launch a high-performance pickup truck to "compete" with the Ford F-150 Raptor.
Vietnam.vn EN
22/03/2026 00:26:00
According to several sources, Toyota is quietly developing a completely new variant of its Tundra pickup truck called the TRD Hammer.
The launch of the 2027 Toyota Tundra TRD Hammer is seen as a strategic move in the context of specialized off-road vehicles generating huge profit margins, where names like the RAM 1500 TRX and Ford Raptor are dominating the market.
While competitors like RAM are constantly diversifying their lineups with versions ranging from BackCountry and Warlock to RHO, Toyota Tundra's current offerings are quite modest, featuring only the TRD Pro variant. The arrival of the Toyota TRD Hammer pickup truck is expected to fill a gap in the higher-end segment, targeting customers passionate about heavy-duty off-road driving.
Instead of going head-to-head with high-powered "monsters" like the Raptor R, Toyota's new model is positioned to compete head-to-head with the RAM 1500 RHO or standard Raptor versions thanks to its characteristic balance of power and durability. Based on leaked information, Toyota's future high-performance pickup truck will have a rugged appearance with off-road tires up to 37 inches in size.
To match its new chassis, the vehicle is equipped with widened wheel arches, a long-travel suspension system, and specially designed front and rear bumpers to optimize approach and departure angles. These features, considered the gold standard on high-performance American pickup trucks, have now been systematically applied by Toyota to enhance its ability to conquer the most challenging terrains.
A clear indication of the TRD Hammer's arrival is that Toyota's research and development team recently brought the Tundra Racing Hybrid prototype to the Mint 400 off-road race. Notably, the Japanese automaker did almost no extensive media coverage for this event.
This unusual silence is interpreted by experts as a process of real-world testing of new technologies to fine-tune the powertrain and chassis before commercial production, ensuring the vehicle achieves absolute reliability under high-intensity operating conditions.
The heart of the TRD Hammer is most likely the i-Force Max system, which includes a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine combined with an electric motor. In its current configuration, this system produces 437 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque. While this is somewhat less than the 540 horsepower of the RAM 1500 RHO, it is very close to the 450 horsepower of the Ford F-150 Raptor.
If Toyota makes adjustments to improve the power and durability of the hybrid system, the TRD Hammer has the potential to become a real competitor, asserting the prestige and competitiveness of Japanese cars in a segment that has traditionally been dominated by Americans.
The article continues below the video.
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Video : Revealing the 2027 Toyota Tundra TRD Hammer pickup truck.
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