Toyota Launches A New TRD Performance Package Upgrade For 3rd Gen (2022+) Tundra – Add 32 More Horsepower & Enhance Low-End Torque
Toyota just announced at SEMA 2023 that they will be offering a TRD Performance Package for Tundra customers starting in early 2024. Their new kit is currently planned to be installed on brand-new trucks before they reach the dealer, however, there is talk about retrofits for existing owners.
Toyota claims that this new package will add up to 32 additional horsepower to your truck, along with allowing the peak torque to come on 400 RPM sooner.
This new performance upgrade package comes with an MSRP price of $3,400, though! Let’s take a look at what you get with the new TRD Performance Package to see if it is worth the price tag.
Tundra TRD Performance Package
Table of Contents
What Is The TRD Performance Package?
For SEMA 2023, Toyota wanted to bring something truly unique to its customers for the Tundra platform. They wanted to give the already healthy i-FORCE & i-FORCE MAX powertrains a bit more power all while keeping a factory warranty.
“In factory trim, the base i-FORCE engine produces 389 peak horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 479 lb-ft. of torque at
2,400 rpm,” said Greg Bernas, vice president, Toyota Service Parts and Accessories Development. “The TRD
Performance Package increases power output to 421 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, while peak torque comes on 400
rpm sooner, delivering 479 lb-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm, broadening the torque band and significantly improving
power delivery at throttle tip in,” Bernas said. “On the i-FORCE MAX Tundra, the kit boosts horsepower from 437 to
469.”
How did they achieve this? Well, with turbocharged engines, air is your friend. That being said, Toyota’s engineers increased airflow going into the turbochargers, optimized the exhaust back pressure, while also optimizing the engine management calibration via software tune.
The TRD Performance Package swaps the OEM dual air intake boxes for higher-flowing intakes. These intakes are cone-shaped high-flow air filters that aid in sucking in loads of clean cool air from the Tundra’s fender wells.
Toyota also added a TRD high flow exhaust onto the Tundra which helped to reduce exhaust back pressure.
With the bolt-on parts installed, they then takes the engine management calibration to the next level with a new tune for the Tundra that takes advantage of the newly added parts along with optimizing the vehicle to run 91-octane premium fuel. This tune is an essential element that allows Toyota engineers to aid in engine performance output.
Along with this, Toyota also adds some throttle tuning that compliments the increased powertrain performance resulting in a sporty and powerful driving feel.
Once its all decked out with its performance upgrades, Toyota adds some signature visual cues to the truck, including a special badge on the right side of the tailgate and a unique exhaust tip treatment which I think looks really cool.
Together, the sound of the turbochargers spooling up and the menacing exhaust note provide auditory proof of a measurable performance enhancement worthy of TRD. – Toyota
Should You Add The TRD Performance Package?
I mentioned at the beginning of this article that, as of right now, the package will only be offered on new Toyota Tundras that are to be built. Toyota is considering expanding this package to other models most likely the Sequoia and Lexus products with the same 3.4L twin turbo V6, in the near future. They are also working to offer a dealer-installed option for customers who already own these vehicles and are looking for a factory-backed way to crank up the power.
So should you buy a Tundra with this package or retrofit your current one with it?
Well if you are buying new, I’d say it is a lot easier to finance the $3,400 into your payment rather than coming up with the money to add this package afterward. If you are strategic about your purchase and buy a truck under MSRP or without many other options, then this would make sense and the price of the package may not appear that bad if you can work up the right deal.
However, if you want to compare this kit to a DIY kit, you also have to weigh out the cons. The average aftermarket intake is around $550. An aftermarket exhaust ranges from $700 to about $1200 depending on the quality of the kit you want. Currently, there are no proven aftermarket tunes out there for the 3rd Gen Tundra, but there are devices like the AFE Scorcher or the JB4 by Burgner Tuning and those run around $550 as well. So if we add all the aftermarket parts up plus labor (if needed), I’d say we would be close to $2700 when it was all said and done. With these aftermarket parts, you’ll gain more horsepower and torque over what Toyota has to offer while also saving some good money in the process.
So why pay for Toyota’s?
Warranty… More power is fun, but when you start messing with the powertrain, there is always that little voice in your head that is a little bit concerned about the warranty.
Final Thoughts
I really like the fact that Toyota is getting into the OEM+ modification scene. It is nice to see them offer this for the 3rd Gen Toyota Tundra for owners who don’t want to void their warranties while seeking a bit more performance out of their trucks. This package is aimed at providing customers with peace of mind and increased performance. Which is really nice, however, it does come at a price.
With an MSRP price of $3,400, you really have to want to keep your warranty for the minor performance gains this package gives you. Now keep in mind, these are just numbers on paper. I haven’t driven a truck yet with this performance setup to really give this TRD Package a fair chance. However, I honestly feel that the truck is already plenty powerful right outta the box from Toyota. I would love to drive a completely bone stock version and then jump into one with the TRD Performance Package immediately after to really feel the difference.
Do you think that this package will be worth it? Let us know in the comments!
