Overview
The Toyota Tundra TRD Rally is a clever idea — all the off-road attitude of a TRD Pro, without the six-figure price. Based on the SR5 trim, it adds $8,600 worth of off-road hardware and styling upgrades, landing at about $62,000 drive-away.
That makes it roughly $10,000–$12,000 cheaper than the TRD Pro, yet it still looks and drives like a proper adventure truck.
Design and Exterior
Finished in Celestial Silver, the TRD Rally is a handsome, no-nonsense full-size pickup. The design stays true to the Tundra’s bold look, but adds color accents inspired by Toyota’s classic racing stripes — red, orange, and yellow on the stitching and decals.
The styling borders on loud, but they’re just stickers — peel them off if you prefer subtlety.
Key exterior highlights:
- Michelin LTX Trail all-terrain tires (265/70 R18)
- Bilstein dampers with skid plates underneath
- Power-operated tailgate with a bed mat
- 32-gallon extended-range fuel tank
- 400W bed power outlet (120V)
Without the heavy hybrid system, the Rally feels lighter and more responsive than the TRD Pro. The classic Toyota block-lettered grille and simple, squared-off stance look purposeful and rugged.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside and you’re greeted with the same 14-inch touchscreen found in higher trims, along with a TRD steering wheel and shifter, contrast stitching, and bright red engine start button.
Despite being based on the SR5, the cabin feels upscale. The Celestial Silver exterior pairs nicely with black upholstery and red accents.
Cabin Highlights
- Comfortable seats with heating and lumbar support
- Dual-zone climate control
- Huge center console with deep storage
- Adaptive cruise, lane assist, and full Toyota Safety Sense suite
- 120V outlet and USB ports in the rear
There’s no sunroof or wireless charging here — and that’s fine. Simplicity suits this truck. Ergonomics are excellent, visibility is solid, and the overall layout feels purpose-built rather than overdone.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood is Toyota’s 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6, not the hybrid “i-Force Max,” but the standard i-Force engine. Output stands at 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic.
Despite lacking the hybrid boost, it feels strong, refined, and surprisingly quick.
- Fuel economy: 17 city / 22 highway mpg
- Observed average: 18 mpg (with some full-throttle filming)
- Towing capacity: Up to 11,200 lb
The engine sounds good with a hint of turbo whistle. The 10-speed auto shifts smoothly, and the truck never feels underpowered. In fact, the lighter weight compared to the hybrid TRD Pro gives it a livelier feel.
Ride, Handling, and Off-Road Capability
The TRD Rally rides on Bilstein shocks, and they make all the difference. The damping is controlled yet comfortable — even on rough backroads. It doesn’t float or bounce excessively like some full-size trucks.
Steering is light but predictable, and body control through corners is tidy for something this large.
Off-Road Gear
- Two-speed transfer case
- Electronically locking rear differential
- Multi-Terrain Select & Crawl Control
- Skid plates under the chassis
While the Michelin LTX Trails lean more highway than hardcore off-road, traction is decent. Locking the diff in 4WD transforms the truck into a competent trail machine.
The TRD Rally can handle ruts, climbs, and gravel tracks with confidence. And thanks to its extended fuel tank, you can venture far before needing to refuel.
Driving Impressions
On-road, the Tundra feels composed and refined. Visibility is good, the cabin is quiet, and the Bilsteins soak up imperfections easily.
The standard i-Force V6 feels like the right choice — torquey, smooth, and efficient enough. The absence of hybrid hardware keeps weight down, improving throttle response and handling.
Braking requires a firm press, but stopping power is consistent. The turning radius is tight for a truck of this size, and stability control allows a little slip before stepping in — which makes it surprisingly fun to push on a twisty dirt road.
Interior Space and Practicality
The back seats are cavernous. Rear passengers get two USB ports, a 120V outlet, and huge legroom. The seatbacks recline slightly, and the flat floor makes long trips easy.
Storage options abound:
- Deep center console
- Multiple cupholders and bottle slots
- Rear underseat compartments
The bed includes tie-down hooks, a rubber liner, and that convenient power tailgate. Bed height feels slightly lower than rivals, making loading simpler.
Verdict
The 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Rally hits a sweet spot in the lineup. It’s not as extreme or expensive as the TRD Pro, yet it delivers 90% of the same capability and style — for about $12,000 less.
The Bilstein suspension, locking rear diff, and standard twin-turbo V6 make it a genuine off-road performer without sacrificing everyday usability.
Pros ✅
- Excellent value compared to TRD Pro
- Smooth, powerful twin-turbo V6
- Comfortable Bilstein ride
- Off-road hardware standard
- Huge interior space and practical bed setup
Cons ❌
- Michelin tires more “all-road” than “all-terrain”
- Brake pedal requires firm input
- Styling decals are polarizing
Final Word:
The TRD Rally proves Toyota can still build a tough, capable truck that doesn’t need a luxury badge or hybrid gimmick to stand out. It’s honest, functional, and fun — everything a real pickup should be.
Pravin is a tech enthusiast and Salesforce developer with deep expertise in AI, mobile gadgets, coding, and automotive technology. At CarzCorner, he shares practical insights and research-driven content on the latest tech and innovations shaping our world.