Toyota confirms big truck and new look Camry

Toyota’s full-size Tundra pickup will go on sale in Australia in November, after receiving final approval. Converted to right-hand drive in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group, it's the first time the Japanese car maker has worked with a third-party for such a project.

The culmination of six years of development, the new Tundra will initially be launched in Limited grade, with a top-of-the-range premium version to join it in Q2, 2025. Both sit on the proven TNGA-F platform that underpins the LandCruiser 300 Series.

Each will be powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 i-FORCE MAX powertrain that generates 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque and drives through a 10-speed automatic transmission. That’s mated to a part-time 4WD system with a dual-range transfer case.

Braked towing capacity is 4.5-tonne. In Limited guise, the Tundra will be equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, leather-accented seats with power adjustment, and heating and ventilation for the driver and front passenger.

You’ll also find a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen with a 12-speaker JBL audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, and trailer brake controller.

The new premium grade is distinguished on the outside by its unique grille, black painted alloy wheels, black-accented tailgate, a panoramic moonroof and other cosmetic changes. Inside, that as yet unnamed variant will take pickup truck luxury to a new level.

Standard equipment will include leather-accented seats that offer a massage function for the front, and heating and ventilation for the rear outboard positions, a power adjustable steering column and heated steering wheel, and 10.9-inch head-up display.

Further information on the new Tundra will be released closer to its actual launch. In the meantime, the new hybrid-only Camry range has also been unveiled in Australia, with a stylish exterior and interior redesign, and substantially upgraded multimedia and safety.

Reflecting Toyota’s commitment to fuel-saving technologies and its multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, the new Camry sees the introduction of Toyota’s fifth-generation 2.5-litre hybrid electric powertrain to its Australian line-up, for the first time.

Reducing fuel consumption to just 4.0-litres/100km from the 170kW powertrain, the new hybrid system drives the front wheels and is paired with an electronic CVT. Four drive modes are offered, including Normal, Eco and Sport modes, along with an EV mode.

Toyota engineers have retuned both the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension to provide more engaging handling characteristics, without affecting ride comfort. The power steering has been refined too.

Braking performance has also been improved with a newly-developed electronic control brake system that employs an active hydraulic booster to enhance brake feel and optimise kinetic energy recovery for the regenerative braking.

The front and rear are defined by the bold Hammer Head design concept, with its functional and stylish aerodynamic elements, while in profile the character lines that converge at the rear, along with a more tapered rear roofline, give the new Camry a dynamic appearance.

The new-look design continues inside the new Camry, with a sophisticated cabin featuring a sculpted dash and door trims that create a seamless flow, which combined with the high-quality materials and textures, provide an elegant and premium ambience.

Digital instrumentation displayed on either 7.0-inch or 12.3-inch screens depending on the grade, provides easy-to-read and extensively customisable options for driving and vehicle information.

Toyota’s latest-generation multimedia system features cloud-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Either an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen is provided, again depending on the grade.

Upgraded safety includes improved road user detection and active cruise control parameters, and the addition of new functionality, including blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, emergency driver support system and safe exit assist.

The new Camry range starts from $39,990 plus on-roads for the entry-level Ascent, which comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen display for the multimedia system.

The mid-range Ascent Sport is available from $42,990 plus on-roads, and adds high-grade LED headlamps and tail lamps, LED foglamps, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a wireless phone charger, and larger multimedia touchscreen display.

Priced from $53,990, the flagship SL is differentiated by new-design 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic rain-sensing wipers, rear side and back privacy glass, and heated side mirrors with reverse and memory function.

Inside, this variant features leather-accented upholstery, panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front seat heating and ventilation, heated steering wheel with power adjustment, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

A 12-month complimentary subscription to Toyota Connected Services and Toyota’s 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty provide additional protection for the new Camry. Five years of capped-price servicing is also included.

The new Camry range is available in eight exterior colours, including Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Pearl, Liquid Mercury, Eclipse Black, Jasper Red, Precious Bronze and Saturn Blue. More information is available from your local dealership.

For a great deal on financing your new purchase, contact Australia's best reviewed finance broker on 1300 Credit (1300 273 348) today or visit CreditOne.com.au