2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro "Wave Maker" Review: Is This Bright Blue Truck the Best Buy?

Introducing the Wave Maker TRD Pro

• 💡 Toyota's TRD Pro trims (4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia) each year receive a special, exclusive color, and for 2026, it's the vibrant "Wave Maker" blue.
• ⚠️ The reviewer expresses initial hesitation about the "Wave Maker" color on the Tundra, suggesting it might suit the Tacoma better.

Exterior Design and Features

• 🚀 The TRD Pro Tundra features full LED lighting, functional air intakes, and "camotech" fender flares.
• 🛠️ It includes DOT-compliant auxiliary lights with "TRD" branding, a Toyota Heritage badge, and a built-in light bar activated with high beams.
• ⛰️ The truck boasts an inch-and-a-half lift over standard Tundras, TRD-specific metal skid plates, and a forward-facing camera.
• 💨 Notable exterior elements include 18-inch BBS forged wheels with 33-inch Falcon Wild Peak tires, TRD springs, Fox Racing shocks, and a composite bed material.
• 🔊 The rear features Fox suspension, a TRD cat-back exhaust with staggered tips, a power drop-down tailgate, and a locking rear differential.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚡ Under the hood is the "i-Force Max" hybrid powertrain: a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, producing 469 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
• ⚙️ This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds for the 6,500 lb truck.
• 📈 The Tundra has a towing capacity of 11,175 lbs and achieves 18 MPG city / 20 MPG highway.
• 💨 The hybrid setup provides impressive torque off the line, and the gearing is well-suited for delivering power effectively.

Interior Comfort and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior features soft-touch materials, red contrast stitching, a 14-inch infotainment system with excellent camera quality and multiple angles, including an off-road view.
• 🔌 Connectivity includes USB-A and USB-C ports, a 12V outlet, and a home power source.
• ❄️ Comfort features include dual-zone climate control, three stages of heated and ventilated seats, and a digital rearview mirror.
• 🕹️ TRD Pro specific controls include a bright red button for locking the rear differential and dropping the tailgate, a TRD shifter, and a mode selector knob.
• 🔊 The reviewer notes the key fob's age and the presence of a heated steering wheel, but points out the lack of a head-up display for a vehicle costing around $79,000.

Driving Experience and Value

• 🛣️ The Tundra TRD Pro offers a comfortable and buttoned-up driving experience, handling well without being floaty or bouncy.
• ⛰️ It is equipped for off-roading with good suspension and equipment, though not as fast as a Raptor or Raptor R.
• 💰 The reviewer highlights the value proposition of TRD-specific equipment like BBS wheels and Fox suspension, combined with the hybrid powertrain and interior amenities.
• 🤔 The "Wave Maker" color is a significant attention-grabber, and the reviewer is keen to hear public opinion on it.