What parts of the Tundra are aluminum?
The Hood and front fenders are aluminum on the current-generation Tundra, while most other exterior panels are steel. This mixed-material approach aims to trim weight without sacrificing durability.
Aluminum components on the current Tundra
The following components are commonly aluminum on the 2022-and-newer Tundra models. Note that exact materials can vary by trim and market, but aluminum hood and front fenders are widely cited across reviews and official materials.
- Hood
- Front fenders
In practice, Toyota typically uses steel for the doors, bed, and most other exterior panels. The roof and tailgate panels are also generally steel, with aluminum used primarily for the hood and upper front-end panels.
Why aluminum is used
Aluminum helps reduce overall vehicle weight, which can improve acceleration, braking, and efficiency. It also allows for more weight distribution options while maintaining strength where needed. However, aluminum panels require different repair procedures and can influence cost and availability of replacement parts.
Maintenance and repair considerations
For owners, the aluminum hood and fenders mean different dent repair processes and potentially different part availability. Collision and body shops may need specialized tools and training to repair or replace aluminum components. Always check with your Toyota dealer or a qualified shop about repair costs and procedures for aluminum panels. Additionally, certain trims or years could have minor variations in material allocation, so when buying a used Tundra, confirm the exact build sheet for the specific vehicle.
Summary
The current-generation Toyota Tundra primarily uses aluminum for the hood and front fenders, with the rest of the body largely built from steel. This approach saves weight while preserving durability, though it means some maintenance and repair considerations differ from steel-only panels. Always verify the exact materials on a given vehicle and consult a qualified shop for any work involving aluminum components.
