What year did Tundra go to V6?
The Tundra first offered a V6 engine in the 1999 model year.
In 1999 Toyota launched the Tundra with a 3.4-liter V6 (5VZ-FE) as a key option, marking the beginning of the truck’s V6 lineage. Since then, the V6 option has evolved through generations, culminating in the modern 3.5-liter V6 with hybrid technology in the latest redesigns.
First adoption of the V6
The following timeline highlights when the Tundra first adopted a V6 engine and the engine that powered that initial shift.
- 1999 model year: Introduction of the Tundra with a 3.4-liter V6 (5VZ-FE) as a primary V6 option, alongside a four-cylinder configuration.
The 1999 launch therefore marks the year the Tundra officially transitioned to a V6 option, establishing its V6-era identity from the outset.
V6 evolution in later generations
The following overview describes how V6 power evolved as the Tundra matured, expanding displacement and embracing newer technology.
- Early 2000s to mid-2000s: Larger displacement 4.0-liter V6 (1GR-FE) became available in later generations of Toyota trucks, broadening power for the Tundra lineup.
- 2022 model year: All-new Tundra redesign introduces a 3.5-liter i-Force V6, with a high-output i-FORCE MAX hybrid option in select trims.
In short, the Tundra’s V6 story evolved from the original 3.4L V6 to larger V6 options and, most recently, to the modern 3.5L i-Force family with hybrid capability in the latest generation.
Notes on current and future powertrains
Current Tundra models continue to refine the V6 platform, balancing power, efficiency, and available electrified options as Toyota expands its hybrid and advanced technology offerings in the full-size pickup segment.
Summary
The Toyota Tundra began its V6 era in 1999 with a 3.4-liter V6 (5VZ-FE). Over the years, the engine lineup expanded to include larger V6s such as a 4.0-liter option, and in the 2022 redesign the truck moved to a modern 3.5-liter i-Force V6 with a hybrid variant, signaling a continued evolution toward greater power and efficiency.
