It’s hard to believe the Ford F-150 Raptor launched 16 years ago and is currently in its third generation. Since then, Ram has introduced the 1500 TRX, a direct competitor, while Chevrolet has the Silverado 1500 ZR2. Toyota hasn’t responded yet, but it might be coming soon.
Toyota recently trademarked the TRD Hammer name, first discovered by The Drive. This could be the name for the Tundra designed to compete with the Raptor. According to a “friend” of the publication, this pickup will have 37-inch tires and be “badass.” Spy shots caught Toyota testing a rugged-looking Tundra with knobby tires, a raised ride height, and off-road-style bumpers.
The trademark coincides with a recent survey sent to owners listing several potential names for a "high-performance truck package" for off-road enthusiasts that has 37-inch tires, high-clearance bumpers, wide fenders, and a "powerful engine." TRD Hammer is listed alongside TRD Baja, TRD Quake, TRD Bizurk, and a couple of others. Hammer is the best one.
According to The Drive’s sources, the powerful engine under the Hammer’s hood will likely be a tuned version of the truck’s twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. It makes 437 horsepower in its i-Force Max hybrid configuration, and cranking a bit more power out of it would put it on par with the regular Ford Raptor and its 450-hp turbocharged 3.5-liter V6.
It’s unclear if Toyota has plans for an even hotter Hammer. The Ram SRT TRX comes only with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 making 777 hp, while Ford builds the Raptor R with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 producing 720 hp.
Motor1’s Take: If Toyota is serious about offering a true Raptor rival, the Hammer sounds like it could be the perfect competitor with its 37-inch tires, upgraded suspension, and more potent engine. We hope it is successful enough that it prompts Toyota to take on the Raptor R and TRX.
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Toyota trademarked "TRD Hammer" for a high-performance Tundra to rival Ford's F-150 Raptor.
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This fills Toyota's gap in the lucrative performance truck market dominated by Ford and Ram.
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The Raptor created the desert racing truck segment and now generates over $1 billion annually for Ford.