Toyota Tundra gets CMF refresh for 2026

The new Tundra has been given a subtle refresh for 2026, with changes primarily in the way of colour, materials and finish. 

The striking new Wave Maker blue paint certainly adds a pop of colour, no less on the backdrop of a muddy or dusty track. Teamed with contrast black accents and wheels, it highlights the imposing stance of the truck, and sizeable front grille in particular. 

It is available only on TRD Pro grades, and brings the Tundra in line with the 4Runner which is also available in Wave Maker blue this year. The colour builds on Toyota's 2024 colour of the year, Terra, which is more of a soft sky blue. 

Sellene Lee, CMF senior lead designer at the CALTY studio, recently explained the process of coming up with special edition colours: “When we decide on a colour, there is a whole team involved. We work with the planning group, marketing, engineers, manufacturing…it really takes a whole team. It’s a fun challenge to find that sweet spot where everyone’s vision lines up.”

Inside the 2026 Tundra, the Capstone grade includes new Shale Premium Textured leather-trimmed seats which employ a healthy mix of perforation, embossing and stitching. A central strip of smooth leather adds contrast to the front seat cover and passenger side of the instrument panel. 

Planned or not, the latter evokes the leather straps for saddle bags or perhaps the bonnet of a vintage racing car. Elsewhere, a metal 'Capstone' plaque can be found on the upper seat cover below the headrest, as well as on the IP, flanked by two chunky air vents. 

Meanwhile, the Limited grade offers leather-trimmed seats in both black and grey. The TRD Pro can also be optioned with 'ISO Dynamic' seats that are designed to boost comfort during spirited off-roading, while exterior touches include chunky side steps and a 20-inch wheel option on the SX Package.

In other Toyota news, there was a recent shift in design leadership as Kevin Hunter was appointed executive design director for Toyota North America in May, while Ian Cartabiano, former VP Advanced Design, was promoted to president of the CALTY studio.