Discover the top-performing Toyota Tundra accessories that’ll make your truck the envy of the highway. From suspension lifts to exhaust systems, we’ve tested what actually works!
Let’s be honest – you didn’t buy that gorgeous Tundra just to haul groceries, did you? Nope, you’re here because you’ve already caught the upgrade bug, and your wallet is nervously sweating in your back pocket. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.
I’ve spent countless weekends underneath my own 2023 Tundra, some ending in triumph, others in colorful language that’d make my grandmother blush. After emptying my bank account on everything from whisper-quiet exhaust systems to suspension kits that could tackle a lunar landscape, I’m here to save you from making my expensive mistakes.
Suspension Upgrades: Because Stock Rides Are For Rental Cars
If there’s one mod that’ll transform your Tundra faster than you can say “take my money,” it’s suspension upgrades. The difference between stock and upgraded suspension is like comparing gas station coffee to a barista’s finest work – technically the same thing, but worlds apart in experience.
What You Need to Know:
- ICON Vehicle Dynamics 3.0 Stage 1 Suspension Kit ($1,504) gives you that perfect stance with 1.25-3.5″ of front lift without requiring a stepladder to climb into your cab. Their CDC valve lets you adjust for daily driving or weekend warrior mode.
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- Westcott Designs Preload Collar Lift Kit (~$650) offers surprisingly comfortable daily-driver options with front and rear adjustments that won’t shake your fillings loose
- TRD’s factory-backed systems ($900) mean your dealer won’t give you side-eye when warranty work comes up and maintain that OEM look
My neighbor Mike went with the ICON package last summer. Now he parks strategically around town so people will notice. Can’t blame him—the truck sits perfectly and he claims the ride quality is better than stock, even with those big tires.
Exhaust Systems: For When You Want Your Arrival Announced
Nothing says “move over” quite like a properly tuned exhaust note. It’s not about being obnoxiously loud (though we’ve all gone through that phase); it’s about finding that perfect growl that makes you take the long way home.
Worth Your Cash:
- Borla 140939BC S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust ($1,199) for 2022-2025 Tundras adds genuine power gains of 8-12hp with their true dual 2.5″ design. Their “S-Type” sound is the perfect middle ground – aggressive without the drone that’ll drive you crazy on road trips.
- Flowmaster American Thunder Series ($889) gives you that classic deep rumble without the 6am neighbor complaints thanks to their moderate sound chamber technology
- For hybrid models, the Borla systems are specifically compatible with the i-FORCE MAX system (I learned that one the expensive way)
Just a heads-up: once you install a proper exhaust, you’ll find yourself driving through tunnels repeatedly like a teenager. It’s unavoidable.
Air Intake Systems: Let Your Engine Breathe, Man
Your Tundra’s stock intake is like trying to breathe through a coffee stirrer—it gets the job done, but just barely. Unleash your truck’s potential with an upgrade that won’t break the bank but will definitely make you smile every time you hit the gas.
My Top Picks:
- K&N 33-5129 High-Flow Engine Air Filter ($64.99) is the gateway drug of performance upgrades – an easy drop-in replacement that adds modest power without any install hassle
- K&N 77-9042KP Cold Air Intake System ($799.99) for 2022-2025 models delivers an impressive 18.4HP and 17.9lb-ft torque increase on the dyno with their aluminum intake tube and washable filter
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- Avoid the cheap eBay specials unless you enjoy checking engine lights as a hobby (I still have nightmares about that $99 “performance” intake)
After installing my K&N system, my truck actually thanked me. The throttle response improved so much I had to recalibrate my right foot’s muscle memory, and the turbo spool sound is addictive.
Tuning Devices: Because Computers Run Everything Now
Modern trucks are basically rolling computers, and tuning devices are your way of overriding the factory settings. Think of them as jailbreaking your iPhone, but for your 8,000-pound pride and joy.
Actually Worth Installing:
- Burger Motorsports JB4 ($479) lets you switch between economy and “why is there smoke coming from my tires” modes with customizable maps
- PEDAL COMMANDER Throttle Response Controller ($299.99) offers instant throttle improvement without messing with your ECU – a safer option that still wakes up your Tundra’s response
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- For hybrid models, tread carefully and research thoroughly—not all tuners play nice with Toyota’s hybrid wizardry
I run a mild tune for daily driving and switch to my “fun” setting for weekend adventures. My fuel economy tracker has developed what I can only describe as a split personality.
Brake Upgrades: Because Stopping Is Underrated
Everyone obsesses over going faster, but real truck aficionados know that stopping power is just as important—especially when you’ve got a boat in tow or your buddy’s “just a few items” from the hardware store in the bed.
Stop On A Dime With:
- Brembo’s front brake kit—expensive at $3,400 but worth every penny when that deer decides to play Frogger
- Wilwood’s more affordable options provide 80% of the performance at 60% of the price
- At minimum, upgrade to better pads and rotors—your family will thank you
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After upgrading my brakes, I actually look forward to emergency stopping situations. That’s probably not healthy, but neither is most of this hobby.
Wheels and Tires: The Face of Your Truck
Nothing transforms your Tundra’s personality faster than a proper wheel and tire combo. It’s like changing from work boots to Italian leather—suddenly, you’re making an entirely different statement.
Roll With These:
- Fuel Off-Road D546 Rebel 6 Wheels with Nitto Ridge Grappler 35″ create the perfect balance of street manners and trail capability
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- For pure off-road focus, Method Race wheels can take a beating that would make lesser wheels cry
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- Even a modest 33″ tire makes a world of difference in stance and capability
- Authentic Toyota TRD PRO Wheel Center Caps ($89.95) add that perfect finishing touch to your wheels if you went with aftermarket options
Word of caution: wheel and tire upgrades are a slippery slope that often lead to lift kits, which lead to bumpers, which lead to winches… which somehow lead to explaining to your significant other why the truck costs more than your first house.
The Hybrid Factor: New Territory For Modders
The 2022-2025 hybrid Tundras add a layer of complexity to the modification game. The good news? Most suspension, wheel, and brake upgrades work just fine. The not-so-good news? Powertrain mods require extra homework.
Hybrid-Specific Tips:
- Exhaust modifications can affect the hybrid system’s efficiency—stick with brands like Borla that specifically test on the i-FORCE MAX system
- Be cautious with aggressive tuning; the hybrid powertrain’s computers are more sensitive than your in-laws
- Focus on upgrades that complement the already impressive powertrain rather than trying to reinvent it
My buddy went full mad scientist on his hybrid Tundra. Three ECU resets later, he’s learned to respect the complexity of Toyota’s hybrid system.
Bottom Line: What’s Actually Worth It?
If I had to start over with a stock Tundra and a limited budget, here’s my can’t-go-wrong upgrade path:
- Quality leveling kit (~$500)
- Tire upgrade to 33″ or 35″ depending on your use case (~$1,200)
- Borla S-Type Cat-back exhaust (~$1,199)
- K&N Cold air intake (~$799)
- Pedal Commander throttle controller (~$299)
That combination gives you the most bang for your buck in terms of looks, performance, and the all-important “grin factor” when you hit the gas.
Where To Shop Without Getting Ripped Off
I’ve had good experiences with Stage 3 Motorsports for their detailed fitment guides, TheYotaGarage for their hybrid-specific options, and ExtremeTerrain for their customer service when I inevitably ordered the wrong part the first time. Of course, there’s always Amazon for the convenience and prime shipping when you just can’t wait to get your hands on that new toy.
Wherever you shop, read the reviews, check the return policy, and maybe join a Tundra forum where you can see real-world results before dropping serious cash.
Remember, the best performance upgrade is the one that makes you look back at your truck every time you walk away from it. If you’re not doing that already, you picked the wrong truck—or you just haven’t modified it properly yet.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I hear new coilovers calling my name. My wallet is screaming in protest, but we all know who’s going to win that argument.
About the author: When not emptying my bank account on truck parts, I can be found explaining to my wife why we “absolutely needed” the latest upgrade. So far, she’s not buying it, but my Tundra sure looks good!
