OPTIMA, the company with a vast product portfolio that includes off-road-ready batteries, has heavily modified a Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The result is a fine example of a 4×4 that’s ready for an extended overland trip. Here’s a detailed look at the OPTIMA Tundra.

The OPTIMA Tundra began life as a TRD Pro model.

Top-Of-The-Line Hybrid Powertrain

OPTIMA has produced several projects over the years, including the OPTIMA Power Station Trailers used to power its modified Rivian 4x4s. This time around, OPTIMA modified the popular Tundra TRD Pro pickup truck. The company chose a 2023 model with the top-of-the-line i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain includes a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that has a motor generator with a clutch located in the bellhousing between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. This robust powertrain is a perfect match for the weighty off-road gear necessary for lengthy backcountry exploring and camping.

Convenient Storage For The Win

When you cast eyes on the truck you’ll notice the exterior mods first, so we’ll begin there. Up top is a Leitner Designs Active Cargo System Roof Platform Rack. Its features include fully adjustable load bars and removable corner caps that you can take off while the rack is installed. This feature lets you run wiring along the inside of the exterior extrusion rail. Additionally, there’s a pair of Leitner GearPOD Roof units. Each features a 96-quart capacity, locking handles, and a water-resistant seal.

The Tundra also features the Active Cargo System FORGED bed rack from Leitner Designs. Like the Roof Platform Rack, it has sliding load bars. One of its cool features from an off-road perspective is its custom fasteners. These are designed for extreme load carrying capability and to prevent pieces from loosening under extreme vibration. Other features of the bed rack include Integrated Gear Pods and a 4.8-gallon HydroPOD Carry Portable Shower Kit.

Stout Bumpers, Powerful Winch, Gobs Of Lighting

But the exterior mods don’t stop there. Bolted front and rear are Addictive Desert Designs Stealth Fighter bumpers. The front bumper has several features including a concealed winch mount that holds a Warn VR EVO 12-S 12,000-pound-capacity winch. The rear bumper’s features include integrated reverse lights. Both bumpers require no body panel modifications for mounting.

Of course, stout lighting is crucial for off-road travel because driving often continues long after daylight fades. For this reason, OPTIMA’s Tundra is fit with a variety of Rigid Industries lights. They include the Adapt E-Series lights that have Active View Technology. This fascinating tech uses a GPS module to determine the vehicle’s speed and then distribute power among three optic zones. The result is that each is used appropriately to create the best beam pattern for the vehicle’s speed.

Tent, Awning, Storage, Power, And Internet

After driving the Tundra far into the backcountry, camp can be set up in minutes. The truck has a TX27 MAX Hardshell Rooftop Tent from The Bush Company that can be set up/packed down in only 90 seconds. Some of its features include six doors/windows that offer a near panoramic view. The TX27 MAX combines with The Bush Company’s 270 XT MAX Awning Mk2. This free-standing unit provides 129 square feet of shade, and it easily attaches to the rooftop tent.

Other storage and convenience items include DECKED’s new full-length drawer system that has customizable, full bed-length drawers with a 2,000-pound load capacity. Also, a REDARC Manager30 and 3,000W pure sine wave inverter. It has inputs for AC, DC, and solar. The inverter can run any 110V equipment, including power tools or a microwave oven. Furthermore, there are a set of Rago Fabrication MOLLE bed panels for mounting accessories. And finally, internet is channeled via a Starlink Flat High Performance Kit mounted to a Direct Current Engineering roof mount.

6 Inches Of Suspension Lift, 37s, And A Performance Exhaust

The Tundra’s vast number of mods continue with an Icon Vehicle Dynamics 6-inch suspension system with remote-reservoir shocks. This kit reportedly increases wheel travel and overall performance compared to the stock suspension. The kit allowed fitment of meaty 37×12.50R20LT Yokohama Geolandar X-AT tires. These all-terrain tires are mounted to a set of 9-inch-wide ICON Alloys Rebound wheels.

To improve engine performance, there’s a Magnaflow Overland Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System. It features No Drone Technology to keep annoying noises in check, and it has elevated ground clearance with thoughtful attention paid to departure angle compared to stock.

An array of functional aftermarket products reside inside the Tundra. They include a Switch-Pros system for the lighting, Bulletproof Mounting Solutions mounts for devices, a Banks iDash for engine monitoring, and more.

Interior Mods

Inside the Tundra are several mods that make life easier while wheeling down the trail. Accessories such as the lighting are controlled by the Switch-Pros RCR-Force 12. This system also has a built-in Bluetooth module that allow for switch operation from any device with the Switch-Pros app. Additionally, there’s a Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions Tundra-specific dash mount. It allows for secure mounting of multiple devices. Furthermore, interior mods include a set of 3D Mats USA floor mats, a Banks iDash for engine monitoring, a Kenwood VHF radio, and a Garmin Tread XL Baja Series GPS with 10-inch screen.

The Bottom Line

Optima’s Tundra is a build that looks like a win. It combines performance with overlanding features and results in a 4×4 that appears ready to hit the trail for days on end.