The Tacoma’s next generation might look similar to the 2022 Tundra.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra has arrived, giving the truck a much-needed upgrade after the previous generation that was in place since 2007. There have been only a few minor upgrades. The Toyota Calty Design Research Center team was faced with a daunting task in designing a replacement. Calty President Kevin Hunter offered some insights to TheDetroitBureau.com.
Hunter, for example, explains why the Tundra does not have a multifunction tailgate like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram trucks. It’s because customers use our trucks to haul simple items like ATVs and bikes. He said that we are targeting a recreational market and not a labor market.
However, this explanation is not perfect. It’s not impossible to imagine a multifunction tailgate that makes hauling recreational gear easier.
Hunter provided details on why the Tundra looks like it does. Because “nobody wants to see a weak truck pulling their camper into camp or on the boat ramp,” the design team wanted the truck to look more rugged. He said that truck drivers want to appear strong, capable, and that’s part and parcel of their driving attitude.
The design team tried to create the interior covers for the air vents with the same style as the front grille. They also started making the cabins for the higher-grade trims first to make it easier for parts to show up in lower grades.
Toyota is currently developing the next-gen Tacoma. Hunter suggests that it may have design similarities with the new Tundra. He said that there would be a “good linkage” between Tundra, Tacoma, and Tundra.
The new Tundra will be in showrooms by the end of 2021. Although pricing is not yet available, it is expected that the truck will be priced the same as the current model.