Bold styling and a stiff new platform for trucks are also part of the package.
Despite its 14-year-old platform the current Toyota Tundra is still selling well. The Tundra was introduced for 2007 and has only received a few minor updates. Despite this, people continue to buy Toyota trucks due to their fierce loyalty. The Tundra’s dated technology and thirsty 5.7-liter V8 make it look old compared to the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500. So Toyota went back to work on the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
The 2022 Tundra rides on a brand new chassis and offers two V6-only engine options. This is a marked departure from the previous truck which offered only V8 power. The 2022 Tundra is the first full-size Toyota truck to abandon a V8 engine option since 1997’s T100. However, unlike the pickup of the ’90s with a slightly less powerful engine, it has plenty of power. The base engine is a twin turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that produces 389 horsepower (290 kilowatts), and 479 poundfeet (649 Newton-meters). However, unlike the slightly underpowered a data-inline-widget=”internal-links” data-params=”%7B%22alias%22%3A%22truck%22%7D”, the 2022 Tundra’s hybridized iForce Max engine which adds an electric motor and the 10-speed transmission to produce a staggering 437 kW and 583 a total of 790 Nm and 326 kW respectively
The Most Angles Have Rugged Good Looks
The Tundra’s new pickup features more traditional and muscular styling. The truck’s old truck’s stubbiness is gone thanks to a longer dash-to–axle ratio, and a squarer roofline. But the real news is the massive front grille, which is visually connected to the ground by a C-shaped radiator shell. A blackout panel on its bumper gives it a large mouth. Some people don’t like the styling element. We prefer the 1794 Edition’s chrome bumper beam, which breaks up the black sea.
The side profile is enhanced by chiseled wheel arches and an integrated rear bumper, which replaces the traditional steel separate unit. Toyota wanted to modernize the Tundra with blacked-out B- and A-pillars. These give the greenhouse a canopy look and highlight its large, wide windows. The Tundra CrewMax will have a rear window that slides into the bulkhead. The Double Cab, which is not an extended-cab, will get a horizontal slider.
Every 2022 Tundra will have a CrewMax or Double Cab, and no regular cab. The CrewMax comes with a standard 5.5-foot bed. However, buyers can choose the Double Cab’s 6.5-foot bed. This model also has an 8.1-foot bed. Each body style features four forward-opening doors. This feature was pioneered by the Tundra in 2007 to make it easier to get into the cabin.
Current Tundra customers will appreciate the truck’s excellent sightlines and low dashboard. However, they might be surprised by the sheer amount of technology available. The base infotainment system is 8.0 inches, up from 7.0 inches on an older Tundra. Higher-end models will have a 14.0-inch touchscreen mounted high above the dashboard. It also ditches Toyota’s dreadful infotainment software and replaces it with a more intuitive and responsive tech suite. All models come standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while new enhancements such as integrated Amazon Music or Apple Podcasts will be made available.
The interior is clean and elegant, with a thick metal-toned trim running along the length of the dash. This serves to support the HVAC vents as well as the infotainment system. The front row has plenty of space for stuff and people. A deep console in the center provides ample storage for your laptop, handbag or other everyday accoutrements. The front row is organized by side-by-side cupholders as well as an upright wireless charging pad. The rear passengers don’t have the same advantage, as there is less space for their heads than before, thanks to the optional panoramic sunroof. However, legroom appears excellent all around.
More capable than ever
The base engine has a Tundra-first, fully boxed frame with coil-sprung, multilink rear suspension. It can haul 1,730 lbs and tow 12,000 lbs. Despite its top-of-the-line power and torque, the 2022 Tundra is not as powerful or capable as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500 (which can tow 13,300 and 2,230 pounds respectively), respectively.
Power (HP). |
Torque (LB-FT) |
Towing Capacity (Pounds). |
|
2021 Toyota Tundra |
381 | 401 | 10,200 |
2022 Toyota Tundra |
389 | 479 | 12,000 |
2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid |
437 | 583 | N/A |
2021 Ford F-150 PerformanceBoost |
430 | 570 | 12,700 |
2021 Ram 1500 eTorque |
395 | 410 | 12,750 |
Down And Dirty
Toyota claims that truck buyers are more impressed with daily useability, reliability, off-road ability, and maximum numbers. Toyota isn’t content with its Tundra TRD Pro, which has 2.5-inch internal bypass Fox shocks with piggyback reservoirs, and TRD-tuned Springs for an additional 1.1 inch lift. The ride includes a unique TRD stabilizer and extensive underbody skid plating, along with a standard LED front light, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and a standard LED rear light bar. For a little flair, digital camo accents are added to the wheel arches and seat centers.
TRD Pro will include the hybrid engine as standard. We like this because the electric motor should give off-roaders a lot of torque at the low end. The Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and 1794 Edition trims will have the i-Force Max powertrain, while the SR5 and SR5 base SR will get the non-hybrid turbocharged v6. The majority of trim levels will be able to purchase the TRD Offroad package, which includes monotube Bilstein dampers and Crawl Control.
Safety First
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 will be standard on every 2022 Tundra. This is the latest active safety and driver assistance system from Toyota. TSS 2.5 features automatic emergency braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists, junction turn assistance that monitors oncoming vehicles, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra’s standard adaptive cruise control and active-lane centering should make long freeway drives as easy as possible. This Tundra is similar to its predecessor which was smooth and quiet.
The Tundra includes all these features in every trim level, even the base SR. This is most impressive. To get active safety and driver assist, most competitors like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 need to be upgraded or tick an option box. The Nissan Titan is the closest, offering standard collision monitoring and automatic emergency braking, but it charges more for adaptive cruise and other driver assistance features.
What is the best time, where, and how much?
It is still some time before the 2022 Toyota Tundra goes on the market. Dealers should have it by the end this year. The automaker has yet to release pricing and specifications, such as ground clearance or i-Force Max towing capacities, but we are confident that the truck will not be significantly more expensive than the predecessor. A base SR4x2 will cost around $36,000 and a volume SR5 crewMax 4×4 $45,000. Fully loaded TRD Pro or 1794 edition should cost around $60,000, with all the boxes checked. It boasts segment-best power and torque.
The Tundra will be revealed more in the months ahead. We are eager to test the new platform, multilink rear suspension and turbocharged powertrains. The new Tundra will not upset the Ford F-150, but it should keep its loyal customers happy and attract a few more customers.