It’s been a long road for the new 2022 Toyota Tundra, which represents the first major makeover of this full-size truck since the second generation made its debut as a 2007 model. While it’s not been the sales success of the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, or even Ram 1500, the Tundra has carved out a devoted, loyal following that’s evidenced by its solid residual value.
According to Tundra’s Chief Engineer Mike Sweers, the 2022 model is literally all-new, sharing no parts with the outgoing model. Sweers says that even such innocuous pieces, such as turn-signal stalks, had been reworked and updated in Tundra’s redesign.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra will go on sale late this year with, pricing announced closer to launch. Prices for the 2021 Tundra range from $34,025 to $49,245 for the top Platinum and 1794 models.
Bold Design
The 2022 Toyota Tundra’s look is bolder. The hexagonal grille is flanked by slim-mount LED headlamps and functional air intakes. At the rear, the name “TUNDRA” is impressed into the tailgate. Bold vertical taillamps lock in the tailgate at the vehicle’s corners. Toyota’s designers used the term “chiseled liquid” to describe the Tundra’s bodywork.
Inside, a wide horizontal dash is more premium than the outgoing Tundra’s unit, with higher grades of materials. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, with a giant 14-inch center touchscreen available. A combination analog/digital instrument panel with a 4.1-inch multi-information display is standard, while a 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument panel is available (standard on upper trim levels).
The Tundra comes in Double Cab or Crew Max configurations – 4-doors only. Double Cab models get a 6.5-foot bed or a new 8.1-foot bed, while Crew Max trucks connect to a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed.
Lightweight Materials Stressed
While the Tundra doesn’t use aluminum for all its body panels like the Ford F-150, it employs the lightweight material in the door skins and hood. Weight savings also extend to the bed, which uses aluminum-reinforced sheet molded compound instead of steel. It’s similar to the approach used in the current Tacoma but engineered for more strength and payload capacity.
The bed is unpainted and presents in a dark charcoal gray tone. It has a UV-resistant coating and requires no additional treatment, though owners are welcome to add a bed liner or bed coating after purchase.
Under the Hood
The new base engine for the Tundra is the i-Force 3.5L, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine producing up to 380 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Instead of offering an optional V8, the step-up i-Force Max is a full hybrid, joining both Ford and Ram in offering hybrid technology on a pickup. The standard iForce 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 adds a motor-generator with a 288-volt sealed nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery. Together, the setup produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque and uses the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Towing and Hauling
Tundra’s maximum towing capacity will be 12,000 pounds and a maximum payload of nearly one ton. A new Tow/Haul+ mode adds a more aggressive throttle response when handling larger loads. Several new cameras are available to display multiple exterior angles, aiding in towing, hauling, and off-road maneuvers. Power-extending and folding tow mirrors are also available, with integrated heating, turn signals, and blind-spot monitor notification.
Six Trim Levels
The 2022 Tundra will come in SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro trim levels. The i-Force 3.5L will be the standard engine in all trims except TRD Pro, which uses the hybrid powertrain. The hybrid is an option on Limited, Platinum, and 1794 models.
The TRD Off-Road package, available on SR5, Limited, and 1794 models, includes 18-inch or 20-inch TRD wheels, a TRD grille, TRD off-road suspension, skid plates, mudguards, and a TRD shift knob, and 4×4 models also get an electronic rear differential lock, Multi-Terrain Select, and crawl control.
Standard Safety
All Tundra models will come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS-2.5) as standard equipment. The suite includes dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams. blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking support brake, and other safety systems. Even more details will be forthcoming closer to launch.
Class of 2022: All the New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
