Used 2022 Toyota Tundra

The 2022 Tundra is an all-new truck with increased capabilities and a more dynamic, expressive look. It wears a large hexagonal grille, one that’s filled with trim-matched patterns and branding. The body sides are chiseled and muscular, with a solid foundation and pronounced wheel arches. The rear is neatly tucked in, with LED taillamps bracketing the tailgate, now stamped with the vehicle’s name.

Two new powertrain options are available for the new 2022 Toyota Tundra. Unlike other full-size pickups on the market, the Tundra offers only V6 engines: a gasoline-powered 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and a hybrid powertrain featuring the same twin-turbo V6 reviewed separately).

While the new Tundra — which was designed, developed, and built in the U.S. — may not win the macho contest down at the gravel pit, Toyota has built a much better all-around pickup that will be considered a winner if it picks up market share.

A totally new chassis and pair of new powerplants transform the Tundra driving experience.

The chassis and suspension feature a lighter — but more rigid — fully boxed ladder frame. The biggest change is a switch from leaf springs in the rear to a multi-link live-axle suspension with outboard-mounted coil springs. This update delivers a much more compliant ride, especially noticeable with an empty bed. Available adaptive variable suspension and load-leveling rear-height control make things even better. Like all full-size pickups, the Tundra can’t match a sports car on a curvy road, but this truck is now a pleasure to drive on a meandering path, with minimal body roll and precise steering feel.

The other major update for the 2022 Tundra is its two powertrains, neither of which is a V8.

The base engine, if you can call it that, is the i-Force. Standard on all trim levels, this twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 puts out 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (348/405 in SR).

The new Tundra uses a 10-speed automatic transmission and a torque converter to get power to the wheels. Rear-wheel drive (4X2) is standard, with 4-wheel drive (4X4) available on all trim levels.

The i-Force turns out to be an excellent powerplant for the new Tundra. Matched with the 10-speed transmission, power delivery is smooth and consistent, without a hint of turbo lag or spikiness.

A trip through a well-groomed off-road course revealed the Tundra’s capability in the dirt and over the rocks. Adding the TRD Off-Road package to any trim level upgrades the Tundra into an adventure vehicle, as Toyota expects many buyers to want. Buyers who wish to maximize on-road performance can add the TRD Sport package and get the Tundra that fits their lifestyle.

Inside, a wide horizontal dash is far 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 display available. A combination analog/digital instrument panel with a 4.1-inch multi-information display at the center is standard, while a 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument panel is available (standard on upper trim levels).

The second row in the CrewMax version is positively SUV-like, with tons of legroom and headroom, comfortable seating (especially for the outboard positions), and amenities like USB power and bottle pockets in the doors.

Notable: The 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display has an improved user experience. When you say “Hey Toyota,” the Drive Connect system awakens and readies itself for audible requests to, for example, search for directions, adjust the climate control, or change the radio station. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Each trim level has its own interior style.

The Tundra wears all-new sheet metal, with an aluminum hood and front door panels for weight reduction. It has a hexagonal grille flanked by slim-mount LED headlamps and functional air intakes. At the rear, the name “TUNDRA” is impressed into the tailgate. The side bumper cap is integrated into the rear fender, and a separate center bumper structure underpins 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.

The new Tundra comes in Double Cab and CrewMax configurations, each with four doors. 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.

Replacing the steel bed of the outgoing Tundra, the new truck uses an aluminum-reinforced sheet molded compound bed in all applications. Toyota says it’s a unique formulation like the bed used in the current Tacoma but engineered for greater strength and payload capacity. The bed is unpainted and presents in a dark charcoal grey 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.

SHEET-MOLDED COMPOUND BED
A composite bed, supported by an aluminum structure, is standard on all Tundra models. Not only does this bed weigh less than a steel bed, but it is also more resistant to scratching and denting, it won’t rust, and it doesn’t need painting.

Every Tundra comes with the i-Force gasoline engine. A 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive is available with both powertrains.

LED headlights with daytime running lights, LED taillights, and a cab-mounted LED cargo light are found on every 2022 Toyota Tundra.

The aluminum-reinforced composite bed is protected by an easy lower and lift tailgate, and a deck rail header caps the bed. The body is mounted on a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with hydraulic cab mounts. The cab is high-strength steel, too, with an aluminum hood and aluminum front-door panels.

Power heated side-view mirrors and front doors with touch-sensor lock/unlock feature are on every trim level. A smart-key system with push-button start replaces the old-fashioned key and fob. A manual tilt-telescopic steering wheel is standard on lower trim levels, with power operation on upper trims.

A touchscreen audio multimedia system is in each cab, with an 8-inch or 14-inch screen, depending on trim level. A combination analog/digital instrument panel with a 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display is on lower trim levels, while a fully digital 12.3-inch panel serves higher trims. Every Tundra gets a backup camera with a projected path display. Three to five USB power ports serve the passengers and driver, and a front 12-volt auxiliary power outlet is standard on all models. Upper trim levels also get a rear 120-volt/400-watt AC power outlet.

Cloth seats with manual adjustment for the front row seats are standard on the lower trim levels. Mid-trims get Softex seats with power adjustment, and upper trims get leather. The Limited gets heated and ventilated front seats. The 1794 Edition and the Platinum have heat and ventilation for the front and rear seats. CrewMax models get rear-seat console air vents for additional passenger comfort.

The Tundra is offered in Double Cab or CrewMax configurations, both 4-door, 2-row layouts. The Double Cab can be matched with a 6.5-foot bed or an 8-foot bed. CrewMax comes with a 5.5-foot bed or a 6.5-foot bed.

Toyota offers several options packages and standalone options for the Tundra.

The most notable packages are the TRD Sport Package for SR5 models and the TRD Off-Road Package, which you can add to SR5, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 models.

The TRD Sport Package upgrades the SR5 to 20-inch TRD wheels, a TRD grille, a TRD lowered sport suspension, and a TRD leather shift knob.

The TRD Off-Road Package upgrades its recipients to 18-inch TRD wheels, a TRD grille, TRD off-road suspension, skid-plates, mudguards, TRD leather shift knob, electronic rear differential lock, and multi-terrain select.

Standalone options include a leather steering wheel, a heated leather steering wheel, a power tilt/slide moonroof with a sliding sunshade, a panoramic roof with power tilt/slide (and a power sunshade), and power boards and bed step.

The new Tundra does not offer a V8 engine, a unique distinction among the current crop of full-size pickup truck models. Instead, you’ll find a new i-Force 3.5-liter V6 which offers more power and torque than the outgoing V8.

Indeed, the i-Force twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 (actually 3,445cc) engine is no slouch, tuned to produce 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

A 10-speed automatic transmission and traditional torque converter to send power to the rear wheels, with 4-wheel drive available (standard on some models).

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
389 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18 mpg/24 mpg (SR 4×2), 18 mpg/23 mpg (SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794), 17 mpg/23 mpg (SR, SR5 4X4), 17 mpg/22 mpg (Limited, Platinum, 1794 4X4)