The 2022 Toyota Tundra is an all-new model that launches this full-size pickup truck’s third generation. After a lengthy 15-year run, the second-generation Tundra comes to an end along with the V8 engine that powered it.
Highlights of the 2022 Toyota Tundra
There is much to dissect about the new model, which debuts in December 2021. We’ll explore our favorites in detail here.
1. New Powertrain Choices
It may appear hard to believe, but beginning in 2022, you will not be able to get a Tundra with a V8 engine. That seems somewhat amazing as Toyota went to great efforts two decades ago to make certain that V8 power was available. Indeed, at one time, the Tundra offered a pair of V8 engines and a V6, but gradually dropped the V6 before canceling the smaller of the two V8s in 2019.
Instead of a V8, Toyota has a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine powering most models. Known internally as the iFORCE V6T, this engine develops 389 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 479 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 RPM. Power travels to the wheels utilizing a 10-speed automatic transmission.
This year, Toyota introduces its first-ever Tundra Hybrid. But it won’t necessarily be marketed that way or at least not in the same manner as the Toyota Prius. Here, Toyota places an electric motor on the bell housing, enabling this powertrain to produce a whopping 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. What’s especially impressive beyond the power is that Toyota can still use a 10-speed automatic transmission and not a CVT.
2. Robust Towing and Payload
Let’s face it: many of us consider our pickup truck purchases based somewhat on payload and towing capacities. Even if we do not approach anywhere near the top of the spectrum, having that extra measure of towing capability simply cannot be beat.
For 2022, the Tundra is rated as high as 12,000 pounds for towing. That’s an increase over the previous model and places this truck in the thick of things. Moreover, with a 1,940-pound payload rating, the 2022 Toyota Tundra is set to take five people and all their gear, places.
3. Stellar Off-Road Credentials
Large pickup trucks can easily take to the road, but what about paths, trails, and rock outcroppings? The Tundra can handle all that too with four-wheel drive.
This year, Toyota adds Crawl Control, a feature that has been on the midsize Toyota Tacoma for the past five years. Unlike the Tacoma, the 2022 Toyota Tundra has a system that gets it done quietly. Thus, the mechanized sound of the Tacoma in gear is not present.
What is still effective is the way the Tundra moves forward with Crawl Control activated. Here, you can dial in the setting for the speed you want – you won’t go fast, but you can go a 1 or 2 mph above a crawl. The truck then moves forward with the driver controlling steering and braking, as necessary. This system imbues confidence in anyone who is not sure how they would get out of a tight spot.
4. Modern Tech Features
Toyota went to the heart of the matter to overhaul its tech features, beginning with the interface. The base models offer an 8-inch touchscreen display, while all other trims have a 14-inch touchscreen display.
The latter arrangement is fantastic as the screen is huge, easy to decipher, and so user-friendly. Its voice recognition is excellent as it offers a great way to pull up your song list, change channels, or supply directions.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra enjoys other features, including a standard 6-speaker audio system (9 speakers on the crew cab), three or five USB ports, and smartphone compatibility. The list of options includes a digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a wireless charging pad. Navigation and a 12-speaker audio system are available.
5. Strong Safety Tech
The 2022 Toyota Tundra offers stellar safety tech, particularly driver-assist features. What they offer is bundled under the company’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 umbrella or TSS 2.5.
Here, Toyota supplies a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Next, lane control and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go are included. Further, Toyota includes automatic high beam assist and road sign assist.
There are also a few features that can be had, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as well as trailer detection. This represents a vigorous suite of features that help Toyota stay ahead of the competition.
More to Follow
There are a few other things we like about the 2022 Toyota Tundra, including its roomy interior, sharp exterior styling, and available 6.5-foot bed that’s new to the crew cab.
What we still do not know is the price as well as the fuel economy for the various models. However, we think the latest Tundra will cost about $1,000 to $1,500 more than the previous model. Lastly, an mpg rating of at least 20 mpg combined for the gas model and perhaps 25 combined for the hybrid seems likely.
We will offer an update ahead of this model’s release in December 2021.
See Also — Final Call for the 2nd-Generation Toyota Tundra
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