It’s been over a decade since Toyota has given the Tundra a big update, but now it’s finally here. Toyota has unveiled the 2022 Tundra with a tougher, more rugged look, new powertrains and a much more modern interior.
Toyota gave us our first look at the new Tundra a few months ago after some leaked photos surfaced online. The look is now bolder with the design theme being “Technical Muscle.”
“Our design goal from the beginning was to create the most powerful, rugged and sophisticated looking full-size pickup that will take Tundra to a whole new level,” said Kevin Hunter, President of Calty Design Research. “Because recreation and an outdoor lifestyle are at the core of Toyota truck identity, we set out to create a muscular, chiseled and athletic design that also looks like it could handle the toughest towing demands.”
The Tundra will be offered in two four-door versions: Double Car and CrewMax. The Double Cab models are available with either a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed, while CrewMax models get either a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. It will be offered in SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 and TRD Pro trim levels.
A TRD Off-Road Package is available on SR5, Limited and 1794 models and it adds 18-inch TRD wheels or 20-inch wheels on Limited and 1794, TRD grille, TRD off-road suspension, skid plates, mud guards, and TRD leather shift knob. 4×4 models will also get an electronic rear differential lock, MultiTerrain Select, and Crawl Control.
The TRD Sport package is also available on 4×2 or 4×4 SR5 models and it adds 20-inch TRD wheels, TRD grille, TRD lowered sport suspension and a TRD leather shift knob.
“We took a fresh, transformational approach to our truck development and had to rethink many things we’d previously done,” said Mike Sweers, Senior Vice President, Product Development Office, and F1 Platform Chief Engineer. “Not only did we improve the performance and enhance the capability of this new Tundra, at the same time, we were certain to retain the strong quality, durability and reliability for which Toyota trucks are known.”
Inside the same design theme continues with a horizontal layout, more premium materials and the latest tech features. The 2022 Tundra comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, but there’s an available 14-inch touchscreen with more modern graphics. In front of the driver there’s also an available 12.3-inch TFT display that replaces the traditional analog gauges. Other versions come with an analog gauge cluster with a 4.1-inch display.
Toyota has revamped the Tundra’s engine lineup as well. The new base engine is a twin-turbocharged i-Force 3.5-liter V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque that’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. If you want more power, the more exciting new addition is the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which mates the same 3.5-liter V6 to a motor generator and the 10-speed automatic transmission. The i-Force Max powertrain generates 437 hp and 585 lb-ft. of torque.
The hybrid powertrain gets its power from a 228-volt Nickel-metal Hydride battery that sits under the rear passenger seats. The battery gives the Tundra the ability to also drive in an EV mode, but only for short distances at low speeds. In the Sport or Sport+ drive modes the electric motor does most of the work below 18 mph, but then the the gas engine kicks in above that speed.
The Tundra TRD Pro comes standard with the hybrid powertrain, while it’s optional on the the Limited, Platinum and 1794 trim levels.
The Tundra also gets a new multilink rear suspension and an optional rear air suspension.
The Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds with the standard engine, while the hybrid can tow slightly less. There are two new Tow/Haul modes that are available. The standard mode increases throttle response and is ideal for lighter to moderate towing needs. The Tow/Haul+ mode makes the throttle response more aggressive when towing larger trailers or boats. New power extending and folding tow mirrors will also help.
A Trailer Back Guidance system helps you maneuver a trailer, while the Straight Path Assist feature is helps you back up in a straight line. A 360-degree camera system also helps aid with visibility. Lastly the blind spot monitor can recognize blind spots for the truck and a trailer when it’s integrated with the trailer brake controller. The Tundra is also available with a new air suspension system that helps load-level the rear height.
On the safety front, the 2022 Tundra comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. The system includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The system can detect pedestrians in low light, a bicyclist and even an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian when making a left-and turn. It also comes with emergency steering assist, which helps stabilize the driver’s emergency steering maneuvers while trying to avoid a pedestrian, bicyclist or vehicle. The Tundra also gets adaptive cruiser control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beams and a rear seat reminder. An available Parking Support Brake system automatically applies the brakes to help prevent a collision.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra will go on sale later this year and stay tuned for our full review.