Toyota gives the 2022 Toyota Tundra much-needed, total redesign after the previous generation went largely unchanged since its debut in 2007.
Although it was refreshed for the 2014 model year, it struggled to steal sales from domestic half-ton rivals such as the Ford F-150, the Ram 1500, the Chevy Silverado 1500, and the GMC Sierra 1500.
The new Tundra still isn’t expected to outsell any of those alternatives, but its myriad improvements should make it much more competitive and desirable when it reaches dealerships this winter.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Toyota Tundra is the only full-size pickup truck that’s not available with a V-8 engine. Instead, it’s only offered with a twin-turbo V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine comes in two different potencies.
The standard version develops 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version features an electric motor integrated into the transmission, which allows pure electric driving at low speeds. The combination generates a combined 437 horses and 583 pound-feet. Also changed from its predecessor is the rear suspension, which previously utilized a leaf-spring setup.
The Tundra now utilizes a more refined coil-spring rear suspension that should improve its ride and handling characteristics. Toyota continues to offer the popular TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport packages. The former includes an off-road suspension, skid plates, and unique wheels. The latter includes a lowered suspension and 20-inch wheels.
Those seeking maximum off-road capabilities will want the TRD Pro, which features a lifted suspension and exclusive dampers as well as a special set of black 18-inch wheels mounted on all-terrain tires.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Tundra has a chunky dashboard that’s dotted with prominent air vents and a thick, smooth center section that connects the door panels. The materials used on the center console, dash, and doors look to be much nicer than what was used in the previous generation.
Of course, the quality is expected to increase with the trim levels, with the top-of-the-line 1794 Edition sporting attractive wood accents. All models look to have a versatile center console with lots of cubby storage and a huge center bin. While a pair of analog gauges and a small driver-information display are the standard instrument panel, the top trim levels have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
The Tundra comes in two body styles with three different cargo-bed lengths. The extended cab (a.k.a. Double Cab) is available with either a 6.5- or 8.1-foot bed. The crew cab (a.k.a. CrewMax) is offered with either a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every 2022 Toyota Tundra is stocked with a full complement of driver-assistance technology that includes automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
For more information about the Tundra’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with full specifications or better still watch the video above:
