As the flagship truck in their lineup, the Toyota Tundra has been long overdue for an overhaul so for 2022 Toyota is making a statement in the truck world with the introduction of the new, most advanced Tundra to date.
With two new powertrains, which are both more powerful than their predecessor, improved payload and towing capacity, state of the art multimedia system and numerous new features, the new Toyota Tundra is expected to be extremely competitive in the full-size truck market as they start showing up at dealers sometime next month.
Powerful Engine Options
Since the last time the Toyota Tundra received a full overhaul (2007) there have been great advancements in powerplant design in the full-size truck market. To ensure that the new 2022 Tundra is as powerful, if not more than the competition, a new 24 valve 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 replaces the tried-and-true V-8 from the previous generation. The standard i-FORCE engine package produces 389hp @ 5,200 rpm and 479 lb-ft at 2,400 rpm on 87 octane by way of direct port fuel injection, a water-cooled intercooler and dual VVTi systems.
While the numbers for the I-FORCE engine are impressive, Toyota still has more to offer with the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid engine option. Yep, you read that right…. We said Hybrid. The i-FORCE MAX is still the same base platform as the i-FORCE engine, but the additional power boost comes from the motor generator with a clutch mated between the engine bell housing and 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup provides a boost in power in every situation an owner can throw at it. When towing, the hybrid system provides additional power and torque, while in low-speed EV mode, you get a quiet ride and improved efficiency for your city driving.
Redesigned Chassis and Suspension
To improve the ride quality and handling of the new Toyota Tundra for 2022, the old leaf spring suspension has been ousted for a new multi-link, coil-spring suspension. This change increases towing capacity to 12,000 lbs., which is a 17.6% increase over the previous generation Tundra. This change also increases the payload capacity to 1,940 lbs., which is also an improvement over the old Tundra models. While not as drastic, the front end of the Tundra also received some changes to improve the performance and handling to match the new rear suspension design.
For those people that want the ultimate factory off-road performance out of their Tundra, Toyota offers the TRD Pro model that is outfitted with 2.5” FOX internal bypass shocks that feature piggyback reservoirs filled with new polytetrafluorethylene-infused (PTFE) shock fluid for improved on-road comfort. This suspension setup provides just over an inch lift up in the front of the truck and also includes a new TRD Pro front stabilizer bar, custom red painted suspension parts, TRD aluminum skid plate, additional underbody protection and all-terrain Falken Tires.
State-of-The-Art Multimedia Center
With as much time as many of us spend in our vehicles commuting or road tripping, and the engineers took that into account when they designed the all-new Audio Multimedia system. Available in a standard 8” or optional 14” touchscreen, this system features an all-new Human Machine Interface (HMI) that delivers interaction through sight, touch, and voice activation. This system can handle everything from finding POIs, adjusting your audio levels and so much more, allowing you to keep your focus on the road ahead of you.
Pair this system with the Toyota Connected Services, that provides 24/7 emergency response, personalized maintenance updates, vehicle location services, and vehicle health reports, and you’re going to have all the information you need about your vehicle. The system also offers the ability for your Tundra to be a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices and allows you to link Apple or Amazon music subscriptions, so you can hear your favorite tunes on the road.
Tow With Confidence and Ease
While we briefly touched on the towing ability of the new Toyota Tundra, there is far more to be excited about if you regularly have a trailer behind your truck. For 2022, the new Tundra features two new tow/haul modes. The standard is good for light to moderate loads like small box trailers or boats by increasing throttle response. If you regularly tow larger loads like RVs, then you’ll want to utilize the tow/haul + mode for an even more aggressive throttle response. If you have the i-FORCE MAX, the tow/haul mode keeps the electric motor in constant use and deactivates the stop and start functions to maximize performance.
If you opt for the 14” monitor assembly, you’ll be able to take advantage of the various new cameras that are strategically placed on the Tundra to give you multiple visual perspectives around the truck, such as front, rear, side and panoramic views at the back of the vehicle. While cameras are great, there’s nothing quite like old school side mirrors and the Toyota Tundra features a new power extending and folding set of towing mirrors that are heated and have integrated turn signals and blind spot monitors. There’s also a new optional suspension system that provides the ability to load-level the rear end height to get the perfect balance for both truck and trailer.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 as A Standard
Toyota wants to make sure that all their new 2022 Tundra owners are as safe on the road as possible, and it shows since the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS) is going to be a standard offering on every 2022 model. This system includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection (PCS w/ PD) that provides emergency steering and braking upon detection of vehicles or pedestrians via various sensors and cameras This system also features Toyota’s Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that features lane departure alert, and lane tracing assist that aids the driver to keep the Tundra in its lane through light automatic steering force when it senses the vehicle drifting out of the lane without the use of turn signals.