In the ever-escalating truck wars in The usa, exactly where the fullsize pickup outsells every other type of motor vehicle, 15 several years is not just a lengthy time. It is almost an eternity. But that’s how prolonged Toyota saved its 2nd-technology Tundra on sale, acquiring debuted all the way again in February of 2006 for the 2007 design yr. Back again then, the Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8 engine’s 381 horsepower and 401 pound-toes of torque sounded remarkable, the 6-velocity computerized was point out of the art and its 10,000-pound tow rating was aggressive. Right now? Not so much.
It’s about time, then, for a thorough redesign. And the 2022 Toyota Tundra is just that — there isn’t a single nut or bolt that carries above from the outgoing truck. In area of the previous truck’s V8 motor is a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, optionally assisted by an electrified hybrid variant that is both equally far more highly effective and much more efficient. In typical type, 389 horsepower and 479 pound-ft of torque are shuttled via a 10-velocity computerized to both the rear wheels or all 4.
The serious headline grabber, though, is the optional I-Pressure Max powertrain. Boosted by an electrical motor that sits nestled in the transmission bell-housing at the rear of the engine and is wired to a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack under the rear seat, a overall of 437 hp (at 5,200 rpm) and 583 lb-ft (at a somewhat lower 2,400 rpm) make this the torquiest powertrain in its course, just in advance of the Ford F-150 PowerBoost’s 570 lb-ft.
At small speeds, the hybrid procedure is capable of functioning only on energy, but the gasoline engine will immediately kick on at speeds above 18 mph. Environment the Push Method Choose dial to Activity or Activity+ (no, we really do not anticipate the new Tundra to be sporty, no matter of the modes) will increase overall performance from the hybrid drivetrain. Tow/Haul (for lighter masses) and Tow/Haul+ (for massive trailers or boats) modes lock the motor and electrical motor into joint propulsion duty and disables automated end/commence.
Based on trim, the ’22 Tundra can tow as substantially as 12,000 kilos. That’s a sturdy determine and just one that handily outperforms the former version’s 10,200-pound rating, but it’s bested by GMC, Ram, and Chevrolet. At the leading of the heap with up to 14,000 lbs . is Ford. On the beneficial side, Toyota states all Tundra versions outfitted with a hitch can tow additional than 11,300 lbs ., so prospective customers won’t have to be concerned about adding any tow packages to receive a meaningful rating.
Aside from the robust powertrain possibilities, the up coming key update over the aged Tundra is its coil-spring, multi-hyperlink rear suspension design and style. Toyota states journey consolation, straight-line security and overall handling are all enhanced. Maximum payload stands at 1,940 pounds, an 11% improvement about the older leaf-spring Tundra. The front suspension is however a double-wishbone structure, but it is redesigned and retuned to make improvements to cornering performance.
Individuals upgraded suspension factors are connected to a body that’s now absolutely boxed. Just last yr, Toyota was however touting the merits of its so-known as TripleTech frame, which utilised absolutely boxed rails at the entrance, a strengthened C-channel beneath the truck’s taxi and an open up C-channel “beneath the mattress for energy, experience excellent, and toughness.” For 2022, Toyota’s Mike Sweers, who serves as the Chief Engineer for the Tundra’s platform, mentioned his workforce “had to rethink quite a few factors we’d previously done.” The new absolutely boxed body features enhanced rigidity and an “overall enhancement in capability” around the aged model.
Also new for ’22 is a truck mattress manufactured from a sheet-molded compound. The composite material is a lot more resistant to dents than aluminum and won’t rust like steel. This, along with aluminum cross associates, effects in a light-weight and resilient bed.
Normal twin-tube shocks are positioned at all four corners of the greater part of 2022 Tundras, but trucks geared up with the TRD Off-Street deal are upgraded with Bilstein monotubes. TRD Professional models go even more with 2.5-inch diameter FOX interior bypass shocks with piggyback reservoirs that deliver a 1.1-inch carry at the front. These superior-tech shocks sign up for a exceptional entrance stabilizer bar, a beefy seeking aluminum front skid plate and Falken all-terrain tires. TRD Pro vehicles also get additional underbody safety in the form of plastic composite skid plates. Toyota representatives we spoke to weren’t confident if the automaker will offer you steel or aluminum options. The Multi-Terrain Decide on process features small-velocity Crawl Management and Downhill Assist Handle, amongst other settings for highest traction on a variety of surfaces.
Optional on specified bigger grades (we’ll have to wait to come across out which trims specially) will be an all-new air suspension technique. It will mechanically hold the rear of the truck degree but can also be manually managed with Small, Ordinary and Significant modes. That last mode is intended for small-pace off-roading passing 18 mph will mail the truck again into its Standard ride top. Similarly, Small manner is made to relieve loading and unloading, quickly reverting to Standard height over 8 mph. Adaptive Variable Suspension damping will also be presented, showcasing shocks that frequently regulate centered on driving ailments.
Inside of, Toyota has substantially enhanced the general glance and truly feel in contrast to the outdated Tundra. A new 14-inch touchscreen is the standout optional aspect, giving standard wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Automobile alongside with a new voice-operated virtual assistant activated by indicating some thing like, “Hey Toyota.” Depending on trim, the gauge cluster is either analog with a 4.1-inch display among dials or thoroughly electronic with a 12.3-inch panel. There’s a bevy of upholstery solutions that range by trim stage, such as 1 with colored perforations on Platinum vans or a form of digital camouflage pattern on TRD Pro types, together with just one in dazzling purple leather-based. That embossed camo is mimicked on the exterior plastics close to the wheels and in other places. We have a experience that’ll be a controversial addition.
A Multi-Terrain Keep an eye on is bundled on TRD Off-Highway and TRD Professional designs to demonstrate obstacles to the entrance, aspect or rear working with the truck’s onboard cameras. There are also cameras to present a 360-diploma overhead view, a glance at the truck bed, a hitch check out and a split perspective to seem at just about every side of a trailer. Entrepreneurs who tow will probable respect the new electric power extending and folding facet mirrors, Trailer Back again Guidance for electronically increased maneuvering and Straight Route Support, which keeps the truck backing up in a straight line.
So, there’s definitely a whole lot that we know about the new 2022 Toyota Tundra. But there is nonetheless some really important information we’re waiting around on, not the least of which are how significantly it will price tag, how successful it will be and how it, you know, drives both of those on- and off-street. But potentially the greatest dilemma of all is whether or not this new Tundra moves the needle much enough to compete on equal footing with the best fullsize trucks from Detroit.
Toyota seems content material not to chase course-top abilities, relying as a substitute on its potent (and nicely-deserved) track record for durability, uniquely in-your-encounter patterns and its remarkable knowledge with hybrid powertrains. Thankfully, we hope to get the responses to most concerns inside of the following month or so.