Toyota reveals 2022 Tundra with twin-turbo hybrid V6, more toys 

Toyota has officially taken the wraps off the 2022 Tundra, its full-size pickup built and sold primarily in North America. The new model comes with the smallest engine lineup to date since the first-generation release in 2000, but this is offset by the introduction of a twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 in the lineup, a first for the Tundra.  

Now on its third generation, the truck rides on the same Toyota New Global Architecture F (TNGA-F) platform that underpins the new Land Cruiser J300. While it adds a whole range of improvements over the outgoing model, the all-new Tundra is also notable for what it takes away, as the 2-door Regular Cab option is dropped in favor of four doors on the Double Cab and CrewMax body styles.    

Exterior

The Tundra continues to be a fully Stateside product, with Toyota boasting that this is the best iteration so far in terms of toughness and capability, beginning with a new angular look. “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 Calty Design Research president Kevin Hunter. 

The third generation now sports a more muscular look

A pair of streamlined LED headlamps sits higher on the fascia, surrounding a massive new grille sitting on top of a blockier front bumper. The chiseled wheel arches seem to almost reach the high beltline, further contributing to the impression of size. Out back, the rear bumper is recessed into the body for an integrated look, accompanied by large vertical LED tail lamps. The chassis comprises high-strength steel and aluminum for both rigidity and lighter weight.

Interior 

Toyota’s mandated “Technical Muscle” motif extends to the interior, featuring a more horizontal layout as opposed to the vertical design prevalent among the Tundra’s competitors. It’s an almost brutalist design, defined by strong lines and sharp corners that echo the truck’s utilitarian nature. 

The cabin continues the exterior's angular look

Despite the strong visual statement, passenger amenities abound in the cabin. Premium materials were used generously, resulting in soft-touch padding on key areas such as the dashboard, armrests, and door interior panels. A panoramic sunroof is an available option, as are ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear sunshade. 

Tech & Safety

The Tundra will come with a choice of two instrument panels: a standard combination meter layout featuring a 4.1-inch multi-information display, or a larger 12.3-inch thin film transistor (TFT) screen. Both units will display vehicle diagnostics, as well as provide access to audio controls, off-road settings, and towing functions.

Rear legroom continues to be among the most generous in its class

Along with onboard 4G Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, an all-new audio multimedia system will make its debut on the Tundra, featuring newly designed 8- and 14-inch touchscreens accompanied by a physical audio volume dial. The system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as an Intelligent Assistant that uses voice-activated commands. A cloud-based native navigation system brings over-the-air (OTA) updates to onboard maps.    

All trim levels of the Tundra will come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5. This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) also come standard. The Safety Connect feature found in Toyota Connected Services links drivers with a 24/7 emergency response service in urgent situations.   

Engine & Drivetrain

As with the new Land Cruiser, the latest Tundra brings the era of the V8 to an end, with two new engine options up for grabs. One is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine rated at 389 horsepower and 649 Nm of torque. The other is a hybrid version which Toyota calls the i-FORCE MAX, employing an electric motor generator to yield 437 horsepower and 790 Nm of twist. Both engines work in tandem with a 10-speed sequential shift automatic transmission featuring Tow and Haul driving modes.  

The 2022 Tundra now comes available with a twin-turbo hybrid V6 engine

Unlike the outgoing model, the new Tundra rides on a new multi-link suspension using coil springs, increasing its towing capacity by 17 percent and maximum payload by 11 percent. Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) also makes its Tundra debut, featuring built-in actuators to constantly adjust damping force depending on driving conditions. The TRD Pro trim level gets 2.5-inch diameter Fox internal bypass shock absorbers for off-road forays. 

Pricing

2022 Toyota Tundra

Toyota has yet to release pricing information for the 2022 Tundra, although estimates peg the range as starting from $36,000 (Php 1.8 million) for the base SR trim, all the way to $52,000 (Php 2.6 million) for the top-spec 1794 Edition. Manufacturing will be at Toyota’s facility in San Antonio, Texas, with units expected to reach U.S. showrooms towards the end of 2021. 

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