Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Toyota Tundra Revamp
The 2022 Toyota Tundra is an overhaul of the off-road stalwart. New powertrains, suspensions, drive modes, and spiffier interiors are modern takes on one of the most popular full-size trucks.
This is the birth of the third generation of Tundra. The 2022 Toyota Tundra is the first full redesign in 15 years. And for past Tundra owners, its new looks, ride, and performance options might be hard to recognize.
Below, we walk through the biggest changes to the Tundra truck as well as the different models available — from the new, more fuel-efficient engines to the plethora of suspensions.
i-FORCE Powertrains
In recent years, full-size trucks have been able to get more power from smaller engines, which leads to savings at the pump as well.
Past Tundra models were powered by a 5.7L V8 engine running on a six-speed transmission. The 2022 Tundra has a 10-speed automatic transmission with two powertrain options: gas or hybrid.
The base Tundra is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.5L aluminum-block V6 that creates 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That’s a little bit more horsepower and 78 pound-feet more torque than the V8 in previous models.
Then there’s the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo hybrid powertrain that Toyota calls the i-FORCE MAX. Unsurprisingly, the electric boost ups the power and torque to 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.
Toyota says you’ll get 18 mpg combined with the i-FORCE and 22 mpg with the hybrid i-FORCE MAX. These new engines improve gas mileage estimates by 4 mpg and 8 mpg, respectively, according to Toyota.
New Bed
One familiar aspect of the Tundra options is in the body styles, both of which squeezed in at least an extra inch of leg room.
The 2022 truck still comes as a Double Cab, with rear half doors, as well as the full four-door CrewMax. The Double Cab truck comes with a 6.5-foot bed or an 8.1-foot bed. Lastly, the CrewMax is available with a 5.5-foot bed or a 6.5-foot bed.
The Tundra has moved to an aluminum-reinforced composite bed with a new multi-link rear suspension and reports a payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. Both the towing and payload numbers are improvements upon previous models.
New Suspension
The development of a new Tundra chassis — the same found under the Land Cruiser 300 and new Sequoia — required a new suspension to pair with it.
“The most noteworthy change to handling and performance is no doubt the new multi-link rear suspension, which ditches leaf springs in favor of coil springs,” Toyota explained in a press release ahead of the Tundra’s release.
This new TRD Pro suspension should allow for off-road performance at higher speeds in addition to the package’s slow-speed CRAWL and Downhill Assist Control abilities.
This new rear suspension design also enabled a new rear air-suspension system, available in certain models. It provides automatic and manual leveling functions, including variable height modes.
The High setting is for use during super slow-speed off-road driving and comes down to normal height if the truck exceeds 18 mph. Low height mode is all about loading and unloading cargo and passengers. It will rise again once the truck exceeds 8 mph.
Off-Road & Hauling
The Tundra now has an adaptive variable suspension (AVS) designed to adjust damping force based on ever-changing road conditions, from potholes to small rocks. The AVS has actuators in the front and rear shock-absorbers to change damping force according to the conditions for improved handling and stability.
The Toyota TRD Pro model and models with the add-on TRD Off-Road Package unlock several features:
- Multi-Terrain Select lets you adjust your traction by controlling the wheel spin using different settings based on various types of terrain (Rock, Mud, Sand, Mogul)
- A CRAWL Control acts like a low-speed, off-road cruise control so drivers can focus on finding their line rather than adjusting speed.
- Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature that helps the driver navigate tricky slopes by limiting the speed of the vehicle during descent
Lastly, there are two modes for towing. The Tow/Haul mode is recommended for lighter trailers, and Tow/Haul+ is made with heavier loads on steep terrain. When in Tow/Haul mode, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system engages both gas and electric to keep acceleration and torque at the ready.
Bells & Whistles
- Power rear window available
- Power running boards and BedStep available
- Tailgate bump release button available
- Panoramic moonroof available
Different Model Options
Toyota breaks out the Tundra into seven different models. We’ll lump the two base models together and walk you through some differences between them all. Some are performance-minded, like the TRD Pro edition, while others build off of that performance with style points inside and out.
SR & SR5
Lumping two models here, both the SR and SR5 run on 18-inch wheels — steel and alloy, respectively. Both come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. The SR has an 8-inch touchscreen and is the only model without a tow package.
The SR5 unlocks a few more features with the tow hitch receiver and Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. It unlocks selectable driving and the tow/haul modes as well as accommodates either the TRD Off-Road or TRD Sport package.
Limited
The Limited model comes with safety features like the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Merge Warning and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5.
It has 20-inch alloy wheels, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. You can add the TRD Off-Road Package to it.
Platinum
Moving up a notch, inside and out, the Platinum model has a power tilt/slide panoramic roof with a power sunshade, leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and a 12.3-inch digital meter and gauge display screen.
It also has the option of adaptive variable suspension as well as load-leveling rear-air suspension for more control over your hauling needs.
1794 Edition
The 1794 Tundra is a nod to the Texas ranch that used to run on the same land as Toyota’s San Antonio assembly plant. Western accents include the Rich Cream or Saddle Brown interiors contrasted by the walnut wood-grain trim. Exterior bling includes a chrome-colored grille and accents as well as the 20-inch alloy wheels.
It comes with a Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist and an available TRD Off-Road Package.
TRD Pro
The TRD Pro model only comes with the hybrid i-FORCE MAX engine. Unlike the TRD Off-Road packages, this model’s off-road suspension combines FOX shocks and a 1.1-inch front lift and rolls on 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels with Falken WILDPEAK all-terrain tires.
Other off-road features include a skid plate, Multi-Terrain Select with CRAWL Control, and an electronically controlled locking rear differential.
Lastly, to help it stand out from the crowd, the Pro has an old-school “TOYOTA” grille with an LED light bar below it.
Our motors editor detailed the off-road feel of the TRD Pro Hybrid in an early review.
Capstone
As the name implies, the Capstone model is all about luxury inside and flash outside. Inside, there’s a two-tone trim with walnut-grain trim, extra lighting, and a heads-up display. Outside, you’ll notice the 22-inch chrome wheels and power running boards as well as BedStep.
A Closer Look at the TRD Pro
As seen above, the Tundra is available in several models, and each can be configured differently. For GearJunkie, we think the TRD Pro is a good fit for the model build and features our readers enjoy.
The TRD Pro is only available as a CrewMax with a 5.5-foot truck bed, so the detailed list below is the starting build for everyone looking for these off-road capabilities off the lot.
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax 5.5-Foot Bed Specs
- Hybrid engine: i-FORCE MAX 3.5L twin-turbo V6 produces up to 437 horsepower, 583 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Towing capacity: Up to 11,175 lbs.
- Payload capacity: Up to 1,600 lbs.
- Trail control, turn assist, and one-pedal drive: Standard
- Media & displays: 14″ touchscreen highlights with Audio Multimedia system; 12.3″ Instrumentation Panel display.
- Tires: 285 x 65R18 Falken WILDPEAK all-terrain tires
- Safety system: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 active safety standard on all grades
- Starting price: $67,505
This article is sponsored by Toyota. Explore the 2022 Toyota Tundra models and packages at Toyota.com.
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