Vehicle Type: Full-size, half-ton pickup truck.
Price Range: $37,645 - $75,225 including destination fee.
Powertrain: Toyota has ditched the V8 engine for the all-new Tundra.
All 2022 Tundras are equipped with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
In base SR trim the engine makes 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
Higher trims get 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from the same engine.
The top-tier i-FORCE MAX engine adds an electric motor between the engine and transmission for a total output of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard, while four-wheel-drive (4WD) is optional.
What’s New for 2022?
Toyota has completely redesigned the Tundra for the 2022 model year. Toyota offers updated interior and exterior styling, two new powertrain options, and increased towing and hauling capacities.
This truly is an all-new Tundra, based on the same global platform as the new Land Cruiser, which is not available in the US.
What’s Good?
- Powerful engine variations
- Comfortable ride quality and seating
- User-friendly infotainment system
What’s Bad?
- Interior is not as luxurious as rivals in the segment such as the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500
- Does not tow or haul as much as rivals
- Exterior design may not be for everyone
Would we buy one? Definitely!
More Photos:
See more 2022 Toyota Tundra Photos.
Overview:
The all-new Tundra is redesigned inside and out to bring it up to speed after the previous generation's 14-year life cycle. Important mechanical updates include a new engine, transmission, and rear suspension design. These revisions make the Tundra more comfortable and user-friendly for everyday driving while maintaining its status as a rugged and capable truck.
The new engine delivers improved gas mileage while maintaining excellent power. Though the engine is similar to that of many Lexus vehicles, Toyota engineers redesigned the cooling system and other components with an emphasis on reliability. Another major change is the multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. This suspension design gives the truck a similar feel to most modern SUVs, with more on-road refinement.
Inside the truck includes soft-touch materials on the dash, console, and doors which is a great improvement on the outgoing model. Seating is comfortable, and both front and rear seats are roomy in the CrewMax cab. The rear seats are tighter in the Double Cab, but most buyers will likely select the version with four full-sized doors. Tech has also been improved with 8.0 or 14.0-inch touchscreens to run the infotainment system.
Toyota has designed the new Tundra to be aimed at consumers who want a truck without the compromises that it usually entails. The new Tundra has a comfortable, quiet interior and a stable, balanced ride that makes it useable for most drivers' everyday needs.
The new Toyota Tundra competes in the crowded half-ton truck market segment with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Nissan Titan.
Overall Score: 3.6/5 stars
Safety Features: 4.5/5 stars
Toyota includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control on all Tundras.
Toyota Safety Sense standard safety systems lead the pack for this segment, with many of the included features being optional on competitors' trucks.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety scores and crash testing information is not yet available for the 2022 Tundra.
Value: 3.5/5 stars
The entry price for the 2022 Tundra is higher than from Ford, Chevy, and GMC, but it has more features than those trucks, which are largely aimed at fleets or for use as work trucks. Toyota designed the truck for use as a personal or family vehicle which just so happens to be a truck.
With this revision, the Tundra is well equipped to compete with its rivals in the category. At each trim level, the increase in features is equal to the price.
Two trim levels have yet to receive official pricing, with the off-road-oriented TRD Pro and the luxurious Capstone trim expected later this year.
One of the selling features of the prior generation Tundra was its reputation for reliability. With an all-new drivetrain, it remains to be seen whether the new Tundra will live up to that expectation, though Toyota designed the truck to last. Expect resale value to remain high, barring unforeseen reliability issues.
Tech Features: 3/5 stars
Base models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen to run the infotainment system, which includes a wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
A 14.0-inch touchscreen is optional on base trims and standard on Limited trim level and above; the interface is simple and user-friendly. Some longed for more physical buttons and steering wheel controls.
Other tech features include an available JBL premium sound system, subscription-based Wifi hotspot, and a Head-up display.
Practicality: 3/5 stars
The new Tundra functions well as an everyday vehicle that just happens to be a capable truck. Toyota expects most drivers to use the Tundra like they would a car or SUV and occasionally as a workhorse.
The Tundra will handle truck stuff when required. A towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds when properly equipped and a payload of up to 1940 pounds, is enough for most needs.
The Tundra does fall behind the category-leading F-150 which can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has a massive maximum payload of 3250 pounds. In fact, both of Ford's smaller trucks are closer to the Tundra than the Tundra is to the F-150. The midsize Ranger can haul up to 1905 pounds and the minuscule Maverick up to 1564 pounds.
Styling & Design: 4/5 stars
The exterior design of the new Tundra brings it in line with modern trends. The blocky shape and massive upright grille may be the style but do severely limit visibility.
The interior is well designed from an ergonomic standpoint, with all of the important features and controls easily within reach of the driver.
The front seats are comfortable even after a couple of hours of driving. Rear seats are tight in extended cab models, and may not be ideal if you need to move more than two people on a regular basis. Crew cab models offer plenty of room to hold five adults. A regular cab is not available.
Three available bed lengths offer plenty of flexibility. 5.5, 6.5, and 8.1-footbeds are available, though the longest can only be paired with the extended cab.
Interior materials feel high quality and appropriate for each trim level. There are plenty of cubbies and storage spaces to hold extra gear or personal belongings throughout the cabin space.
Driving Experience: 5/5 stars
During our week of testing a Limited CrewMax model with the base (non-hybrid) V6, we kept checking the window sticker to make sure it wasn't secretly the more powerful i-FORCE MAX version. The base engine has more than enough power with no turbo lag to speak of -- we loved the immediacy of the power (and it was much more immediate than Ford's EcoBoost engines).
Plus, we found the 10-speed automatic transmission to be smooth and well-programmed for shifts when you needed them.
Handling is much-improved thanks to a new rear suspension and revised front suspension design. We noted more stability and less wandering at higher speeds. The Tundra is still a full-size truck, so body roll and a sometimes harsh ride are to be expected.
The steering feel is also improved. The new Tundra now has electronic power steering which delivers appropriate weight and feedback.
Fuel Efficiency: 3.5/5 stars
Base model Tundras equipped with two-wheel drive get an EPA estimated 24 MPG highway and 18 MPG city, a big improvement over the outgoing model. Adding four-wheel drive reduces those numbers to 23 and 19 respectively.
The more powerful twin-turbo V6 on higher trims gets similar ratings at 23 MPG highway and 20 city with two-wheel drive, and 22 highway and 19 city for four-wheel-drive models.
Stepping up to the hybrid version raises MPG to 24 on the highway and 20 around town for two-wheel-drive models. Four-wheel drive lowers MPG to 19 city and 22 highway. Not bad for a big vehicle with 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
Though it is a big improvement, the Tundra falls slightly behind Ford's PowerBoost and about even with Ram's eTorque mild hybrid system.
But the smaller engines are no silver bullet for better fuel economy. In our week of testing over 168 miles of mixed driving, we averaged just under 15 MPG.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
Base SR trim Tundras start at an MSRP of $37,645. That price includes the lower-powered twin-turbo V6 with 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. You also get an 8.0-inch touchscreen audio multimedia system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The stereo system includes six speakers. Standard wheels are 18-inch steel rims. The SR includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 with an impressive suite of safety features. Remote keyless entry with tailgate release is also standard. A generously sized center console is standard and includes four cupholders. A 12V charger is included to keep devices powered up. SR trim models are only available in the extended cab, with smaller rear doors and seats.
For a starting price of $42,450, Tundra SR5 trim models add 18-inch alloy wheels, tow hitch with tow mode, and power sliding or roll-down rear window depending on cab configuration. Upgrading to the CrewMax cab also adds three speakers to the stereo system for a total of nine. Power is also upgraded to 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. SR5 models also unlock the ability to add the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road packages that add additional equipment for an extra charge. Packages are bundled with other options which can add between $1,560 and $9,095 to the price.
The Toyota Tundra Limited is the model we tested and it starts at $48,545 and includes trim upgrades and exterior upgrades like 20-inch wheels. Seating surfaces get SofTex leatherette material. Front seats are heated and ventilated with power adjustability. The infotainment system is upgraded with a 14.0-inch display, and additional soft-touch materials are throughout the interior. Limited trim also adds additional safety with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited trim and above can add the hybrid powertrain for an additional $3,400.
The Tundra Platinum starts at an MSRP of $58,685 and adds dark-painted 20-inch wheels to upgrade exterior styling. Inside, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, power sunroof, and leather seats are upgrades over the Limited model. Rear seats get heat and ventilation and the steering wheel also adds a heated function.
The flashy Tundra 1794 edition costs at least $59,385 before options, and includes exterior chrome pieces like the grille, window surrounds, and other trim. 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels complement the shiny exterior bits. Two colors are available for leather seats, and walnut wood trim rounds out the upscale feel. A trailer backup system with steering assist is also standard.
The popular Toyota Tundra TRD Pro model returns for the 2022 model year to compete with the Ford Raptor. TRD Pro models start at $68,500 and include 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, FOX off-road suspension, and underbody skid plates. A large TOYOTA grille with an integrated LED light bar also sets the TRD Pro apart from its lesser siblings. Mechanically the TRD Pro includes the upgraded hybrid engine with 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, multiple traction control modes, and an electronically locking rear differential. The JBL premium audio system is also included. TRD Pro packages are also available on the Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, and Sequoia.
The top-tier Toyota Tundra Capstone starts at an astonishing $75,225, which is actually in step with competitors from Ford and GMC. Capstone models get standard self-leveling air suspension, 22-inch wheels, bedside step, and automatic running boards. Inside walnut trim flanks black and white leather upholstery, a 10-inch head-up display is standard, and extra acoustic glass quiets down the cabin.
The SR5 trim is the best bet for most buyers, though we would add an additional package like the TRD Off-Road pack, depending on the truck's main use.
