The 2022 Toyota Tundra: this is it

This is the third generation Toyota Tundra. There’s a twin-turbo V6 instead of the V8 for 2022, although the V6 makes 479 lb-ft of torque, which is more than the 401 lb-ft of the current 5.7-liter V8. There is now a 10-speed automatic. And There is a new (very large) grille, which looks like a troll.

The Tundra has been notable in the world’s largest automaker’s truck lineup in that it hasn’t really been updated since 2007, although there was a refresh in 2014. Additionally, The Tundra’s combined 15 mpg fuel economy is around the worst in the full-size pickup segment.

Toyota is trying to fix both things in the third-gen 2022 model available later this year (and apparently not affected by the chip shortage so far). And while the EPA hasn’t released fuel economy figures on the new one, you can expect it to be better than the teenager’s. Toyota hasn’t released a price either, although you can expect a slight increase from the current price, which starts at $ 34,025 and goes up to $ 50,000 or more for top trims.

The 2022 Tundra will tow up to 12,000 pounds, and with the optional hybrid system, torque will increase to 583 lb-ft. A 14-inch screen will also be optional, with an 8-inch screen as standard. Toyota’s suite of safety features is also standard, called Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure aids, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

Toyota is also very proud of the interior, and the new infotainment looks better.

A new interior will offer creature comfort for driver and passenger, including an available panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, rear sun visor, heated steering wheel and more. A host of new technological features are also present in Tundra, such as towing aids, off-road upgrades, an all-new multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and live updates.

There are six finishes, just like with the outgoing version. I have to imagine that a lot of people judge their lives by the finish of the Tundra they own, which is as good a judge as anything. The finishes, as in 2021, will be SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and 1794. For some reason there are two cabins that each have four doors, the Double Cab and the larger CrewMax.

Quoth Toyota about TRD Pro package and colors:

The TRD Off-Road Package is available on the SR5, Limited and 1794 models, and includes 18-inch TRD wheels (20-inch wheels unique to Limited and 1794), TRD grille, TRD off-road suspension, TRD leather skid plates, mudguards and shift knob, while 4 × 4 models will also benefit from electronic rear differential lock, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and Ramp Control.

The TRD Sport package is also available on 4 × 2 or 4 × 4 SR5 models in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations. It includes the addition of 20-inch TRD wheels, TRD grille, TRD lowered sport suspension and TRD leather shift knob.

Tundra will be offered in a multitude of colors which include: Super White, Wind Chill Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Super Sonic Red, Army Green, Lunar Rock, Blueprint, Smoked Mesquite (Limited and 1794) and Solar Octane (exclusive to TRD Pro).

Here is a quote that David Christ’s Safe Automotive News, who is the boss of Toyota in North America.

Historically, we have always been very successful with Toyota owners with the Tundra, but we believe that this truck will give us the opportunity to conquer more because of its towing capabilities and its brand positioning, the strength of the look of the truck, and the interior of the truck.

Toyota sold 109,203 tundras in the United States last year, down just under three percent, not bad with a pandemic. That’s nothing compared to Chevrolet and Ford’s truck numbers, but as much as Toyota is all about conquering, beating Chevy and Ford has never really been the Tundra’s goal. The beauty of the Tundra is that it is a full-size truck for thoughtful men, or the opposite of a Ram 1500. This third generation seems likely to continue the tradition.