In the at any time-escalating truck wars in The us, where by the fullsize pickup outsells each individual other sort of car, 15 several years is not just a very long time. It’s virtually an eternity. But that is how prolonged Toyota held its 2nd-era Tundra on sale, acquiring debuted all the way again in February of 2006 for the 2007 model year. Back then, the Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8 engine’s 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque sounded amazing, the 6-pace computerized was point out of the art and its 10,000-pound tow score was aggressive. Now? Not so substantially.

It’s about time, then, for a complete redesign. And the 2022 Toyota Tundra is particularly that — there is not a one nut or bolt that carries above from the outgoing truck. In area of the outdated truck’s V8 engine is a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, optionally assisted by an electrified hybrid variant that is both equally far more strong and more effective. In standard sort, 389 horsepower and 479 pound-ft of torque are shuttled by means of a 10-velocity computerized to both the rear wheels or all 4.

The authentic headline grabber, although, is the optional I-Power Max powertrain. Boosted by an electric motor that sits nestled in the transmission bell-housing guiding the engine and is wired to a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack underneath the rear seat, a full of 437 hp (at 5,200 rpm) and 583 lb-ft (at a comparatively 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 lower speeds, the hybrid procedure is able of functioning exclusively on electricity, but the gasoline motor will mechanically kick on at speeds more than 18 mph. Environment the Drive Manner Select dial to Activity or Sport+ (no, we really don’t assume the new Tundra to be sporty, regardless of the modes) will optimize performance from the hybrid drivetrain. Tow/Haul (for lighter loads) and Tow/Haul+ (for significant trailers or boats) modes lock the motor and electric powered motor into joint propulsion responsibility and disables automated prevent/begin.

Based on trim, the ’22 Tundra can tow as a lot as 12,000 lbs. That’s a strong figure and one particular that handily outperforms the preceding version’s 10,200-pound ranking, but it is bested by GMC, Ram, and Chevrolet. At the leading of the heap with up to 14,000 kilos is Ford. On the good facet, Toyota says all Tundra designs outfitted with a hitch can tow much more than 11,300 kilos, so possible customers won’t have to worry about incorporating any tow offers to gain a significant rating.

Aside from the strong powertrain solutions, the up coming major up grade around the previous Tundra is its coil-spring, multi-link good-axle rear suspension design. Toyota suggests ride convenience, straight-line security and in general dealing with are all improved. Optimum payload stands at 1,940 lbs, an 11% advancement above the older leaf-spring Tundra. The entrance suspension is nevertheless a double-wishbone design and style, but it’s redesigned and retuned to enhance cornering functionality.

Individuals upgraded suspension elements are hooked up to a frame which is now completely boxed. Just very last year, Toyota was nonetheless touting the merits of its so-termed TripleTech frame, which used thoroughly boxed rails at the front, a bolstered C-channel underneath the truck’s taxi and an open up C-channel “beneath the bed for energy, journey top quality, and sturdiness.” For 2022, Toyota’s Mike Sweers, who serves as the Main Engineer for the Tundra’s platform, stated his team “had to rethink a lot of issues we’d previously finished.” The new absolutely boxed frame features improved rigidity and an “overall enhancement in capability” around the old version.

Also new for ’22 is a truck bed built from a sheet-molded compound. The composite product is far more resistant to dents than aluminum and will not rust like steel. This, together with aluminum cross users, success in a lightweight and tough bed.

Normal twin-tube shocks are found at all 4 corners of the the greater part of 2022 Tundras, but trucks outfitted with the TRD Off-Street offer are upgraded with Bilstein monotubes. TRD Professional products go further more with 2.5-inch diameter FOX interior bypass shocks with piggyback reservoirs that give a 1.1-inch raise at the front. These substantial-tech shocks sign up for a distinctive entrance stabilizer bar, a beefy seeking aluminum entrance skid plate and Falken all-terrain tires. TRD Pro trucks also get much more underbody safety in the variety of plastic composite skid plates. Toyota reps we spoke to weren’t guaranteed if the automaker will present metal or aluminum solutions. The Multi-Terrain Find system capabilities lower-pace Crawl Manage and Downhill Aid Regulate, amid other options for optimum traction on many surfaces.

Optional on specified increased grades (we’ll have to hold out to find out which trims exclusively) will be an all-new air suspension program. It will mechanically preserve the rear of the truck degree but can also be manually controlled with Very low, Typical and Higher modes. That past method is intended for lower-velocity off-roading passing 18 mph will deliver the truck back again into its Usual experience peak. Equally, Small mode is built to simplicity loading and unloading, quickly reverting to Ordinary top around 8 mph. Adaptive Variable Suspension damping will also be offered, showcasing shocks that frequently modify primarily based on driving situations.

Within, Toyota has drastically improved the all round appear and really feel as opposed to the outdated Tundra. A new 14-inch touchscreen is the standout optional attribute, featuring common wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside with a new voice-operated digital assistant activated by indicating some thing like, “Hey Toyota.” Dependent on trim, the gauge cluster is either analog with a 4.1-inch display screen between dials or entirely digital with a 12.3-inch panel. There’s a bevy of upholstery solutions that change by trim amount, such as a person with colored perforations on Platinum vehicles or a type of digital camouflage sample on TRD Pro types, including one in vibrant crimson leather. That embossed camo is mimicked on the exterior plastics close to the wheels and somewhere else. We have a experience that’ll be a controversial addition.

A Multi-Terrain Keep track of is incorporated on TRD Off-Street and TRD Pro styles to show obstacles to the entrance, side or rear making use of the truck’s onboard cameras. There are also cameras to show a 360-degree overhead perspective, a glimpse at the truck bed, a hitch check out and a break up see to seem at just about every side of a trailer. Homeowners who tow will likely recognize the new electricity extending and folding side mirrors, Trailer Back Steering for electronically enhanced maneuvering and Straight Route Support, which keeps the truck backing up in a straight line.

So, there’s certainly a great deal that we know about the new 2022 Toyota Tundra. But there’s continue to some very crucial particulars we’re ready on, not the the very least of which are how significantly it will cost, how economical it will be and how it, you know, drives both equally on- and off-road. But most likely the greatest question of all is no matter whether or not this new Tundra moves the needle much ample to compete on equivalent footing with the very best fullsize trucks from Detroit. 

Toyota appears to be content not to chase class-foremost abilities, relying in its place on its sturdy (and very well-deserved) track record for durability, uniquely in-your-facial area patterns and its top-quality knowledge with hybrid powertrains. Fortunately, we hope to get the answers to most concerns within just the next month or so.