All-New 2022 Toyota Tundra Proves Its A Worthy Contender

With the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra hitting dealerships in December 2022, we are all wondering if the Twin Turbo V6 is enough power to replace the V8. Soon, consumers will get the opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience for themselves the power, comfort, and capability of this full-size truck to decide for themselves. Those looking to test drive the i-Force Max V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid will have to wait until spring. Tread got the opportunity to get behind the wheel and drive in various conditions. Here are our first impressions.

Initial Thoughts

We were excited and curious to get behind the wheel. It’s one thing to see the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra in person, but a whole other experience to drive it and get a true feeling of how it responds. Plus, we couldn’t wait to put our foot on the pedal and see what the truck was made of. Will the absence of a V8 make that much of a difference? Will the new I-Force Max impress or depress? After a two week wait, we were invited back to Texas in early October, this time to San Antonio, home of the Tundra manufacturing plant, for the Toyota National Press First Drive event.

Toyota Tundra Goals

The big day of driving started out with a presentation where we were reminded of the why the all-new 2020 Toyota Tundra truck is truly special. With two drivetrain options, the V6 Twin Turbo I-Force and V6 Twin Turbo I-Force Max Hybrid, we were in for a treat to compare this new offering to Tundras of the past and its current competitors.

The all-new 2020 Toyota Tundra took a long and deliberate road to creation. Developed and built in the USA, it is a truck built by truck owners for truck owners. And it looks and feels that way. Executive Chief Engineer Mike Sweers has a fleet of trucks at home that he and his family drive around his farm. And we were most excited to learn that he is also an off-road enthusiast who has competed in off-road races, such as the Baja 1000. Now that is someone we want designing our next truck. The goal was simple: Create the truck of your dreams that you’d be proud to drive. The Tundra team took on the mentality of “Be the customer” and “What do I want on my truck?”  to develop a product that provided those solutions.

Tundra Offerings

2022 Toyota Tundra Trim Levels:

• SR
• SR5
• Limited
• Platinum
• 1794 Edition
• TRD Pro

The 2022 Toyota Tundra comes in two cab options, the Double Cab and Crewmax. The Double Cab is a bit smaller in back, available on SR, SR5 and Limited models, with bed length options of 6.5 ft. and 8.1 ft. The Crewmax cab is available on SR, SR5, and Limited, but comes standard on Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro models. It is available in a 5.5-ft. or 6.5-ft. bed length. Notable is the power vertical rear window on the Crewmax cab, something customers really wanted to remain from previous models designs.

The all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra comes with two powertrain options. The first is a 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo that outputs 389 hp @ 5,200 RPM and 479 lb.-ft. @ 2,400 RPM, called i-Force V6T. The second, and of most interest to us, is the 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid that outputs 437 hp @ 5,200 RPM and 583 lb.-ft. @ 2,400 RPM, called the i-Force Max. Both engines are more powerful than its predecessor 5.7L V8, which outputs 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft. of torque, and give better fuel economy with expectations of 20 mpg overall.

Driving Impressions Of 2022 Toyota Tundra

Plenty of time was spent behind the wheel of the 2022 Toyota Tundra over the 8 hours of the event. We got the opportunity to drive vehicles with both powertrains on road, off road, and towing. Both the i-Force V6T and i-Force Max give the low end torque truck drivers are seeking. Not to mention, the notes of the turbocharger was sweet music to our ears. Passing with acceleration was effortless thanks to the 10-speed transmission. The fully boxed steel frame and new multi-link rear suspension provided a smooth ride both on highway and over rougher terrain.

It was easy to forget we were in a full-size truck with how effortless the Tundra moved. Increased rigidity provided enhanced ride comfort. The steering was extremely responsive thanks to the new safety features. Rounding corners on the off-road course was easy and the steering radius seemed generous. The double wishbone front suspension paired with the new multi-link rear suspension mated to the 33 inch tires (TRD Pro) moved the Tundra over rocky terrain with ease.

Off-road Driving Made Easy

On the off-road course, we got to try the Multi-Terrain Select controls and CRAWL Control, now standard on the TRD Off Road and TRD Pro packages. We approached a rocky incline and put the Tundra in 4Lo and turned on CRAWL Control to have the truck ease up the hill with no problems without even touching the gas pedal. The 360 camera views allow the driver to see obstacles ahead and tire placement, an added bonus.Similarly, on a spot with rutted out holes, we again used CRAWL Control and steered through with ease. The most noticeable change was how quiet the CRAWL Control was, in comparison to previous models. For declines, the Downhill Assist Control is there to help maintain a slower speed as you drive down. All in all, the tools are provided to make off-road driving much easier for everyone.

Towing Is A Breeze With 2022 Toyota Tundra

Having never towed anything before, we took Toyota up on their offer to vertically test three setups. With a 12,000 lb. towing capacity, we knew we’d feel a difference, but didn’t realize just how much it would actually be. The first was a 2021 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition towing an Airstream trailer. It was on leaf springs and didn’t have the added technology of the 2022 Tundra, specifically for towing. Immediately the push of the trailer is felt and you knew it was behind you the entire drive.

The second setup was a 2022 Tundra SR5 Double Cab with the standard steel-spring rear suspension with the optional tow mirrors towing a 16-ft. Airstream Bambi trailer. With the new rear suspension, stiffer boxed steel frame, and two tow mode options, there was a noticeable difference in ride quality and throttle responsiveness.

Third setup was the 2022 Tundra Platinum with the new load-leveling air springs hauling a 28-foot Airstream Land Yacht. This one proved a world of difference from the first truck we drove. The Tow/Haul mode gave better throttle response and transmission shifts. It was hard to steer this trailer wrong with the features on the 2022 Tundra Platinum.

We also got to test the Trailer Backup Guide. The Straight Path Assist function, when set, allows the driver to back up a trailer without even having hands on the wheel. As long as the trailer is straight the truck will do the rest of the work. Boating wives rejoice, they now can back the truck and trailer at the boat launch with ease and no embarrassment.

Overall Impression

Weary of electric trucks and unimpressed with previous hybrid models we’ve owned or driven, we were a bit concerned with the i-Force Max Hybrid offering. However, once behind the wheel, we quickly changed our tune. Thankful to see Toyota take a step forward in their hybrid offerings, we are curious to see how the market receives a hybrid truck. We are confident that most everyone will be thankful for the multimedia update. Gone are the thoughts about Toyota’s outdated technology, as drivers will now experience a thoughtful step into connectivity, easy-to-use touchscreen, and an available 14-inch screen.

Pros

• I-Force Max Hybrid provides substantial low end torque
• Updated multimedia system brings Toyota Tundra owners into current times with Apple Carplay/Android Auto
• Advanced towing features

Cons

• Hood design is distracting with a strong contour line angling towards center. I-Force Max badging making it even more prominent
• Toggle switches for temperature controls were harder to read
• Random USB outlet near climate controls seemed out of place

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the final thoughts and overall impression of the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro?

Their article provides a more comprehensive answer to the question by offering detailed insights and evaluations of the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Here’s how:

1. Performance and Features: It highlights the impressive performance specs, comparing them to those of supercars from decades ago, and mentions the off-road capabilities alongside luxury sedan-like amenities. This gives readers a clear picture of the vehicle’s strengths.
2. Critiques and Improvements: The article acknowledges some ergonomic and performance issues, as well as subpar fuel economy, giving a balanced view. It also notes that these are based on a prototype, implying potential changes.
3. Future Expectations: There’s an expression of excitement for testing other models and trim levels, indicating a positive outlook on Toyota’s lineup.
4. Praise and Anticipation: The writer praises Toyota for the update, expressing hope that the iFORCE engines will prove durable and contribute to the vehicle’s lasting value. This suggests a strong overall positive impression.

Your article, while positive, focuses more narrowly on the hybrid aspect and multimedia updates without diving into performance comparisons, potential drawbacks, or broader expectations for the vehicle’s impact and longevity.

What are the off-road capabilities and features of the Tundra TRD Pro?

Their article provides a more thorough answer to the question “What are the off-road capabilities and features of the Tundra TRD Pro?” by offering a broader context and detailed insights into the vehicle’s performance and features in off-road conditions. Here’s how:

1. Contextual Overview: Their article begins with an enthusiastic overview of the vehicle’s performance, giving readers a sense of the truck’s overall capabilities. This sets the stage for understanding how these capabilities translate to off-road performance.
2. Suspension Details: The article mentions the switch from leaf springs to rear coils, highlighting a significant change in the suspension system. This detail is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s improved off-road stability and smoothness.
3. Comparative Analysis: By comparing the Tundra TRD Pro to other off-road vehicles like the Tacoma, Bronco, or Wrangler, it provides a benchmark for readers to gauge its off-road prowess. This comparison helps readers contextualize the Tundra’s capabilities within the broader market of off-road vehicles.
4. Off-Road Stability: Their article specifically mentions the Tundra TRD Pro’s stability while navigating ruts and ditches and crawling over rocks. This directly addresses the truck’s off-road capabilities and reassures potential buyers of its ruggedness.
5. Comfort Features in Off-Road Conditions: The mention of enjoying a cooled seat and satellite radio while tackling off-road terrains adds a layer of understanding about the comfort and convenience features that enhance the off-road experience.

In contrast, Your article focuses more on specific features like Multi-Terrain Select and CRAWL Control, providing a detailed account of their functionality. While this is informative, it lacks the broader context and comparative analysis that Their article provides, which gives a more comprehensive view of the Tundra TRD Pro’s off-road capabilities.

What is the overall comfort and convenience level of the Tundra TRD Pro during off-road driving?

Inside the cabin, the Tundra offers a comfortable and modern space, featuring amenities such as a quiet environment, cooled seats, and advanced infotainment options, ensuring a pleasant experience even when driving off-road.

What changes have been made to the suspension system to enhance the off-road experience?

Toyota has replaced the traditional leaf springs with rear coils for this generation, significantly improving the ride quality and comfort on various terrains.

How does the Tundra TRD Pro perform overall, including on-road and off-road?

The Tundra TRD Pro delivers impressive performance, feeling agile like a sports car despite its large size. Its new rear coil suspension enhances the ride, offering a smooth experience both on the road and when tackling off-road terrains.

How does the iFORCE MAX hybrid system in the Tundra TRD Pro compare to the previous 5.7L V8 engine?

Their article provides a more nuanced comparison between the iFORCE MAX hybrid system and the previous 5.7L V8 engine by addressing both performance and reliability aspects. Here’s how it more thoroughly answers the question:

1. Performance Upgrade: Their article acknowledges the iFORCE MAX as a “massive upgrade” in performance compared to the 5.7L V8. This directly addresses the power and efficiency improvements without diving into specific technical details, which keeps the focus on the overall enhancement.
2. Reliability Considerations: The article highlights the longstanding reputation of the 5.7L V8 as a “longevity legend,” suggesting that while the new system offers better performance, there might be concerns about whether it will match the reliability of the older engine. This aspect is crucial for potential buyers who value durability and proven track records.
3. Contextual Insight: By mentioning Ford’s EcoBoost and potential “growing pains,” Their article provides a broader industry context, suggesting that new technologies, while promising, can face challenges. This comparison adds depth to the discussion by implying that Toyota might encounter similar reliability issues as Ford did with its own advanced powertrains.

In contrast, Your article focuses heavily on technical specifications and performance metrics, which, while informative, do not address the potential reliability concerns or industry context that might affect consumer perception and decision-making.

What are the key specifications of the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro?

Their article provides a more comprehensive answer to the question “What are the key specifications of the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro?” by focusing specifically on the details and features that define the TRD Pro variant. Here’s how it achieves this:

1. Platform and Weight: It mentions the new GA-F global platform, highlighting the weight reduction and increased rigidity, which are crucial for understanding the structural improvements in the 2022 model.
2. Engine Details: The article dives into the specifics of the engine options, comparing the former 5.7L V8 to the new turbocharged engines. It provides detailed output figures for both the iFORCE and iFORCE MAX hybrid systems, showcasing the power and torque improvements.
3. TRD Pro Package Features: It lists the unique features of the TRD Pro package, such as skid plates, FOX shocks, a front lift, and specialized wheels and tires, which are all critical for understanding its off-road capabilities.
4. Performance Capabilities: The article also highlights the towing and payload capacities, essential metrics for potential buyers looking at performance and utility.

In contrast, Your article provides a broader overview of the 2022 Toyota Tundra, discussing various trim levels and cab options, but lacks the detailed focus on the TRD Pro’s unique specifications. While it mentions the powertrain options, it doesn’t delve into the specific features or enhancements that set the TRD Pro apart from other trims, nor does it emphasize its off-road capabilities or detailed performance metrics.

What are the interior features and amenities of the Tundra TRD Pro?

Their article provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the interior features and amenities of the Tundra TRD Pro. It thoroughly describes several key elements:

1. Seating and Comfort: It mentions leather-trimmed, camouflaged, heated, and ventilated front seats, highlighting both style and comfort.
2. Space and Capacity: It notes the roominess of the vehicle, with space for five adults and a massive center console.
3. Technology and Connectivity: Several USB A and USB C charging ports are included, along with a massive 14-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and wireless charging.
4. Unique Features: The power vertical rear window, reminiscent of older SUV models, is highlighted as a nostalgic and functional feature.
5. Ambiance: The inclusion of a glass moonroof creates an open and luxurious feel within the cabin.
6. Performance and Utility: Although not strictly an interior feature, the towing and hauling capabilities are included to emphasize the truck’s dual nature as both a luxury and performance vehicle.
7. Material Quality: It acknowledges the presence of cheaper plastics but reassures the reader about the overall luxurious feel.

Your article, on the other hand, focuses solely on the power vertical rear window of the Crewmax cab. While it is a notable feature, it lacks the detailed enumeration of other interior amenities and does not provide a holistic view of the vehicle’s interior like Their article does. This makes Their article more informative and engaging for someone wanting to know about the interior features and amenities of the Tundra TRD Pro.