2022 Toyota ThundraOverview

The full-size pickup truck segment is dominated by domestic
automakers, but the 2022 Toyota Tundra appeals to a slightly different
audience, especially Toyota loyalists. Most half-ton pickups have a firm,
albeit primitive, leaf spring rear suspension. The Tundra features coil springs
that make it the best to ride and drive. Plus, it can still tow up to 12,000
pounds and comes standard with a suite of driver assists. Unlike its domestic
rivals, the Tundra is not available with a V-8. Gasp! The only engine option is
a twin-turbo V-6 that makes 348 or 389 horsepower, depending on trim.

 A hybrid
version is also available that’s good for 437 horsepower, but we review that
model separately. With a cabin that’s considerably nicer than its predecessor
and an infotainment system that offers a 14.0-inch touchscreen, the 2022 Tundra
has plenty of reasons to compete with the Americans.

 

What is new in the 2022 Toyota Thundra?

Toyota gives the Tundra a much-needed, complete redesign while the
previous generation remains largely unchanged since its debut in 2007. 150, the
Ram 1500, the Chevy Silverado 1500, and the GMC Sierra 1500.

 The new Tundra is
still not expected to outsell any of these alternatives, but its numerous
improvements should make it more competitive and desirable when it hits
dealerships. Winter

Pricing
and Which One to Buy:

Trim Level	Price
SR	$37,745
SR5	$43,250
Limited	$49,345
Platinum	$59,485
1794 Edition	$60,185

The starting price
of the 2022 Tundra is higher than its domestic rivals. However, Toyota’s
entry-level SR trim has more desirable standard features, including a 379-hp
twin-turbo V-6 and a coil spring rear suspension. Our guess is to get the SR5
with the TRD Off-Road Package, which brings an electronically locking rear
differential, unique wheels, upgraded suspension, and other additions.

 

Engines,
Transmissions, and Performance

The 2022 Toyota
Thundra has a towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds, which is slightly less
than other full-size trucks. The F-150 Toyota Thundra, for example, can tow up
to 1,000 pounds. The Tundra also has a payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. Again,
several other half-ton pickups can carry more weight in their cargo bed, with
the Ford reaching a payload of 3250 pounds.

 

Fuel economy and
real-world MPG

With the non-hybrid
powertrain, the two-wheel-drive Tundra is rated for 20 mpg city and 24 mpg
highway. Four-wheel drive lowers those figures by 1 mpg. On our 75 mph highway
route, part of our extensive testing regimen, the Tundra Limited delivered just
19 mpg.

Interior, comfort,
and cargo

Inside, the Tundra
has a small dashboard with prominent air vents and a thick, smooth center
section that connects the door panels. The materials used on the center
console, dash and doors are much better than those used in the previous
generation. Of course, quality also increases with trim levels, with the
top-of-the-line 1794 Edition sporting attractive wood accents. There is a
digital gauge cluster. The Tundra comes in 2 body styles with 3 different cargo
bed lengths. Extended cabs are available with a 6.5- or 8.1-foot bed. The Crew
Cab (aka Crew Max) is offered with a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed. is the only
full-size pickup truck that isn’t available with a V-8 engine. Instead, it’s
offered only with a twin-turbo V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

 This
engine comes in three different capacities. On the base SR trim, the engine
produces 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Otherwise, it makes 389
horses and 479 lb-ft. At our test track, our Limited test truck delivered a
6.1-second zero-to-60-mph time. The rear suspension is also changed from its
predecessor, which previously used a leaf spring setup. The Tundra now uses a
more refined coil-spring rear suspension that improves its ride and handling
qualities. This was evident from the versions we’ve played. Toyota continues to
offer the popular TRD Offroad and TRD Sport packages. The first includes an
off-road suspension, skid plates, and unique wheels. The latter includes
lowered suspension and 20-inch wheels. Those looking for even more off-road
capabilities will want the TRD Pro, which includes a lifted suspension and
special dampers, as well as a special set of black 18-inch wheels mounted on
all-terrain tires.

 There’s also a hybrid version of the Tundra that makes 437
horses and 583 pound-feet and trims the zero to 60 mph time to just 5.7
seconds. We review this model separately.

Towing
and payload capacity

The 2022 Toyota
Thundra has a towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds, which is slightly less
than other full-size trucks. The F-150 Toyota Thundra, for example, can tow up
to 1,000 pounds. The Tundra also has a payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. Again,
several other half-ton pickups can carry more weight in their cargo bed, with
the Ford reaching a payload of 3250 pounds.