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American full-size trucks are constantly evolving and Toyota did not seem to mind, judging by the stagnation of the Toyota Tundra between 2007 and 2021. The manufacturer did however arrive with a whole new generation of trucks in 2022, a vehicle much more modern, to try to gain market share in this lucrative segment. As a result Toyota presented the 2022 Tundra with greater capacity, more performance and more comfort.
The Engine and Power
The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro i-Force Max Hybrid is a new entrant in the pickup truck market that offers a unique hybrid powertrain. Compared to the Ford F-150 Powerboost, the Tundra hybrid has slightly more power and torque, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor adds an additional 48 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the Tundra hybrid is a bit slower than the F-150 Powerboost due to its heavy weight of 6,000 pounds, it still accelerates quickly.
The Tundra hybrid can drive solely on electricity in certain situations, such as starting from a stop or maintaining a low speed in a city environment. However, the electric motor is not powerful enough to maintain high speeds or carry heavy loads, so the gasoline engine will kick in for these scenarios.
The Tundra hybrid has a fuel economy rating of 19 MPG combined and 18/20 city/highway respectively. These numbers are good for a 6,000-pound pickup truck, but the F-150 hybrid has better fuel economy ratings. My average number at the end of a week-long test drive was 16.4 miles per gallon combined. However, I have to confess that I did a lot of city stop and go driving.
The i-FORCE MAX is a hybrid powertrain system that combines a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor generator and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provides power to the wheels, while the electric motor generator assists the engine and can also generate electricity to recharge the battery.
The twin-turbo V6 engine is designed to deliver high-performance and efficiency, with the electric motor providing additional power when needed. The motor generator is also able to capture energy from regenerative braking, which would otherwise be lost, and convert it into electricity to recharge the battery.
The 10-speed automatic transmission is designed to efficiently transfer power from the engine and electric motor to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to accelerate smoothly and efficiently. The transmission is also designed to provide a wide range of gear ratios to optimize the power delivery for different driving situations, such as cruising at high speeds or accelerating from a standstill.
Overall, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain system is designed to provide a balance of performance, efficiency, and environmental friendliness by combining the power of a traditional internal combustion engine with the efficiency of an electric motor.
The Tundra TRD Pro package turns the Tundra hybrid into a capable off-road pickup truck with larger sway bars, front skid plates, 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass dampers, a 1.1-inch front lift, 18-inch BBS forged wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a TRD dual-tip exhaust. It also has crawl control and downhill assist control for slow-speed off-roading. The Fox dampers provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing too much off-road performance, but the truck's width and long wheelbase may be a challenge on narrow paths.
Exterior Design
The first aspect that strikes with the 2022 Toyota Tundra is definitely the much more assertive style thanks to this huge grille, these unstructured LED headlights with strip of daytime running lights and these sculpted wheel arches.
The design approach is imposing, muscular and above all customizable with the radiator grille that changes from one version to another, the chrome that is eliminated from certain versions and the different cabin and body configurations offered. Buyers will have two cab choices, the extended Double Cab and the larger cab named CrewMax, and three bed choices, 5.5, 6.5 and 8.1 feet.
The new generation benefits from a more rigid closed box frame, wider in the rear part and fitted with reinforced cross members. According to Toyota, the rigidity of the body is thus improved, as is the comfort of the passenger compartment and the ease of towing. The Tundra is capable of towing up to 12,000 pounds.
These upgrades also benefit from the presence of an all-new multi-link rear suspension with coil springs, similar to that found in the Ram 1500 . According to Mike Sweers, chief engineer for the 2022 Toyota Tundra, the purpose behind this suspension is to prevent drivers from feeling like they're driving a truck. However, since this type of suspension does not offer the same resistance to body weight and towing, the Tundra can also be equipped with an air rear suspension that allows the body to be leveled despite the load. The setting can be adjusted automatically or manually.
The front suspension also switches to a double wishbone setup to improve handling and stability. The steering is finally electrically assisted, a novelty that allows the Tundra to integrate various driving assistance systems, such as lane following, integrated into the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 system, standard on all vans.
Interior
The 2022 Toyota Tundra is a highly anticipated truck that offers a whole new level of comfort and convenience to its customers. The interior of the TRD Pro Tundra is especially noteworthy, with its luxurious and well-crafted features that provide an enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
Starting with the seats, the TRD Pro Tundra has very comfortable and contoured SofTex seats with the TRD Pro logo emblazoned on them. The front seats are power, and for tall people, there is a lot of front to back travel on both seats, making it easier to find the perfect driving position. Additionally, there are power lumbar controls to further enhance the seating experience.
Behind the steering wheel, there is a 12.3” color digital gauge cluster with a large speedometer and tachometer in the center, and a screen to the left that can be configured to your liking. However, the real star of the show is the massive 14” infotainment screen. This screen operates the JBL stereo, navigation system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is lightning fast and super simple to use, making it one of the best touchscreens available.
The air conditioning controls and switches for heated and cooled seats are located under the infotainment screen, and there is another row of buttons below that. This includes enabling the trailer towing mode and the absolute best 360-degree camera, which is a great safety feature to have, especially when in parking lots.
The center console is also noteworthy, as it is large and covered in leather with built-in armrests that are very comfortable. There is a hefty but short gear shifter, a wireless phone charger, USB and power ports, 4-wheel drive controls, your drive modes, auto hold button, and two cup holders.
One of the best features of the TRD Pro Tundra is its Texas-sized back seat that folds up from the bottom and top, providing ample storage space. However, in the hybrid model, the under-seat storage is taken up by the hybrid battery. Rear occupants get air conditioning vents, USB ports, power outlets, and a fold-down center armrest.
On the safety side, Tundra comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beam headlights, lane tracing assist, and road sign recognition. It also has blind spot warning to ensure the safety of all occupants.
Trims and Pricing
The 2022 Toyota Tundra comes in 10 trims, ranging in price from $37,745 for the base SR trim to $76,025 for the Capstone Hybrid trim. The entry-level SR trim has more standard features than its domestic rivals, including a 379-hp twin-turbo V-6 and a coil-spring rear suspension. The recommended trim to purchase is the SR5 with the TRD Off-Road package, which includes upgrades to the suspension, wheels, and other features.
The pricing of the Tundra may fluctuate by the time you read this review. My test-drive vehicle, the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro i-Force Max, came with a total price tag of $68,860 MSRP.
Here are the trims of the 2022 Toyota Tundra, along with their prices:
- SR - $37,745
- SR5 - $43,250
- Limited - $49,345
- Limited Hybrid - $54,795
- Platinum - $59,485
- 1794 Edition - $60,185
- Platinum Hybrid - $62,885
- 1794 Edition Hybrid - $63,915
- TRD Pro Hybrid - $69,300
- Capstone Hybrid - $76,025
Drive
The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD offers a driving experience that exceeds expectations. The acceleration is impressive with the hybrid engine, and the cab is notably quiet, making for a comfortable ride. The Tundra's size does not hinder maneuverability, with a sharp turning radius and smooth handling due to the new multi-link rear suspension. The exhaust sound is also noteworthy, as it provides a sporty growl that is not typical of a Toyota vehicle.
As Toyota moves towards becoming a mobility company, the Tundra i-FORCE MAX fits into this vision by providing drivers with a pickup truck that has uncompromised performance while emitting fewer carbon emissions. The TRD Pro version is designed for enthusiasts, with a raised front suspension, larger skid plates, and a unique grille and body panel. The 18-inch BBS forged wheels and the absence of chrome give the truck an aggressive appearance. The TRD Pro version only comes with the hybrid engine, which is capable of meeting the demands of off-road adventures without sacrificing efficiency.
What's New for 2023 Tundra
For 2023, the Toyota Tundra has received only a few updates after being fully redesigned in the previous year. The SR5 trims now have an optional SX appearance package that comes with black and dark gray design elements for both the exterior and interior of the truck. The package features dark gray 18-inch wheels, black door handles, body trim, and rear bumper middle section. The rear 4x4 badge is also darkened, and the Tundra door badges are removed. The SX package is available with white, silver, gray, or black exterior paint options. Other than that, there are no major changes to the 2023 Tundra.
Please, let me know your opinion on the new Toyota Tundra if you are a Tundra owner. Your can share your thoughts in the comments section below without having to register, and check out my latest review of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro before you go.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
Reference: RPMWeb, Car and Driver, CarPro.
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