2022 Next-Gen Toyota Tundra Fans Torn Over Engine Options

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Submitted by Jeff Teague on January 20, 2021 - 4:43PM

Truck owners weigh in on 2022 Tundra powertrain specs. Their comments are passionate and surprising, to say the least.

One of the toughest and most reliable trucks on the planet is Toyota Tundra. Owners know they can count on Tundra, and that peace of mind is one reason original owners keep them so long.

In fact, Toyota Tundra recently placed in the Top 5 list of “Cars Owners Keep the Longest” by iSeeCars.com. An amazing 11.3% of Tundra trucks that are at least 15 years old are still being driven by the original owners.

The Top 5 vehicles were Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Sienna and Toyota Tundra. Honda CR-V was #6, by the way.

Wow.

2022 Toyota Tundra

Things are evolving and about to change in the Toyota truck world. You see, a next-generation Tundra is coming for the 2022 model year. And we really do not know much about specifics yet.

We expect an official announcement within the next month or so, but time will tell where this timeline ends up falling.

I plan on seeing a chunkier and beefier Tundra body. One that brings with it more power, more towing ability, improved mpg, more cab configurations, and a redesigned suspension system.

But what about the new engine (or engines)? People have associated Tundra with its trusty 5.7-liter engine for what seems like a lifetime. It produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. torque. Matched with an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission.

Rumors are circling. We may see a twin turbo Toyota Tundra engine. There could be a hybrid option. Maybe even keeping the 5.7 as an alternative – or a different V8.

You see, nobody outside of a tight-lipped Toyota inner circle really knows. Yet.

Fans comment on next-gen 2022 Toyota Tundra

One of the most passionate, loyal and knowledgeable fan forums around is TundraCrew. This Facebook group of over 58,000 members strong is the place to go for feedback on “everything Tundra.”

I invited TundraCrew to weigh in on potential next-gen 2022 Toyota Tundra engine possibilities, and of the potential loss of the 5.7-liter V8.

Josh commented. “I’ll buy the new Tundra and trade my 2020 in immediately if it’s what I expect it to be. Couldn’t care less about a V8 especially one that gets the worst mileage of any pickup truck. The rumors about torque and hp blow the current engine away in every category. Just a wait and see game for me.”

“5.7L ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Tried & proven.” Said Mark.

Ryan is excited and a bit hesitant to see what is next. “I can’t wait to see what Toyota has cooked up. But I also have mixed feelings about losing a tried-and-true engine.”

Michael threw in his two cents, “Give me the horsepower and torque of the V8 screw the turbos.” Jason quickly replied. “Michael, it’ll probably have more HP and torque.”

Another Michael in the group added. “I read the V6 hybrid is already in use in a couple Lexus vehicles, so not unproven. Should be 450 hp and 500 ft lb. torque, as good as 30 mpg on the highway. I am in!”

RELATED STORY: How powerful is 2021 Tundra TRD Pro?

Brad had great analysis as well. “5.7 already has plenty of HP & Torque. I’ll keep my reliability you can have your faster truck. I don’t tow often and sure as “h” didn’t buy a full-size truck for good gas mileage. Ask me how I feel about the new Tundra engines in about 300k more miles.”

Coleman commented. “I’m stoked on the TT V6 option. More power, more towing, better fuel economy. Just wish they’d bring back the RCSB to put it in. 3.5 EcoBoost F-150s will eat a 5.7 Tundra’s lunch. I love the reliability and sound of the current 5.7, but it’s time for something new, engine is 15 years old and has never excelled at anything other than the fact that it just keeps going. Toyota knows a thing or two about boosted 6-cylinders, so I don’t think longevity and reliability will be as big of an issue as they have been for Ford. Plus, if the numbers speculation is at all close, I imagine the 2022 TT V6 is gonna be on par with or better than the EcoBoost numbers.”

“More excited for real power.” Said Matthew.

Heu has a dream engine picked out. “In my dreams they offer a TT8.”

“If they put out a twin turbo v6 with a hybrid option that gets near 30 mpg I'm all in.” Chimed in a fired-up Brandon.

“Hopefully they don’t screw up the v6. I think they’ll get rid of the 5.7. Possibly v8 option all together. Glad I got my 2020 dinosaur. Hopefully, it’ll last me a long time.” I think you can count on that Justin.

Paul had other factors of importance on his mind. “Not worried about the engines. It will be what it will be. More concerned about the looks and extras.”

MORE TOYOTA NEWS: Take a look at RAV4 XSE Hybrid at night.

Steven said. “New powertrain options are great but eliminating a V8 option is brand image suicide. Toyota learned that with the T100 sales. You can make the perfect truck but it's not the total package if it doesn't have the sound of a v8 and long-term reliability that goes along with it.”

Pete has already made his purchase. “I bought a 2021 because I had been through the twin turbo thing in my F150. Nothing like a V8.”

VIDEO: Time to show off Tundra X-Series packages.

Lars is thinking a different sort of hybrid. “I’m pretty sure the new truck will be pretty fast, powerful and fuel efficient like the Fords, but with the Toyota quality.”

Time for your thoughts on Next-gen Toyota Tundra

Thanks for reading everyone.

It is fascinating reading the feedback of these Toyota Tundra fans, owners and enthusiasts. Looks like we are all waiting anxiously for news of what is next.

Time will tell for sure. I myself cannot wait.

See you next story when I discuss 2022 Next-gen Tundra and what must not change with this new truck.

Follow Jeff Teague on social media:

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Submitted by Robert Carter (not verified) on January 21, 2021 - 7:05PM

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300k on my 5.7, needed nothing so far. Oil sampling says all good. 14 mpg I'll keep it

We have ford, chevy, nissan and toyata. All are good, well maintained with quality lubricants etc...
Initial breakins are by the book, no abuse allowed. No complaints on any. The 5.3 chevy gets the best milage. The toyata has an engine certified for aircraft. Cars are nice, trucks are necessary!

Submitted by Avitechtone (not verified) on January 21, 2021 - 8:27PM

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When it comes time to replace the twin turbos at $4,000 or more a piece I don't think a V6 makes any sense at all. All for better gas mileage but don't want to pay the cost of replacing turbo's. I love my 2002 4.7 and probably will keep it until I leave this planet.

Submitted by PJ (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 12:03AM

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Love my crewmax limited 14. Power to tow what I need to tow, room for family, reliable. What else do I want? Affordability! Better backup camera options, front facing camera, locking rear diff option on all trim levels, better interior storage especially under rear seats, Hybrid v8. What I don't want? TT6 to get power, a huge screen that I have to navigate to just turn the a/c on, Panoramic roof. Give me a well balanced truck that can tow AND haul, decent mpgs. 16-18 city 22-25 highway would be understandable. But whatever you do, don't screw up the reliability. Doesn't make sense to save a few dollars on gas then have to spend hundreds on stupid repairs.

Submitted by Ray Peltz (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 12:22AM

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I bought a 2008 SR5 4x4 about a year ago with 189k miles on it. It has over 203k miles on it, the only things that have needed attention are, normal wear items, i.e. tires, brakes and front springs. I thoroughly enjoy the truck and enjoy only needing to visit the shop for normal maintenance. As a prior Jeep fan, now a Toyota fan, I no longer see my mechanic 1-2 times per week for something else breaking on my vehicle and I don't have to worry about whether my truck will start when I turn the key every time. My Tundra has never let me down. The 5.7 definitely guzzles gas but it has all the power I need and has reliability far beyond any other vehicle I've owned in the past 25 years.

If you stop and really think about it ,we've all been convinced from our ownership experiences , me for sure I've got a 3rd gen 4runner we bought new 99 4x4 v6 auto limited, today 430,000 miles timing belt water pump twice ,radiator and cooling system hoses,therm. Ect.all maintenance be me .ac. serviced twice .I'd drive it to Canada and back in a blizzard! Without a worry! The best car ever built as far as I know.my 02 4.7 tundra 533,000 miles about duplicate maintenance cost for it also .just gave it to my nephew after a full service ,rebuilt the entire suspension ,brakes new tires .with any luck I figure he will get at least 200,000 miles out of compression test showed 5 pounds difference among 8 cyl. Wow! So ,when I order my new tundra I'm going to order the top dog engine toyota offers whatever configuration it is and just TRUST Toyota ,they know a little more than me about building trucks ! They have earned all of my trust. I wont own another brand except lexus rc500!

Submitted by mwsold@gmail.com (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 12:55AM

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Love my 2013 , 4.7 would not drive any other, if the new Tundra gets a smaller engine am out keep my old V8, life is to short to think about gas, if you go out for a meal f two that's $100, I can drive from LA to AZ for that !

Submitted by Leo Vera (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 8:40AM

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Love my 1794 4x4 Tundra, it will outlast me. I will be using it as a coffin and once its all paid off I will be installing a Supercharger. Who cares about gas millage, are we running out of gas or something? I would NEVER get or recommend turbo V6 option maybe a Supercharged V8 version.

Submitted by Terry Patterson (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 9:00AM

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I bought my 2008 tundra from my son and it had 80,000 miles in it. Since then I've put 200,000 miles on top of his miles. It's the 5.7 and I've done nothing to it but regular oil changes and tires and only two tune-ups . I'm a Toyota man and we have a 2013 venza so if the new twin turbo V-6 will last as long as my 5.7 then I will get one. I will wait and see how they do before I jump on the band wagon.

Submitted by Ted Wright (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 9:15AM

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Why is everyone so concerned with fast! It only needs to go the speedlimit. As far as TT goes wait until you have to replace one and drop 2500+. Old and out dated means developed and reliable all the bugs worked out and parts availability. Biggest mistake VW made was to kill the type1 beetle.

Submitted by Claytin (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 9:57AM

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I personally have a first gen 2003 with the 4.7, one thing I've been asking for is a diesel option similar to the Nissan titan. The tundra platform has the tow specks to back it and I think toyota could do with a diesel seeing as they already have a diesel motor of there own. May increase the buyer market for those who use there trucks to tow diesel is more efficient in towing compared to it's petrol counterpart.

Reason I want a diesel is toyota has a great interior in there trucks and I like the new tundras interior. But the motor isn't what I want I bought a truck because it's a tool you use It to tow or to haul things not just go get groceries and gas just isn't as efficient as diesel when you slap another 4-5k behind the truck. And my next truck would probably be a ram if toyota doesn't put a diesel comparable to the 6.7 cummins specks.

This is just my 2 cents hope y'all feel the same. Thanks

Submitted by D (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 12:51PM

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Agree whole heatedly on the brand image suicide. An american full sized truck comes. with. a. V8.
Sure, for the sake of the environment make the v8 more efficient but dispense with this v6 heresy!

Submitted by Ron L. (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 1:45PM

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I bought my 2000 Tundra brand new in December of 1999. I Still have it, drive it most everyday. It has the first generation V8 4.7L and still performs most excellently with over 260,000 miles. I have done very little other than regular maintenance. I have replaced some coil packs and new timing belt kit at 204,000 miles. Also had it repainted to the original jade green. Gonna keep this one as long as I can, it’s been the best vehicle I’ve ever had!!

Submitted by Mick (not verified) on January 22, 2021 - 2:13PM

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Turbos don’t sound very appealing, Toyota’s hybrids have proven themselves to be reliable, would much rather see a plug-in hybrid. 30 mpg would be nice, but 25 is more realistic, which is still pretty dang good for that size of truck.

Submitted by Ed (not verified) on January 24, 2021 - 9:27AM

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5.7 with 10 speed tran1 lower gear and 3 upper gears will increase power and miles per gallon and Toyota makes the best 10 speed tran use by other brand autos

Submitted by Mike Davidson (not verified) on January 26, 2021 - 6:52PM

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Hi I have a 2012 tundra 5.7 magnetic gray with the Trd package, great truck in snow or on sand, I am in ny I take it to Florida a lot it has the bush wacker flares painted to match I would say about 8 neighbor’s bought tundras, the only thing I will say is my 1983 Corolla my daily driver the interior is stronger.

Submitted by Randy (not verified) on January 27, 2021 - 10:28PM

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let us know in local newspapers when Tundra diesels going to hit the market so that I can go to the local dealer to order mine

Submitted by Michael Johnson (not verified) on February 4, 2021 - 4:48AM

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What will be the gas mileage on the 2022 or 2033 Tundra if its 15 18 that is no good ford is killing that

Submitted by Rick Bauer (not verified) on February 14, 2021 - 2:46PM

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I towed an 8,500 Lb trailer 1,200 miles. 800 miles on I-5, and the rest on two lane roads crossing a mountain pass at 6,800 feet there and back with a 2013 F-150 XLT Soper Cab 4x4. I averaged 12.5 mpg for the entire trip. I sold Ford & Lincoln Mercury for 31 consecutive years. I have been with Toyota for about three years now. Yes !! The Tundra's are the truck that you just can't kill, and 300,000 plus thousand mile is the usual, not the exception. Please do not doubt the ability and performance of the Twin Turbo V-6. The New design Turbo's Will stand the test of time !!! and fuel mileage difference will make a believer of you in short order. I welcome the New 2022 Tundra !!!

Submitted by JJ (not verified) on May 24, 2021 - 3:55PM

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Toyota killing the reliable V8 with a Turbo V6 is a very, very bad move. They will do unnecessary damage to their stellar reputation for reliability and will most likely bring the V8 back when they recognize the error of their ways. Due to the unbelievably high rpm's a turbo turns, no lubricant can adequately protect the components in a gas engine.

Frankly, I have no plans to ever drive an electric or hybrid, unless they are comparable in power, range and torque with a 5 minute charging time. I don't see that happening in my lifetime.