While Toyota’s mid-size Tacoma pickup truck continues to be at the top of the sales chart in the US for years, a larger Tundra struggles in the best-selling full-size, half-ton class. With average annual sales of around 110, 000 examples in the last decade the full-size Tundra hasn’t achieved the brand’s projection of 200, 000 units sold annually. However, despite it hasn’t met the brand’s expectations Toyota’s full-sizer is still an important model for the brand and it will soon enter the new generation. The current, second-generation has been around since 2007 and the 2022 Toyota Tundra version will initialize the next generation of the model.
Based on what we know so far, the redesigned Tundra will arrive on the brand’s new global truck platform that should underpin all brand’s trucks including the global Hilux and truck-based SUVs. Alongside the new underpinning, the model should also go on sale with a tough new look. The model should also benefit from improved in-cab comfort and the newest tech and safety features. Reports also indicate that the all-new Tundra should use a new turbocharged V-6 engine that should also be used in the hybrid setup. The model will again be available in various cab styles and different equipment groups including the off-road-focused versions and premium-equipped trim.
2022 Toyota Tundra: Design
The all-new, third-generation 2022 Toyota Tundra should employ the brand’s new ladder-chassis architecture that should underpin all Toyota-badged pickup trucks including the Tacoma and global Hilux as well as the truck-based SUVs such as the upcoming all-new, full-size Sequoia. The new platform dubbed F1 should have an improved structural rigidity but be lighter thanks to the use of more high-tensile steel and lightweight alloys. The new architecture will also support electrified powertrains.
At the styling level, the redesigned Toyota Tundra should come with a radically new and tough look as the spy photos and leaked details suggest. The front-end of the model will get a radically new treatment with a more aggressive grille and headlights style. The grille will keep horizontally oriented slats but comes in the reshaped form and with a robust frame that expends to the front bumper area. The new Tundra will also get attention with the new, sharp headlights with redesigned Y-shaped signature lighting.
While the front-end will feature a more aggressive style, the profile of the model seems to have sleeker body sculpting. The models’ fender flares seem to have an SUV-like style as is the case with the recently all-new Ram and Chevy models and door paneling is also smoother than on the current version.
The rear of the model will also get new taillights and tailgate likely with a multi-functional design.
Interior, Equipment:
The redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra should also come with radical changes inside the cabin. The model should introduce a redesigned dash with a driver-focused design and reconfigured controls. The model’s in-cab functionality and comfort should also be improved further compared to the current-generation version.
The all-new Tundra should also introduce a new large touchscreen option likely a 12.3-inch unit. Every version will employ Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. The model will also be available with a Wi-Fi connection and a JBL sound system. Toyota will also equip every version with the Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, etc. Upgrades will include surround-view cameras with an underbody unit installed on the off-road-focused versions.
Upper grades will also offer premium comfort features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats and more.
2022 Toyota Tundra: Powertrains
Toyota abandoned a base 4.6-liter V-8 engine for the 2020 model year and the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra should also ax the currently used 5.7-liter V-8 engine. The new-generation model should use a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that is found under the hood of the Lexus LS sedan. In the sedan application, the engine produces 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Engine’s tunning should be different in the truck’s application.
The next-generation Tundra should also introduce a hybrid setup based on the mentioned V-6 engine. The output should be around 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque with 30+ mpg of drive range.
The redesigned Tundra will also benefit from the improved chassis and reconfigured suspension. There will again be the TRD-badged, off-road-ready versions with the specific suspension and drivetrain upgrades.
2022 Toyota Tundra: Release, Price
The redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra should reach dealers in the last quarter of 2021 with a slightly increased price. The actual version costs from $33, 675.
