Tested: 2022 Toyota Tundra

Let’s face it, the Toyota Tundra had aged since its introduction in 2007 – 15 years ago! During that period, the competition has gone through several updates. The third generation Tundra is not only overdue – but welcome!

The 2022 Toyota Tundra has been updated from road to roof, and bumper to bumper.

It starts with a new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame. Everything attached to it is new: redesigned body, aluminum-reinforced composite bed, engine, transmission, suspension, and steering.

The new Tundra once again comes in Double or Crew Cab configurations, each with two box lengths. But there are two additions to the lineup – the availability of a hybrid drivetrain and two-wheel-drive version. Previously the Tundra had only been available in 4 x 4 format.

It took a while, but the update was certainly complete! The design is fresh, but easily recognized as a Tundra.

The big news for loyal buyers will be the loss of the V8 engine. But, rest assured that is a loss only in terms of the number of cylinders involved – and that lovely exhaust note of the old eight.

The new Tundra, comes with a twin-turbo 3.5 -litre V6.  It belts out a stout 389-horsepower and 479 lb. ft. of torque. That compares to 381-horses and 401 lb. ft. from the V8. Want more? Opt for the optional hybrid powertrain and you get 437 ponies in the corral, and a whopping 583 lb. ft. of torque.

That jump in torque is important because torque is what trucks depend on. Think of torque as pulling power. Horsepower numbers are great for advertising, but have very little to do with every day, real-world performance. If you use your truck for actual work, pulling or carrying, you depend on torque.

The Tundra CrewMax tester could tow 11,200 pounds and carry 1,940 lbs, increases of 17% and 11% over the old V8.

The V6 also allows improved fuel economy – on paper. It has improved, but like the outgoing Tundra, this one will not have you bragging about your real-world mileage.

Fastened to the back of that new turbocharged V6 is a 10-speed automatic transmission, a considerable upgrade from the six-speed used previously.

This state-of-the-art transmission will be appreciated by those who use their Tundra for towing.

It comes with two tow/haul modes for light or heavy rigs. The hybrid sandwiches an electric motor/generator in between the engine and transmission. It gets power from a battery pack located under the rear seats and allows the truck to run on its battery alone at lower speeds.

The new Tundra is considerably more pleasant to drive than the old.

The turbocharged engine provides loads of low-end grunt, hustling the big truck away from rest with complete ease. Keep your foot in it, and 100 km/hr comes up in about 6.5 seconds, impressive for a 6,000 lb. vehicle!

The extra gears in the transmission and electrically-controlled shifts make for a smooth transition, and the right gear for every situation. The new independent rear suspension makes for a considerable improvement in ride quality.

The interior of the new Tundra has been similarly upgraded, brought up to current technology standards.

As expected from Toyota, fit, finish and material quality are first rate. Like all full-size four-door pickups, there is a tremendous amount of space for rear seat occupants. There are lots of storage options in the rear, including generous space under the seat. The full-width roll-down rear windows is a nice touch, and contributes to a spacious feel.

The tester featured a massive 36-cm infotainment screen and the first appearance of the new Toyota Multimedia system, with five-times more processing power than the previous generation. It is controlled by voice or touch and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The high-resolution display has crisp graphics, and is quick in responding to inputs.

Finally, a new Tundra! The third generation Tundra is a full-size pickup likely to showcase the quality and reliability its predecessor earned. Toyota went to great lengths improve the Texas-built truck. Every piece, panel, nut and bolt is new.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2022 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Platinum

PRICE

Base: $72,990

As tested: $76,2111 including freight

INFOTAINMENT

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 12-speaker JBL audio system, 36-cm infotainment screen, satellite and HD radio

SAFETY

Pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, blind spot monitoring, oncoming pedestrian detection braking, lane tracing assist, left turn oncoming vehicle detection/braking, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision system with emergency steering assist, pedestrian/cyclist and night-time pedestrian detection, LED headlights

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Composite bed, leather seats, 10-way power heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, power rear window, power locks, smart key with push button start, tailgate release switch, trailer backup guide with straight path assist, 120-volt outlet in cargo bed, dual zone automatic climate control, heated power tilt & telescope steering wheel, heads up display, 20-inch alloy wheels

OPTIONS

Platinum 1794 package, $1,200; – automatic transmission

MECHANICAL

Twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6, 389-horsepower, 479 lb.ft. of torque. Ten-speed automatic transmission, part-time four-wheel-drive with two-speed transfer case, NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway):13.5/10.6

DIMENSIONS

Length, 5,934-mm; wheelbase, 3,701-mm, width, 2,032-mm; weight, 2,630-kg

COMPETITION

Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500