The All-New 2022 Toyota Tundra
Pickup trucks are a hot-selling style and a common site on American roads. Generations of drivers fall in love with them again and again. While the Detroit Big Three automakers have long ruled the full-size pickup segment, they are facing stout competition in the modern market.
It doesn’t get any more competitive than the 2022 Toyota Tundra. It’s the Tundra’s first redesign in 14 years – much of the competition is on their second or third redesign in that time period. While the Tundra has never been the top-seller, it has carved out a niche for itself as the full-size pickup truck that holds its resale value better than any other truck on the market. It’s become known for being the most reliable and durable truck on the market today – but what else does it have going for it?
Performance Features
The new 2022 Toyota Tundra is doing away with the V8 powertrain, the first full-size pickup to do so. That doesn’t mean it’s losing any power though! The base twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine produces up to 389 horsepower and 479 ft-lb of torque, running through a new 10-speed automatic transmission. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, it can pull 1,800 pounds more than the outgoing model. Also available in the 2022 Tundra is the i-FORCE MAX, a hybrid unit that uses a similar 3.5-liter engine but combines it with mild hybrid power. This isn’t a hybrid built for fuel economy – it’s built for superior power, generating 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
It’s not just more power, but a better ride with improved handling that gives the new Tundra a leg up. Upgrading from rear leaf springs to coil springs offers a more comfortable ride. Combining this with a much stiffer frame provides for better agility and less body roll in tight curves. Drivers looking for the ultimate ride can opt for the adaptive variable suspension for an even smoother and more responsive experience. Choose from rear- and four-wheel drive, and add on TOW/HAUL mode select and Drive Mode Select with up to six selectable driving modes on select models.
Style and Technology
Unlike many redesigns, this one is clear from the outside. The exterior design of the 2022 Toyota Tundra shares almost no similarities to the outgoing model. A new hexagonal grille, pronounced wheel arches, and muscular sheet metal have brought the Tundra in line with the macho design language of its competitors – although, side by side, the Tundra still manages to be a little more subtle about it than its rivals. A tuck in the tailgate adds some sporty touches to the rear end.
The interior has also received a redesign, improving on features as well as spaciousness. A broad horizontal dash makes it easy to get in and out of, while the center console-mounted shift lever and the rest of the cab’s interior controls have been designed for easy operation even by drivers and passengers who are wearing work gloves. You can choose from a Double Cab or CrewMax Cab – both seat five, although the rear seats in the Double Cab are limited to 33.3 inches of legroom versus 41.6 in the CrewMax. That’s the difference between kids or adults fitting back there. The rear seat in both can be folded up for additional in-cab storage compartments. For the bed, the Double Cab can be equipped with a 6.5- or 8.1-foot aluminum-reinforced composite bed, while the CrewMax gets a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed.
No modern vehicle is complete without the latest technology, and the Tundra is no exception. A touchscreen audio multimedia system is standard on all the models – choose from a base 8-inch version or an upgraded 14-inch version. A variety of cameras are offered, along with auxiliary power outlets including the usual 12V, but also a 120V AC outlet on select trims. Multiple USB ports are included, and as with almost every vehicle today, the Tundra features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration across the board.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 and the Star Safety System combine to provide the 2022 Toyota Tundra with the highest level of advanced safety features of any truck on the market today. This means, on top of the standard eight airbags and backup camera, you get PreCollision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist all standard. A. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and trailer detection are also both optional.
Trim Levels
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 and the Star Safety System combine to provide the 2022 Toyota Tundra with the highest level of advanced safety features of any truck on the market today. This means, on top of the standard eight airbags and backup camera, you get PreCollision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist all standard. A. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and trailer detection are also both optional.
At the base SR level, you get limited amenities but still more than enough to elevate it above the basic work truck. In the Double Cab, you get an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription, and six speakers – CrewMax models get nine speakers instead. Heated sideview mirrors are standard on every trim level.
Stepping up to the SR5 trim level, the 8-inch touchscreen is standard, although you can upgrade to the 14-inch touchscreen if you want. Dual-zone automatic climate control is optional, Drive Mode Select with three selectable drive modes is standard on SR5 trims and above. The SR5 trim mainly opens up the ability to add multiple option packages – unlike the base SR, which is pretty much “what you see is what you get.”
The 2022 Toyota Tundra Limited and above get the 14-inch touchscreen as standard. You can upgrade this to a premium JBL® audio system with 12 speakers including subwoofer and amplifier. Both a power tilt/slide moonroof and panoramic roof are offered at this trim level. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on this trim and above, as are heated and ventilated front seats. A leather shift knob and leather-trimmed, heated steering wheel are standard.
Focusing mainly on off-road performance, the TRD Pro model features many of the amenities of the Limited, but with additional off-roading capabilities and unique style features. However, that premium JBL® audio system is standard on this trim and above, and you also get QI-compatible wireless charging to keep your cell phone at full power. The Pro gets unique smoke-finished premium LED headlights, along with an LED light bar and marker lights for superior off-road illumination and unique TRD skid plates, exhaust tips, and front springs. TRD décor is standard inside and out, including interior and exterior badging along with unique floor mats, steering wheel, and upholstery. A panoramic moonroof is standard on the Pro and all higher trim levels.
The Tundra Platinum Trim brings leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats to the mix – and they are both heated and ventilated for optimum comfort in all seasons. Outside, you get premium LED headlights and taillights. Add a 10-inch color Head-Up Display with speedometer and navigation so you never have to take your eyes off the road ahead. Standard on this trim and the 1794 Edition is a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel – all others have manual adjustability. This trim also can be upgraded to six-mode Drive Mode Select, adding Comfort, Sport S+, and Custom modes. Rear door sunshades keep the sun out of the eyes of your rear seat passengers.
If you’re looking for a western nod in the Tundra, the 1794 trim takes everything the Platinum offers and adds a folksy, open range twist to it. The name itself is a nod to the year the JLC Ranch, one of the oldest ranches in Texas, was founded – the ranch that is now the home of Toyota’s San Antonio factory where the Tundra is made. The 1794 features almost all the same equipment as the Platinum trim. It does receive unique 1794 Edition badging inside and out, along with walnut wood-grain interior trim and special 1794 Edition floor mats.
2022 Tundra: Trim Level Differences
SR
$35,950
- Type: 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Gas
- Hp: 348 at 5200rpm
- Torque: 405 lb-ft at 2000rpm
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 24 MPG
- Tank Capacity: 22.5 Gallons
- Curb Weight: 5,490 lbs
- Max Towing: 8,300 lbs
- Color: Black
- Upholstery: Fabric
- 8-Inch Multimedia Touchscreen
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Smart Key System
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
White
Magnetic Gray
Celestial Silver
Midnight Black
SR5
$40,755
- Type: 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Gas
- Hp: 389 at 5200rpm
- Torque: 479 lb-ft at 2400rpm
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 23 MPG
- Tank Capacity: 22.5 Gallons
- Curb Weight: 5,490 lbs
- Max Towing: 11,200 lbs
- Color: Black or Boulder
- Upholstery: Fabric or SofTex
- Selectable Driving and Tow/Haul Modes
- Tow Hitch Receiver & Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
- Power Rear Window
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
White
Magnetic Gray
Celestial Silver
Midnight Black
Lunar Rock
Army Green
Blueprint
Supersonic Red
Limited
$46,850
- Type: 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Gas
- Hp: 389 at 5200rpm
- Torque: 479 lb-ft at 2400rpm
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 23 MPG
- Tank Capacity: 32.2 Gallons
- Curb Weight: 5,490 lbs
- Max Towing: 11,110 lbs
- Color: Black or Boulder
- Upholstery: SofTex
- 14-Inch Multimedia Touchscreen
- 8-Way Power Adjustable Front Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert & Trailer Merge Warning
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
White
Magnetic Gray
Celestial Silver
Midnight Black
Lunar Rock
Army Green
Blueprint
Supersonic Red
Smoked Mesquite
Windchill Pearl
Platinum
$56,990
- Type: 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Gas
- Hp: 389 at 5200rpm
- Torque: 479 lb-ft at 2400rpm
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 23 MPG
- Tank Capacity: 32.2 Gallons
- Curb Weight: 5,490 lbs
- Max Towing: 11,050 lbs
- Color: Black or Boulder
- Upholstery: Leather
- Power Tilt/Slide Panoramic Roof with Power Sunshade
- 10-Way Power Adjustable Front Seats
- 12.3-Inch Digital Meter with Selectable Gauge Display Screens
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
Magnetic Gray
Celestial Silver
Midnight Black
Blueprint
Supersonic Red
Windchill Pearl
1794 Edition
$57,690
- Type: 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Gas
- Hp: 389 at 5200rpm
- Torque: 479 lb-ft at 2400rpm
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 23 MPG
- Tank Capacity: 32.2 Gallons
- Curb Weight: 5,490 lbs
- Max Towing: 11,050 lbs
- Color: Rich Cream or Saddle Tan
- Upholstery: Leather
- Cream or Tan Interior with American Walnut Wood-Grain Trim
- Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
Magnetic Gray
Celestial Silver
Midnight Black
Army Green
Blueprint
Supersonic Red
Smoked Mesquite
Windchill Pearl
While the 2022 Toyota Tundra might not get quite the visibility that the Big Three get with their trucks, it’s clear that plenty of pickup buyers are missing out on what is possibly the best value truck on the road today. Don’t just take our word for it though – take a test drive at Bennett Toyota to get a look at the Tundra yourself and figure out the right trim for you today!