2022 Toyota Tundra: Bigger & Better

Toyota has spent a chunk of this year refreshing its classic truck lineup, starting with the 2022 Toyota Tundra. The Tacoma’s big brother debuted on Sept. 19, 2021, with Toyota projecting the truck to hit dealer lots before the end of the year. The full-sizer shows off rugged new styling, an all-new multi-link rear suspension, and a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine – along with a few other updated bells and whistles for the third generation.

Already turning heads, the new Toyota Tundra is attracting quite a fan base. Some dealers estimate buyers could be waiting anywhere from 4 months up to 1.5 years (!) to get their hands on one of these beasts. In the meantime, let’s look at what the 2022 Toyota Tundra has to offer over its predecessors (and the competition).

Main Features and New Changes

Right out of the gate, the most significant difference between the 2022 Toyota Tundra and previous model years is its complete exterior redesign. Since the second generation debuted in 2007, the full-size truck hasn’t seen a lot of major changes, aside from the burly 2014 refresh. That iteration featured a few tweaks like new headlights and mirrors, updated fender flares, and what Toyota described as a more “masculine” front grille.

For 2022, Toyota made a few fundamental changes.

The truck features a coil-spring multilink rear suspension and a corrosion-proof aluminum reinforced composite bed that vows to be ding- and scratch-resistant. The suspension is designed to improve overall handling dynamics and ride comfort, which has been a complaint by some drivers in the past. The updated suspension also bolsters the 2022 Toyota Tundra improved towing performance.

Toyota estimates that the maximum towing capacity for the Tundra has increased roughly 17.6% over previous generations of the pickup to 12,000 pounds. The payload also received a bump, to just over 1,900 pounds.

Under the hood, the 2022 Tundra is the only full-size pickup without a V-8, instead going with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine producing up to 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. of torque. When paired with a specially-engineered bell-housing motor system called the i-FORCE MAX, the result is a combined performance output of 437 horsepower and a whopping 583 lb.-ft. of torque. Both configurations are matched to a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

Crowded Field

While it’s still early in the game to know how the 2022 Tundra stacks up against the competition, there are a few findings on how this pickup holds up in road tests. Edmunds recently ran the new Tundra head-to-head with the 2021 Ford F-150. It found that even with different engines, the Tundra still performed relatively well, delivering a powerful and smooth driving experience.

The towing capacity still sits below Ford’s 14,000-pound limit (on select trims), so that could be a deal breaker for drivers who need the utmost in towing power. However, the Tundra presents an overall simpler truck buying (and ownership) experience, with a utilitarian design and significantly less trim levels to navigate. Plus, while Ford offers a scratch and rust-resistant bed as well, it makes you pay extra. The Tundra sports that convenience as standard equipment.

CNET Roadshow also put the 2022 Tundra side-by-side with the F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500. While they found the Tundra’s minimal engine, cab, bed, and trim choices a weakness in today’s market, the publication did note some exciting takeaways. For starters, the base model Tundra served up more horsepower (348 hp) and towing capacity (12,000 lbs) in their tests than any of the competing entry-level trucks – suggesting some serious bang-for-your-buck shopping value.

Interestingly, the 2022 Toyota Tundra’s biggest rival might be within its own family. In 2020, Toyota sold more than twice as many Tacomas than Tundras!

While the Tundra boasts more power, payload, and towing capabilities than its little brother, we’re guessing most drivers eyeing up a full-size hauler opted for one of Detroit’s juggernauts. Now with a beefed-up towing and payload capacity, it’ll be interesting to see if more buyers gravitate towards the 2022 Tundra in comparison to these brands.

Trim Levels and Special Editions

The 2022 Toyota Tundra comes in six different trim levels: the base SR, the slightly-upgraded SR5 with a bigger fuel tank, the cushy Limited that prioritizes interior comfort, the high-tech Platinum fully outfitted in safety bells and whistles, the fun western-themed 1794, and the off-road-ready TRD PRO.

That’s right, kids. The TRD PRO returns to the Tundra lineup for 2022 – but it will only be offered with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain. If you find this news disappointing, it’s worth noting we have yet to find a poor review on the Tundra TRD PRO, with most reports heaping praise like “a massive improvement” and “the best yet.”

As the top-of-the-line model, the Tundra TRD PRO sports impressive standard off-road features like front and rear TRD FOX® shocks with remote reservoirs, a rugged skid plate, Multi Terrain Select drive modes including Crawl Control, and a set of stylish TRD PRO wheels wrapped in 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires. Speaking of style, the TRD PRO also sports a trim-specific grille with TOYOTA script, as well as Black TRD PRO leather-trimmed front bucket seats with red contrast stitching.

A less comprehensive TRD Off-Road Package can be applied to SR5, Limited, and 1794 models. It includes essentials for the rocky trails like 18-inch TRD wheels (unique 20-inch wheels on Limited and 1794), TRD grille, TRD off-road suspension, skid plates, mud guards and TRD leather shift knob. Four-by-four models will also gain electronic rear differential lock, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and Crawl Control.

A TRD Sport package is also available on 4×2 or 4×4 SR5 models in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations. It includes the addition of 20-inch TRD wheels, TRD grille, TRD lowered sport suspension and a TRD leather shift knob.

A New Type of Work Truck

With a redesigned suspension and increased towing capacity, Toyota may be targeting drivers who need a multifunctional truck to handle both the daily commute and a trip to the construction site. Motortrend went so far as to call the 2022 Tundra a “work truck in disguise” and we think it’s a good take.

Aside from the boxier steel frame, scratch-resistant bed, suspension redesign, and towing upgrades, there are a few key elements that make the 2022 Tundra a solid work truck option:

• Power: There’s a 120V, 400-Watt outlet built into the bed of the Tundra, perfect for powering small hand tools and work lights. Presumably, you could also use this handy feature if you wanted to take the truck on a short backwoods trip and power/charge any of your camping gear.
• Storage: On the Crew Max model of the Tundra, drivers get a whole other storage bin under the rear seat. It’s big enough for some small toolboxes and work gear. Motortrend pointed out that the box is even long enough to fit three full-size long guns for that weekend hunting trip.
• Enhanced towing tech: Toyota didn’t just add more capacity to the Tundra’s towing capability. It also paired it with the latest and greatest in trailering technology. There’s a hi-def, 360-degree camera for hitching and maneuvering trailers, two towing modes (lighter load/heavier loads with steeper climbs), and rear load-leveling air springs. The dash-mounted system features Toyota’s Trailer Back Guidance. As the name indicates, this makes it easier to reverse with a trailer attached. Drivers can also add optional powered extending towing mirrors.

Step It Up With CARR

With all these bells and whistles, what more could a driver need in a brand-new pickup? One of the most practical upgrades for a heavy-duty truck like the 2022 Toyota Tundra is truck steps. But we’re not talking about just any off-the-shelf hunk of metal. CARR has had a hand in the metal crafting business since the 1940s and is still made in the USA today.

Anyone who owns a full-sized pickup knows the value in having a reliable set of side steps. Not only do they make getting in and out of the cab easier, but also keep you from slipping in bad weather. Truck steps also help keep a truck clean, since they serve as a spot to wipe your feet off before hopping inside to hit the road.

CARR’S inventory includes multiple styles of steps to fit every driver’s needs. The manufacturer makes traditional hoop steps from corrosion-resistant aluminum and offers numerous colors to match trims like black, safety yellow, and conventional polished aluminum. Easy bed access is a part of CARR’s product line too. The company makes rugged products like its HD Mega Step, which fits 2 and 2 1/2 -inch hitch receivers so drivers can climb in and out of the bed without having to do awkward gymnastics onto the bumper. Plus, the step folds up when not in use, so there’s no worry about bruised shins.

For drivers who want a complete upgrade package, CARR also makes accessories like light bars and light bar mounts. Much like its step collection, CARR’s lighting accessories are made from durable materials like powder-coated steel and come in various designs to suit all illumination needs.