Flash Drive: 2022 Toyota Tundra Clean Fleet Report

All-New Including a Hybrid Option

Clean Fleet Report is a big fan of adding a hybrid option to any existing vehicle as a step towards full electrification. If that vehicle happens to be a full-size pickup, then all the better. This is what Toyota has done with the all-new 2022 Tundra, which we previewed in a Texas-based drive program last week.

With choices of gasoline or a gasoline-electric (hybrid) engine, rear-wheel (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), the 2022 Tundra gives buyers multiple options of power and fuel economy. Any decision will put a very nice full-size pickup in your driveway.

Power and Efficiency

The all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra comes in six models–SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro. All come with a 10-speed automatic transmission with tow and haul driving modes. Here is how the models breakout:

iForce V6 twin-turbo

348 hp/405 lb.-ft. torque

RWD – 18 mpg city/23 highway/20 combined

4WD – 17 mpg city/22 highway/19 combined

SR5

iForce V6 twin-turbo

389 hp/479 lb.-ft. torque

RWD – 18 mpg city/23 highway/20 combined

4WD – 17 mpg city/22 highway/19 combined

Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition

iForce V6 twin-turbo

389 hp/479 lb.-ft. torque

RWD standard; 4WD optional

Fuel economy – same as SR5

iForce Max V6 twin-turbo w/Toyota Hybrid System

437 hp/583 lb.-ft. torque

RWD standard; 4WD optional

Fuel economy: TBD

TRD Pro

iForce V6 twin-turbo

AWD – 17 mpg city/22 highway/19 combined

iForce Max V6 twin-turbo w/Toyota Hybrid System

4WD standard

Fuel economy: TBD

Pulling Power

Toyota made it simple offering only two engines. The V6 gasoline engine (iForce) has plenty of power that can tow up to 12,000 pounds, depending on which Tundra model you get. The payload also is dependent on if you order the RWD Double Cab (1,860-1,940 pounds); RWD CrewMax (1,640-1,830 pounds); 4WD Double Cab (1,810-1,885 pounds); 4WD CrewMax (1,575-1,820 pounds.) The TRD Pro has a payload of 1,600 pounds.

The turbocharged V6 hybrid (iForce Max), depending on configuration, can tow 11,020-11,450 pounds. The TRD Pro with the iForce Max can tow 11,175 pounds. Trailer sway control, a tow hitch, and a 7-4-pin trailer connector are available. There are multiple camera views, including 360-degree, to assist in trailering and backing. Available systems include Trailer Back Guidance and Straight Path Assist.

When deciding between the gasoline or hybrid engines, the determining factors will be the increased torque and the fuel efficiency offered by the hybrid. While the EPA has not rated the hybrid, we do know the difference in torque output between the two engines is significant–479 lb.-ft. versus 583 lb.-ft., gasoline versus hybrid–is enough to make the difference when towing and pulling a grade with a 10,000-pound trailer. I was even able to spin the tires with the hybrid during my test drives of the all-new 2022 Tundra at a Toyota media event in San Antonio. The Tundra hybrid had push-you-back-in-your-seat acceleration, which was impressive for a truck weighing-in at 6,185 pounds.

Smooth Performer

The 2022 Tundra is easy to drive, with an almost car-like demeanor. Toyota says the “all-new truck on an all-new chassis” has a fresh approach to handling and performance. Whether on the highway, country roads or in city traffic, the precise electric power steering made turn-ins accurate, and the independent double-wishbone front, and multi-link with coil springs rear suspension (gone are leaf springs) resulted in a controlled ride and stable stops. For even more comfort, you can get a load-leveling rear air suspension and an adaptive variable suspension. The Tundra hybrid has a regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy into electric energy, and stores it in the battery.

Depending on the Tundra model, wheels are either 18- or 20-inch shod with 245/75 through 265/70 all-season tires. The TRD Pro has great looking 20-inch black alloy wheels with 285/65 Fallen Wildpeak all-terrain tires.

Toyota gave us time on an off-road course with some up-and-down hills and a log crawl section. The TRD Pro with 9.0-inches of ground clearance and the iForce Max hybrid was ideal to attack the ruts, rocks and mud. Using the uphill and downhill shift settings made traversing loose rocks a breeze, as did the Crawl Control and the Multi-Terrain Select settings. The Tundra TRD Pro felt confident, and with the Bilstein monotube shocks, should satisfy most off-road needs.

The iForce Max hybrid engine was smooth and powerful, with the instant torque–one of the reasons for getting any electrified vehicle. Toyota’s parallel hybrid system automatically switches between the electric drive mode, combined electric motor and gasoline engine, and gasoline-only engine power. At low speeds the Tundra hybrid can roll along in electric-only mode, but quickly adds the gasoline engine when you step on the accelerator, then returns to EV mode when lifting-off the pedal. You won’t notice any of these transitions as the system is as smooth as a silver-tongued carny at the county fair.

New Look: Exterior

The Tundra comes with choices of a Double or CrewMax cab with beds of 5.5-feet, 6.5-feet and 8.1-feet. The exterior still looks like a Tundra, but there are noticeable differences from the outgoing model. Developed at design centers in Newport Beach, CA, and Ann Arbor, MI, Toyota says they worked to create a look of toughness and capability, or “Technical Muscle.” They wanted to convey a rugged sophistication.

Let’s start with the grille, which by any description is massive. Each of the six trim levels has a different grille design. In our opinion the TRD Pro is the most in-your-face aggressive, while the Platinum and 1794 Edition are the most elegant. None of them are subtle, and for some people they just may be too much.

The chiseled body lines draw your eyes to the length, which in the long bed configuration measures 245.6 inches, or a garage-busting 20 1/2 feet. At 80.2 inches (6’ 8”) wide) and 79.0 inches (6’ 7”) tall, the all-new 2022 Tundra makes a serious size statement.

All trim levels get LED headlights, while the upper grades get LED daytime running lights with sequential turn signals, and LED fog lights. The rear, with a stamped “Tundra” in the tailgate, has LED taillights on all trims.

New Look: Interior

The redesigned interior has a simple and well-laid-out dash, with the dominant feature the 14-inch touchscreen. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, but opting for the larger screen will make your seat time more enjoyable. While the pinch, scroll and touch features worked well with little lag, Toyota encourages you to develop a close relationship with your Tundra. Whenever you want to do something, simply say “Hey Toyota!” This command worked to find new destinations in the navigation or search for a song through Apple Music.

Each of the six trim levels has a different look to the interior, from the base SR to the premium Platinum and 1794 Edition. The SR and SR5 get cloth seats with manual adjustments, while the Limited and TRD Pro get SofTex synthetic leather, and the Platinum and 1794 Edition are stretched in leather, with either eight-way or 10-way power adjustments.

The driver seats are heated and ventilated, with memory, on Platinum and 1794 Edition, which also feature heated and ventilated rear seats. With so many options and packages to make the Tundra interior how you want it, take the time to do your research online or at the dealer.

There are three audio options of Audio, Audio Plus and Premium Audio, the latter is the JBL system with 12 speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier. This produced excellent sound for the FM/CD/HDAM, with the AM/FM being a cache radio. SiriusXM is included free for 90 days. The system was easy to use, but having a channel knob to accompany the volume knob would have made it more convenient. The system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Wi-Fi Connect with a one-month trial period that includes up to 3 GB. There are USB ports front and rear and 12-Volt power outlets.

The cockpit design is driver friendly with all gauges, including the hybrid management system, in sight, and the controls are in easy reach. The cabin systems include a 10-inch head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge information screen, panoramic view and multi-terrain monitors, backup camera with projected path, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel that contains audio telephone and voice controls, wireless smartphone charging, and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink. The center console has a lower area large enough to swallow-up pretty much anything you want to store, creating a secure place to stow valuables.

Convenience and Safety

Convenience features on the Tundra include cargo-area tie-down hooks, reading lights front and rear, folding heated power side mirrors and multiple cup holders.

The 2022 Tundra is well-equipped with the Star Safety System, Toyota Safety Sense and Safety Connect. Active and passive safety features include eight air bags, vehicle stability and traction control and brake assist. The advanced driver assistance technology includes lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. Additional safety features include remote keyless entry, push button start/stop and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Pricing, Availability and Warranties

The 2022 Toyota Tundra pricing has not been released, but expect it to be within the range of the outgoing 2021 Tundra. The all-new Tundra should be in dealers by the end of 2021, with the hybrid arriving in spring 2022.

The 2022 Tundra comes with these warranties:

Hybrid Components – Eight years/100,000 miles
Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
Comprehensive – Three years/36,000 miles
Maintenance Plan – Two years/25,000 miles
Corrosion Perforation – Five years/Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance – Two years/25,000 miles

Observations: 2022 Toyota Tundra

Built in San Antonio, Texas, Toyota has the capability to produce more than a quarter-million Tundras annually, a number they’re likely to hit this year with a mix of 2021 and 2022 models. That is a lot of trucks, though not in the league of Ford, Chevrolet or Ram.

After more than a decade, the Tundra was due a complete make over, which is exactly what it got. There is no comparison between the previous generation in performance, fuel economy, utility, design and interior comfort or technology.

The 2022 Tundra can’t out-tow the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado, which may not be all that important as not that many people tow to the maximum of their trucks anyway. But this doesn’t seem to be what Toyota was going for.

They have designed the Tundra to appeal to people looking for an everyday truck, many of them that live in the city or suburbs and have never owned a full-size truck before. The comfortable ride and smooth engines are tells they just may have hit their goal.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Toyota.