This week I am reviewing the new 2022 Toyota Tundra 1794, and I didn’t think a truck could get nicer, but looks like I was wrong.
Tundra Capstone
The must luxurious Toyota Tundra will be the just introduced flagship Capstone grade that arrives this spring. It rides on 22-inch chrome rims, the the largest wheels ever offered on Tundra and will only be offered as a CrewMax with a 5.5-foot bed. A unique grille features a color-keyed outer frame and a chrome inner mesh pattern complemented with subtle-yet-eye-catching chrome mirror caps, chrome “TUNDRA” tailgate inserts and chrome trim accents.
The Capstone is loaded with features. They include automatic running boards, a panoramic moonroof and standard semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats in an exclusive Capstone-only black-and-white color combo. T Dark American Walnut open-pore finish wood adorns the center console and passenger-side dash. On the dash, the Walnut inlay surrounds a Capstone logo which illuminates when the doors are opened.
The list of standard Capstone features goes on and includes a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, a large 12.3-inch digital Multi-Informational Display and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Capstone is also equipped with a 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. The model is also the only Tundra grade to feature acoustic glass on the front doors for more exterior sound deadening.
Capstone offers standard power running boards for easy entry and exit. it also boasts a standard power bed step for ease of entry in the truck bed.
Technology
You can't miss a standard 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display that controls Toyota's all-new multimedia system. It supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota says the new system improves the user experience thanks to new sight, touch and voice activation.
With Intelligent Assistant available through Drive Connect, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awakens the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find Places of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. A cloud-based native navigation system offered through Drive Connect allows for real-time Over the Air updates for mapping and POI, and Google POI data is integrated to ensure up-to-date search capability.
Drivers can connect up to five devices via a Wi-Fi Connect subscription with 4G connectivity. You can also link your separate Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle with Integrated Streaming.
i-FORCE MAX
The Capstone is only available with a hybrid engine. Specifically, Toyota's new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that produces 437-horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. i-FORCE MAX relies on a twin-turbo V6 engine but features a unique motor generator within the bell housing between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission designed to provide maximum performance and maximum efficiency.
The Capstone can tow up to 10,340 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,485 pounds. During towing applications, Toyota says the hybrid system provides additional power and torque, while in city driving it focuses on a quiet ride with improved efficiency. For highway driving, responsive linear power delivery is the name of the game, and off-highway exploration is further enhanced thanks to peak torque performance being achieved early in the RPM range.
For added cushion for the crew, the cabin is mounted to the frame with hydraulic cab mounts. Drive Mode Select offers the driver the ability to select a driving mode depending upon preference, and standard features include settings for Eco, Normal and Sport. With available Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension settings expand to include Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom. For example, using the SPORT or SPORT+ settings i-FORCE MAX makes use of the electric motor’s instantaneous responsiveness. While the electric motor does the bulk of the work at lower speeds, once above 18 mph the gasoline engine assumes primary operation for excellent performance in the mid- and high-speed range. When in TOW/HAUL mode, the i-FORCE MAX system is constantly in tandem operation to provide impressive acceleration and torque for towing needs.
The Tundra also has a number of cameras that display multiple angles in the 14-inch touchscreen or the standard Digital Display Rearview Mirror. A Panoramic View Monitor displays a top-down view of the truck. Other views include the rear truck bed to check on cargo, a rear split view of each side of the trailer and a hitch view to assist with trailer connecting.
The Towing Technology Package comes standard on Capstone, and it includes Trailer Back Guidance, which helps in overall maneuvering of trailers, as well as the Straight Path Assist feature, which is designed to ensure the truck and trailer will back up in a straight line. The available 360-degree cameras aid with visibility and tough-to-see areas around the truck and trailer. When connected with Toyota’s integrated trailer brake controller, the Blind Spot Monitor can recognize blind spots for not just the truck but the trailer as well.
Complementing the Tundra’s new multilink rear suspension system, Capstone offers available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and load-leveling rear height control air suspension.
Safety
The entire Tundra lineup comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist. The system also includes Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist.
Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder also comes standard on all 2022 Tundras. Other standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.
Colors and Availability
The Tundra Capstone will come in six colors: Wind Chill Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Supersonic Red and Blueprint. It arrives this spring.
Photo Credit: Toyota
