This week we are taking a look at the long-awaited 2022 Toyota Tundra that has been redesigned from the ground up. Although refreshed in 2014, this is the first major overhaul since 2007.
My review truck is the CrewMax 4-door version in the top-of-the-line 1794 trim.
Powertrain
Gone is the old 5.7 V8 Tundra used for years, and behind the massive new grill sits a 3.5-liter V6 with twin turbochargers. It puts out 389-horses and 479-pound feet of torque and is hooked to a 10-speed automatic.
If you are interested, there is also a hybrid version of this engine which puts out 437-horses.
This truck is the 4-wheel drive version and it has the 6 ½ foot bed, but there is a 5 ½ foot short bed also.
Exterior
The Tundra is a very large truck and the big grill has been a turnoff for some, while others love it. The 1794 has a unique grill to the other models. It has distinctive lines, good looking 20” wheels, and features LED lights that flow into the front fenders. 1794 badging adorns the front doors.
Interior
Moving to the inside, I was expecting an interior similar to the Ford King Ranch, but it is far from it. The 1794 features white smooth and perforated seats with just a hint of darker leather on the back panel.
Behind the steering wheel-with controls-is a 12.3” color digital gauge cluster with a large speedometer and tachometer in the center, and a screen to the left that you can configure to your liking. Look up and you’ll see a huge head-up color display in the windshield.
However, it is the massive 14” infotainment screen that steals the show. It operates the JBL stereo, navigation system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system is lightning fast and super simple. This is one of the best touchscreens I’ve ever seen.
Under that are your air conditioning controls and switches for your heated and cooled seats.
Moving down is another row of buttons including enabling the trailer towing mode, and the absolute best 360-degree camera I’ve ever seen. The onscreen Tundra circles, and you can see everything around you. This is a great safety feature especially when in parking lots.
The center console is covered in brown leather and wood and has built-in armrests that are very comfortable. There is a hefty but short gear shifter, a wireless phone charger, USB and power ports, 4-wheel drive controls, your drive modes, auto hold button and two cup holders.
Lower to the left of the steering wheel are more buttons…mainly to disable the stop/stop system, controls for the power running boards, and buttons to fold in and also extend out the trailer towing mirrors.
Tundra has a Texas-sized back seat that folds up from the bottom and has a nice storage area. Rear occupants get heated and cooled seats, USB ports, power outlet and a fold down rear armrest.
Just behind the rear seat is one of the neatest Tundra features ever, the rear window will drop down completely out of sight electrically.
Truck Bed
Let’s talk about the Tundra’s bed. There is a 110-power outlet in the bed, tow hooks, built-in lighting, and you can lower the tailgate from your key fob or a button on the dash. When the tailgate lowers, a handy pop-out step drops down to help entry into the bed.
However, it was this feature that amazed me: if you are walking up to the truck with both hands full, just take your elbow and hit the driver’s side taillight and the tailgate drops down. BRILLIANT Toyota!
Safety
On the safety side, Tundra comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beam headlights, lane tracing assist, and road sign recognition. It also has blind spot warning.
Standard Equipment and Options
The 1794 comes very well equipped with a power panoramic moon roof, power tilt and heated steering wheel, power front seats, trailer hitch, and more.
Options include a great air suspension system, the fantastic trailer towing mirrors that fold in and extend out with the push of a button, and power deployable running boards that are just the right height to help get into this tall truck.
Ride and Drive
Driving impressions are outstanding. The acceleration is amazing, the cab is extremely quiet, and it doesn’t drive like its size. Turning radius is sharp, and the ride quality is awesome thanks to a new multi-link rear suspension.
Fuel economy is also improved to 17 city and 22 highway and I am actually doing slightly better.
What You'll Pay
Toyota held pricing down considering the massive changes, to $66,395. That brings it in under other super loaded competitors.
Mark me down as impressed with the 2022 Tundra. It was a long time coming, but worth the wait.
- What I Liked Most:The new power train & infotainment screen.
- What I would change: I think the 1794 could use more wood inside.
- MSRP: Base price $61,020; as equipped $66,395 with transportation.
- Official Color: Magnetic Gray Metallic.
- Fuel Economy: 17 city/22 highway/19 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 600 miles.
- Weight: 5,800 pounds, GVWR 7,375.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized spare, standard wheel.
- Length-Width-Height: 245.6” long/80.2” wide/78” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 32.2 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 10,890 pounds.
- 2022 Tundra in a few words: Toyota killed it with the changes to the 2022 Tundra. It is a worthy competitor to all the other half-ton trucks made.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with 2-years of complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance, and a 5-year/60,000 miles power train warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: San Antonio, Texas.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
