REVIEW: 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro i-FORCE MAX Hybrid

This week I am spending time with the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro that has been redesigned from the ground up.  Although refreshed in 2014, 2022 brings the first major overhaul since 2007.

My review truck is the CrewMax version meaning it has 4-full doors.  TRD Pro is the next to the most expensive trim level, second only to the Capstone.

Performance

Gone is the old 5.7 V8 Tundra used for years, and behind the massive new grill of all Tundras sits a 3.5 liter V6 with twin turbochargers. The twist here is my review vehicle has the all-new i-FORCE MAX hybrid. The technology places a 48-horse electric motor between the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 and a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid engine raises the price $3,400.

I had a misconception about this new hybrid. Usually with Toyota, the hybrid engines produce much improved fuel economy, but that is not the case with Tundra. The fuel economy is slightly better, but the point is horsepower. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid puts out 437-horses and a stunning 583-pound feet of torque.

All TRD Pros are the 4-wheel drive version and it has a 5 ½ foot short bed.

Exterior

The Tundra is a very large truck and the big grill has been a turnoff for some, while others love it, but it has really grown on me. 

It has distinctive lines, good-looking 18” BBS forged aluminum wheels, and features LED lights that flow into the front fenders. The hood is vented and displays large i-FORCE MAX insignias.

Suspension

The TRD Pro 4X4 suspension is impressive. I don’t think it is as capable as a Ford Raptor or Ram TRX, but the addition of Crawl Control and the Multi Terrain Select features to Tundra for the first time, along with an electronic locking rear differential. Crawl Control and the locking differential both work only in low-range. The Fox shocks will further enhance the off-road capability.

Interior

Moving to the inside, my tester has very comfortable and contoured SofTex seats with the TRD Pro logo emblazoned on them. Both front seats are power and for tall people, there is a lot of front to back travel on both seats. There is also power lumbar controls.

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.   

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 large and covered in leather. It 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.

Tundra has a Texas-sized back seat that folds up from the bottom and top, but in the hybrid like this, under seat storage is taken up by the hybrid battery. Rear occupants get air conditioning vents, USB ports, power outlet and a fold down center armrest.

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

The TRD Pro comes very well equipped with a power panoramic moon roof, power tilt and heated steering wheel, the power front seats, a 12-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier.

Ride and Drive

Driving impressions are outstanding. The acceleration is amazing with the hybrid engine, the cab is extremely quiet, and it doesn’t feel like it is nearly as big as it is.  Turning radius is sharp, and the ride quality is awesome thanks to a new multi-link rear suspension. One pleasant surprise was the exhaust sound, it is terrific, very un-Toyota like. 

Incidentally, this hybrid engine will be standard in the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia large SUV coming out soon.

Fuel Economy and What You'll Pay

Fuel economy is 18 city and 20 highway and I am actually doing slightly better.  The non-hybrid engine gets one fewer MPGs in the city and 2 on the highway.  Total MSRP on this loaded 4-wheel drive large pickup is $69,315.

Verdict

Mark me down as impressed with the 2022 Tundra TRD Pro i-FORCE MAX.

1. 1. What I Liked Most: The new power train & infotainment screen.
   2. What I would change: I think Toyota nailed it with the Tundra.
   3. MSRP: Base price $66,805;  equipped $69,315 with transportation.
   4. Fuel Economy: 18 city/20 highway/19 combined.
      
   5. Odometer reading when tested: 2,100 miles.
   6. Weight: 6,015 pounds, GVWR 7,615.
   7. Spare Tire: Full-sized spare, standard wheel.
   8. Length-Width-Height: 233.6” long/81.6” wide/78” high.
   9. Fuel Tank Capacity: 32.2 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
   10. Official Color: Solar Octane.
   11. Towing Capacity: 11,175 pounds.
   12. 2022 Tundra TRD Pro in a few words:  A fantastic truck to drive, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system is terrific, and this truck is a joy to drive and quite capable.
   13. 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.
       
   14. Final Assembly Location: San Antonio, Texas.
   15. Manufacturer's website:  Toyota