Individuals love vans, however the Toyota Tundra hasn’t been a roaring success as the corporate solely sells round 115,000 items yearly in the USA.

That’s far lower than most rivals and it’s a tad peculiar because the mid-size Tacoma is among the hottest vans in its section.

Whereas there’s no straightforward clarification for this, the Tundra’s age actually hasn’t helped. The second-generation truck was launched on the 2006 Chicago Auto Present and a collection of updates have helped to cover its age. Nonetheless, 15 years is an eternity within the automotive world and the Tundra has been surpassed by extra fashionable rivals.

Toyota is now combating again with an all-new Tundra, which is considerably extra snug, succesful and high-tech. It may not strike concern into the hearts of Detroit automakers, however the firm has upped their sport and created a compelling pickup that’s much more interesting than its predecessor.

No Longer A Wallflower

There’s no getting round it: the 2022 Toyota Tundra stands out. This was a purposeful resolution as the corporate adopted a “technical muscle” design that instructions consideration because of its imposing grille, which is flanked by customary LED headlights. Shifting additional again, designers gave the truck chiseled bodywork, blacked out A-pillars, and three-dimensional LED taillights with sequential flip indicators on higher-end variants.

The mannequin additionally sports activities an all-new tailgate, which is 20% lighter and options debossed badging. Whereas a tailgate launch comes customary on the important thing fob, Restricted and above trims add a bump swap on the driving force’s facet taillight that allows homeowners to decrease the tailgate even when their palms are full.

Elsewhere, the truck has an aluminum hood and a cab-mounted LED mattress gentle. Patrons may even discover 18- or 20-inch wheels in addition to choices corresponding to a panoramic glass moonroof and energy working boards with a brand new bedstep. The Tundra’s vertical rear window returns and might be paired with the panoramic moonroof to create a convertible-like expertise.

It’s Mattress Time

Truck beds have it tough as they’re uncovered to the weather and take a relentless beating from cargo. This may pose a problem to even the heartiest ones, so Toyota determined to present the brand new Tundra an aluminum-reinforced composite mattress. This not solely saves weight, but additionally allows the mattress to withstand dents and scratches in addition to rust and corrosion.

It’s out there in various completely different sizes as Double Cab variants provide 6.5- and eight.1 foot beds. CrewMax fashions proceed to supply their acquainted 5.5 foot mattress, however they’re being joined by an all-new 6.5 foot mattress because of buyer demand.

The latter is a boon for individuals who routinely haul lengthy objects and the beds provide payload capacities of between 1,575-1,940 lbs (714-880 kg). The latter is a rise of greater than 11 p.c and the mattress can maintain rather less than 68.5 cubic toes (1,940 liters) of cargo in its most spacious setup.

The mattress isn’t terribly fascinating and it’s a must to transfer as much as the SR5 variant to get facet rails with adjustable tie-downs. Platinum and above trims include LED lights and a 120V/400W outlet within the mattress, however they’re additionally out there on the SR5 and Restricted as an possibility.

Nonetheless, Toyota doesn’t have any occasion methods just like the competitors. Because of this, there’s nothing like Chevy’s Multi-Flex tailgate or Ford’s onboard generator. That being mentioned, Toyota teased plans for a complete of 115 equipment together with 51 new ones. Whereas a dealer-installed 3 inch (76 mm) carry package bought essentially the most consideration, the corporate additionally teased a mattress mat and swing-out storage compartments for the mattress.

A Trendy And Excessive-Tech Inside

Complimenting the rugged and aggressive exterior is an all-new cabin, which is fashionable and high-tech.

Drivers sit behind a chunky steering wheel and discover themselves a 4.2-inch multi-information show that’s flanked by analog gauges. Whereas it’s on the small facet, the show is beneficial as it may possibly perform as a digital speedometer, present pitch and roll, and show trailer brake data.

Extra notably, higher-end variants include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It incorporates a clear and crisp show, and makes the Tundra one of many few Toyotas to supply digital instrumentation.

The remainder of the inside isn’t flashy, however the controls are properly laid out and inside comparatively straightforward attain. Highlights embody meaty toggle switches, a minimalist four-wheel drive selector, and a rubberized rotary drive mode selector.

Talking of the latter, all however the base mannequin have Eco, Regular and Sport modes whereas the Platinum and 1794 might be outfitted with a system that provides Eco, Consolation, Regular, Sport S, Sport S+ and Customized modes. Customized is the most notable mode because it allows homeowners to individually alter the settings for the powertrain (Eco, Regular or Energy), suspension (Regular or Sport) and steering (Regular or Sport).

A Voice-Centered Infotainment System With Cloud Connectivity

Other than exterior styling, one of many greatest issues that dated the outgoing Tundra was its old-school 7- and 8-inch infotainment programs. Whereas they supplied Amazon Alexa, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, they had been clearly behind the occasions.

That’s not the case because the 2022 Tundra has an all-new Audio Multimedia system with 8- or 14-inch shows. The latter is very large and is bigger than something you’ll discover within the Chevrolet Silverado or Ford F-150.

We’ve already taken a deep dive into the infotainment system, however we’ll do a quick recap right here. It has 5 occasions the processing energy because the earlier infotainment system in addition to help for wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system additionally options cloud-based navigation, Google focal point knowledge, and improved contact performance together with a smartphone-like pinch-to-zoom perform. Different highlights embody over-the-air updates, built-in help for Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming, and person profiles which might save your most popular audio, local weather and car settings.

Nonetheless, the massive information is the Clever Assistant which responds to the “Hey/Hello/Hiya/OK Toyota” wake phrases. It solutions pure language requests corresponding to discovering close by eating places or fuel stations. Customers also can have it alter car settings such because the local weather management system.

The system is straightforward to make use of and the expertise is much like speaking to an Amazon Echo machine. Nonetheless, there are downsides as many options require a month-to-month subscription after an preliminary trial interval. Security Join comes with a one yr trial and prices $8 per 30 days afterwards for computerized collision notification, stolen car location providers and enhanced roadside help.

Distant Join additionally prices $8 per 30 days after an preliminary one yr trial interval and it means that you can lock / unlock the doorways, begin the engine and honk the horn out of your smartphone. Nonetheless, the primary characteristic is Drive Join which comes with a one yr trial on fashions outfitted with the 14-inch infotainment system and prices $16 per 30 days afterwards. It permits entry to the aforementioned cloud-based navigation and Clever Assistant in addition to 24-hour entry to a stay agent who can help you.

If that wasn’t sufficient subscriptions, there’s Wi-Fi Join which permits for Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming and in addition features as a hotspot for as much as 10 gadgets. It comes with a stingy 30 day / 3GB trial and afterwards you’ll have to join an AT&T knowledge plan, which presently prices $20 or $25 per 30 days or $200 yearly.

Lastly, there’s Service Join which gives customized upkeep updates and car well being stories. It comes with a extra beneficiant three yr trial, however isn’t out there as a standalone possibility so that you’ll want to join both the Security or Distant Join service to proceed utilizing it.

Placing apart the dizzying array of subscriptions, the infotainment system works nicely and the Clever Assistant’s voice recognition know-how is spot on. That being mentioned, the cloud-based navigation system may use some extra refinement because it’s severely missing in particulars when in comparison with Google.

On the drive again to San Antonio, the infotainment system would merely say “left” when rivals would say one thing alongside the strains of ‘keep within the left three lanes to proceed in your route.’ That’s a delicate however vital distinction, particularly in rush hour visitors, as Toyota’s cloud-based navigation had me combating to get within the left lane after I would have been nice staying the place I used to be.

On the brilliant facet, the Tundra gives an assortment of digital camera views which assist when off-roading, connecting a trailer or just simply parking. A backup digital camera with tips comes customary, however a Panoramic View Monitor and Multi-Terrain Monitor are additionally out there. The latter acts as a digital spotter and permits drivers to take a look at their instant environment with entrance, rear and facet digital camera views. Likewise, the Panoramic View Monitor has shows exhibiting the mattress, hitch and rear sides.

Trims Vary From Comparatively Fundamental To Downright Luxurious

Whereas Toyota is holding pricing below wraps, the entry-level Tundra SR comes outfitted with a 4.2-inch multi-information show, an 8-inch infotainment system, and a six- or nine-speaker audio system relying on cab configuration. Patrons may even discover an acoustic laminated windshield, an computerized local weather management system, a passive entry system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The mannequin additionally boasts a rearview digital camera, three USB ports, and a break up folding rear seat with storage compartments beneath. Given it’s positioning, it additionally comes outfitted with handbook cloth entrance seats and a polyurethane multi-function steering wheel.

Upgrading to the SR5 provides a drive mode selector, a tow / haul mode, and a trailer brake management system. Patrons may even discover a towing hitch receiver and 18-inch alloy wheels as the bottom mannequin comes with steelies.

That doesn’t sound like a lot of an improve, however the SR5 might be outfitted with a handful of notable choices together with a TRD Sport bundle that provides a lowered sport suspension, a TRD-branded grille and 20-inch wheels. Prospects also can go for a TRD Off-Street bundle, which options the aforementioned grille in addition to skid plates, mud guards, an off-road centered suspension and 18-inch TRD wheels. When the bundle is ordered together with four-wheel drive, it additionally contains an digital locking rear differential and a Multi-Terrain Choose system with Crawl Management and Downhill Help.

Persevering with up the trim ladder is the Tundra Restricted, which comes customary with a 14-inch infotainment system, a dual-zone computerized local weather management system, and eight-way energy entrance seats with heating and air flow in addition to SofTex upholstery. Patrons may even discover a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and soft-touch accents on the instrument panel, doorways and middle console. Rounding out the highlights are 20-inch wheels and an influence rear window on CrewMax variants.

The Platinum is extra luxurious because it options leather-based seats with heating and air flow entrance and rear. It additionally has a driver’s seat reminiscence system, an influence tilt / telescopic steering wheel, a digital rearview mirror and rear sunshades, in addition to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a wi-fi smartphone charger, a Panoramic View Monitor, and a rear 120V/400W AC outlet. Rounding out the highlights are an ambient lighting system, a panoramic moonroof, and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. The mannequin additionally has Platinum badging on the ground mats in addition to the passenger facet dashboard.

The Tundra 1794 is much like the Platinum, but it surely’s flashier because of fashionable leather-based seats and oodles of exterior chrome. They’re joined by particular flooring mats and real American walnut wooden trim that incorporates a laser-etched “1794 Version” badge on the passenger facet.

Lastly, there’s the Tundra TRD Professional which relies on the Restricted trim. We’ll discuss extra about its off-road options a bit of later, but it surely has the entire standard Restricted gear in addition to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system with the aforementioned JBL premium audio system. Different highlights embody a crimson push-button ignition, a TRD shifter and steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. Drivers may even discover particular flooring mats in addition to heated / ventilated SofTex entrance seats with technical camo inserts. Different niceties embody a wi-fi smartphone charger, Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View Screens, Multi-Terrain Choose and “Toyota” lettering on the passenger facet dashboard.

No matter which trim is chosen, all Tundras come outfitted with the Toyota Security Sense 2.5 suite of driver help programs. It contains Full-Pace Vary Dynamic Radar Cruise Management, Lane Tracing Help (lane centering) and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. They’re joined by Automated Excessive Beam Headlights, Street Signal Help and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Help. Prospects can construct on that in depth suite by including a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Visitors Alert.

Placing the gear apart, higher-end variations of the Tundra are downright luxurious and that’s very true within the fashionable 1794. We dug the snug two-tone leather-based entrance seats, which provide loads of adjustment in addition to air flow that stored us cool on a scorching afternoon. Whereas I feel the Ram 1500 Restricted Longhorn seems to be extra spectacular, the Tundra isn’t a foul place to spend a while because the cabin is quiet and most touchpoints are properly padded.

The entrance seats are additionally spacious, whereas the rear seats are nearly limo-like in CrewMax variants. They characteristic a whopping 41.6 inches (1,057 mm) of legroom, which is greater than the 41.2 inches (1,046 mm) relegated to the driving force and entrance passenger.

That being mentioned, I wouldn’t wish to spend a lot time at the back of Double Cab variants as they provide a mere 33.3 inches (846 mm) of rear legroom. That’s solely 3.4 inches (86 mm) greater than the 2022 GR 86 and it’s much less legroom than you’ll discover in both the Corolla or Prius. So except you need a mutiny in your subsequent highway journey, follow the CrewMax variant in case you routinely haul adults.

A New Twin-Turbo V6 And A Hybrid For Hooligans

Beneath the hood, the 5.7-liter V8 has been changed by a brand new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Whereas that appears like a downgrade, it isn’t because the engine produces as much as 389 hp (290 kW / 394 PS) and 479 lb-ft (649 Nm) of torque.

That’s a rise of 8 hp (6 kW / 8 PS) and 78 lb-ft (106 Nm) of torque, and the output simply beats the Silverado’s turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder in addition to the Ram 1500’s 3.6-liter V6. It additionally outshines the F-150’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, whereas falling simply in need of the three.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

If that wasn’t spectacular sufficient, the twin-turbo engine additionally eclipses the 5.3-liter V8 discovered within the Silverado. Whereas it does have 11 hp (8 kW / 11 PS) lower than Ford’s non-obligatory 5.0-liter V8, that’s greater than offset by the additional 69 lb-ft (94 Nm) of torque. It’s an identical story compared with Ram’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 because the twin-turbo V6 has 6 hp (4 kW / 6 PS) much less however an additional 69 lb-ft (94 Nm) of torque.

That being mentioned, the entry-level Tundra SR can have a diminished output of 348 hp (256 kW / 353 PS) and 405 lb-ft (549 Nm) of torque. Toyota barely talked about this, but it surely’s vital to notice though the SR is anticipated to promote in comparatively small numbers.

In high guise, the twin-turbo packs loads of energy and has minimal turbo lag. Whereas there’s some, as soon as the turbos get spooled up, put together for takeoff.

The engine is linked to a superb 10-speed computerized transmission, which might be paired to an non-obligatory four-wheel drive system. Gasoline economic system scores haven’t been finalized, however Toyota expects the rear-wheel drive variant will return 18 mpg metropolis, 23 mpg freeway and 20 mpg mixed. With four-wheel drive, that ought to drop to 17 mpg metropolis, 22 mpg freeway and 19 mpg mixed.

If Toyota is ready to hit their projections, the 2022 Tundra might be considerably extra fuel-efficient than its predecessor which carried an EPA ranking of 13 mpg metropolis, 17 mpg freeway and 15 mpg mixed with rear-wheel drive. Specifically, the brand new mannequin ought to get an additional 5 mpg metropolis, 6 mpg freeway and 5 mpg mixed. Likewise, the four-wheel drive variant ought to return an extra 4 mpg metropolis, 5 mpg freeway and 5 mpg mixed.

That brings us to the star of the present, which is the all-new i-Drive Max powertrain. It consists of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and an electrical motor that develops 48 hp (36 kW / 49 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. The electrical motor is successfully sandwiched between the engine and the 10-speed computerized transmission, and this permits it to offer electrical help, power regeneration and electric-only driving at low speeds.

Whereas the latter is notable, the actual profit is when the engine and electrical motor work collectively to supply their mixed most output of 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque. That bests every thing within the Silverado’s engine bay and does the identical towards the Ram 1500, in case you exclude the bonkers TRX. It additionally beats the entire mainstream engines within the F-150, whereas having 13 hp (10 kW / 13 PS) much less and 73 lb-ft (99 Nm) greater than the Raptor.

The engine is offered solely in CrewMax variations of the pickup, but it surely’s the powertrain you need because it’s a hybrid for hooligans. That’s very true in Sport and Sport+ modes as they make the most of the electrical motor to enhance responsiveness and acceleration.

Throughout our quick time with a hybrid prototype, turbo lag was successfully eradicated and the response to accelerator inputs was close to instantaneous. Extra importantly, the hybrid is a blast to drive as off-the-line acceleration improves considerably and you’ll chirp the tires with out even making an attempt. In conventional Toyota vogue, the hybrid system works seamlessly and there doesn’t seem like any drawbacks apart from the inevitable worth improve that accompanies the powertrain.

Whereas Toyota declined to offer gas economic system estimates for the hybrid pickup, we averaged 17.9 mpg in a brief check. That compares to averages of 15.8 and 19.5 mpg within the common mannequin, however all three had been pushed on completely different programs so that you most likely shouldn’t learn an excessive amount of into these numbers. That being mentioned, the hybrid is extra about efficiency than gas effectivity so we shouldn’t anticipate eye-popping numbers when official figures are launched.

New Suspension And Platform Consequence In A Extra Comfy Driving Expertise

Whereas the hybrid powertrain is a notable addition, it’s removed from an important change because the 2022 Tundra rides on an all-new platform that’s shared with the redesigned Land Cruiser. The truck additionally boasts a brand new totally boxed high-strength metal body, which considerably will increase rigidity.

Nonetheless, that’s simply the tip of the iceberg because the truck has an all-new multi-link rear suspension, which ditches leaf springs in favor of coils. It’s joined by a brand new double wishbone entrance suspension, which, based on Toyota, “advantages from a kingpin offset angle discount to reinforce straight-line stability and high-speed driving” in addition to an enlarged caster path for added stability. The corporate additionally diminished roll steer by 25 p.c to enhance cornering and raised the roll top middle to scale back physique roll.

The upgrades don’t cease there as higher-end variants have hydraulic cab mounts and might be outfitted with an all-new rear air suspension with computerized and handbook adjustment. The latter options Low, Regular and Excessive settings and may decrease the rear finish to assist with loading or elevate it to enhance clearance when off-roading.

The Tundra can be outfitted with an adaptive variable suspension for the primary time. It adjusts the damping based mostly on highway circumstances and guarantees to enhance dealing with, stability and luxury.

Given the entire adjustments, it comes as little shock that the 2022 Tundra is remarkably snug. The journey high quality is spectacular for a full-size truck and is a big enchancment over its predecessor. Whereas there have been occasional bouts of jostling, these incidents had been comparatively few and much between. The truth is, the Tundra was completely snug each on and off the freeway.

The truck can also be a good handler as cornering was drama free and solely produced minimal physique roll. After all, it shouldn’t shock anybody that driving a 5,095-6,185 lbs (2,311-2,805 kg) pickup isn’t essentially the most thrilling expertise. A part of that may be chalked as much as the steering, which isn’t terribly exceptional in both Regular or Sport mode.

The Most Towing Capability Climbs To 12,000 Kilos

Because of the all-new body, the Tundra is more durable than ever as the utmost towing capability will increase 17.6 p.c to 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg). That drops to eight,300 lbs (3,765 kg) on the low finish and it’s value noting the entry-level engine delivers the very best towing capability.

Talking of towing, the Tundra gives two completely different tow / haul modes. The primary is designed to be used with small to medium trailers and boats, whereas the opposite gives a extra aggressive throttle response that’s splendid for towing massive boats, campers and field trailers.

Homeowners can create a number of trailer profiles and equip their truck with an built-in trailer brake controller in addition to newly out there energy extending and folding tow mirrors. The latter present an elevated discipline of view and have built-in flip indicators in addition to LED trailering lights, which shine rearward that can assist you join or again up a trailer at night time.

On the subject of backing up a trailer, the Tundra gives a Straight Path Help characteristic which might be simply accessed by pushing a button on the middle console. When activated, the system will mechanically steer the truck and trailer in a straight line. All it’s a must to do is speed up and brake, whereas keeping track of your environment. It’s remarkably straightforward and intuitive to make use of, and will make boat launch fails a factor of the previous.

A Rugged Off-Roader

Off-road centered pickups are a scorching commodity and Toyota is as soon as once more providing a Tundra TRD Professional. It comes solely with the hybrid powertrain and boasts a 1.1 inch (28 mm) entrance carry, a novel entrance stabilizer, 2.5-inch FOX inside bypass coilovers and remote-reservoir rear shocks.

Patrons may even discover an aluminum entrance skid plate, crimson suspension parts, and added safety for the engine, gas tank and switch case. Different highlights embody an digital locking rear differential, a Multi-Terrain Monitor and Multi-Terrain Choose. They’re joined by an LED gentle bar, technical camo, and 18-inch cast aluminum wheels wrapped in 33-inch Falken Wildpeak tires.

Whereas we didn’t drive the Tundra TRD Professional, we did check a few fashions outfitted with the TRD Off-Street bundle. It options various parts which might be shared with the TRD Professional together with an digital locking rear differential and a Multi-Terrain Choose system.

The latter has a Crawl Management perform that acts as a low-speed cruise management system for off-roading. Drivers can alter the velocity by turning the rotary drive mode selector and it allows them to give attention to steering or expecting obstacles on the Multi-Terrain Monitor. Whereas the system does take a few of the enjoyable out of off-roading, it permits for a smoother expertise as making an attempt to use constant stress to the accelerator might be tough while you’re bouncing round. The truck additionally has Downhill Help Management, which limits how briskly the car descends a steep slope.

A Harder, Extra Comfy Tundra

As you may most likely inform from the size of this assessment, engineers left no stone unturned of their effort to create a extra snug and succesful pickup.

Their onerous work is clearly evident because the 2022 Tundra has a extra highly effective and environment friendly engine in addition to an all-new hybrid powertrain. The latter delivers diesel-like ranges of torque, however with the responsiveness that solely an electrical motor can present.

On high of that, the truck has a completely boxed body and an all-new suspension that delivers respectable dealing with and a snug journey high quality. Comfy can be used to explain the cabin as it may be outfitted with wooden trim, heated and ventilated seats and a heated leather-based steering wheel. After which there’s the all-new infotainment system which is voice-focused and out there with an enormous 14-inch show.

Toyota additionally improved the core capabilities of the truck as towing and payload capacities have elevated, whereas the CrewMax variant can now be outfitted with an extended 6.5 foot mattress. Moreover, new tech options ought to make towing much less aggravating.

The top result’s one actually spectacular pickup that’s leaps and bounds forward of its predecessor. Whereas it might need an uphill battle towards the juggernauts from Detroit, Toyota isn’t happening with no battle.  We’ll see how that battle performs out when the Tundra goes on sale in December.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops