The Toyota Tundra has a longstanding reputation for being a reliable full-size pickup truck with superb off-road performance and unmatched resale value. However, many enthusiasts have long wondered when a design overhaul is coming for this model, as the current generation has been in place for more than a decade. The wait is over.
If you love the Tundra but wish it was more forward-thinking like some of its competitors, this is the year for you. More technology, more power, and better fuel efficiency are on the horizon as Toyota has released information about the all-new 2022 Tundra.
At a glimpse, the upcoming Tundra seems to have everything it needs to make a ruckus in the full-size pickup segment, which includes the likes of the Ford F-150, GM Silverado and Sierra, and Ram 1500. And with the reliability factor working in its favor, the future looks bright for Toyota’s heavy-duty hauler. Below, Mount Airy Toyota will lay out everything we know so far about the 2022 Tundra!
What We Know
The 2022 Tundra hasn’t reached dealerships yet, but Toyota has given fans and dealers some valuable information to go off of over the last few months. Here’s a brief rundown of the upgrades you can expect:
- New suspension system
- New iForce Max powertrain
- New TNGA body-on-frame platform
- Falken Wildpeak tires
- Drive mode selector switch
- Crawl control
- Larger infotainment touchscreen
- Speakers mounted on A-pillars
- A slew of new interior features and design upgrades
- Better towing
Let’s take a closer look at some of these details:
The Suspension System
One of the first things Toyota fans and car enthusiasts across the globe saw of the all-new Tundra was an image of the truck’s suspension system. That is, we saw one version of the system, most likely the TRD Pro, where a Fox Racing damper joins a set of control arms. If you want to know what makes the Ford F-150 Raptor such a popular off-road vehicle, these same shocks play a major role.
Toyota is no stranger to producing industry-leading off-road versions of its vehicles. But we can all agree that the Tundra needed some upgrades on that front. And seeing as how the Raptor has ended up being such a cash cow for Ford, we expect the TRD Pro to be equipped with a state-of-the-art suspension primed for ripping through deserts and other terrains.
The iForce Max Engine
Not that previous Tundra models weren’t powerful, but if Toyota’s full-size pickup is going to stack its claim in the class, improvements are needed in both power and efficiency categories. According to teasers, Toyota is taking that step for the model year 2022.
By all appearances, the Tundra will no longer come available with the 5.7-liter V8, and it is speculated that a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 will replace it. That’s the type of engine found in the newest Land Cruiser 300 Series.
We have seen the engine cover through Toyota’s teaser images, which includes a new “iForce Max” label over the engine. The image also shows six ribs on the engine cover instead of the eight that can be seen on previous V8 versions. In other words, it looks like the 2022 Tundra will be powered by a V6 engine.
Here’s where efficiency comes into play. Blue trim has been used on most of Toyota’s hybrid model logos. Since the teaser image shows the word “Max” outlined in blue, many enthusiasts are speculating this means the engine will be a hybrid. What we know for sure is that a Toyota executive has iterated the Toyota will offer two available powertrains; the base model will run on a 5.7-liter eight-pot while the optional engine upgrade will “blow you away.” In all likelihood, at least one of these engines will be assisted by a battery.
The New TNGA Platform
A new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform has been in the works for some time. It appears that the all-new Tundra will be one of the first vehicles to ride on this body-on-frame platform alongside the upcoming Sequoia, 4Runner, and Tacoma models.
The new TNGA platform is expected to reduce the Tundra’s overall weight due to lighter construction materials while boosting safety and ride quality in the process. Falling in line with the successful Ram 1500, the Tundra is also set to change from leaf-spring to coil-spring suspension in the back, further improving ride quality.
Interior Upgrades
A video teaser released by Toyota presents portions of the truck’s all-new interior. Perhaps the most stunning feature includes a set of red perforated leather seats with minor camo detailing and a massive TRD Pro stitched logo. There also seems to be an attractive combination of digital and analog gauges in the instrument cluster along with a wireless device charging pad.
A crawl control selector and textured shift knob show up in the teaser as well. We can expect many more upgrades than those shown in the teasers, but even with the few features we have seen, we can expect the 2022 Tundra to have a transformed interior.
Retractable Rear Window
While it is not a new feature, the popular retractable rear window of the Tundra is worth mentioning. This feature resembles the powered rear glass on 4Runner models and has received wide acclaim for the airflow and accessibility it adds to the truck. The fact that it is showing up in the 2022 Tundra means that it will likely be around for many years to come. Additionally, one of the teasers shows there will also be a full-length moonroof with a vast opening in the new Tundra, which will add even more of a spacious feel to the cabin.
Towing Capacity
Current Tundra models max out at 10,200 pounds of towing and 1,730 pounds of payload capacity. These numbers will likely increase on the 2022 Tundra if we are to go by released images of the new pickup showing six-lug wheels instead of the five-lug wheels that have come on previous models. Adding rear coil springs also indicates improved towing and payload capacity, as does the upgraded engine.
Pricing Estimates
Anytime a model undergoes a significant design and engineering overhaul, the price point rises. We can expect the same from the all-new Tundra, considering it is a complete redesign—from the exterior body shape to the interior technology to the boosted powertrain.
The top-of-the-line 2021Tundra Platinum has a starting price of just over $52,000. Considering the average consumer pays about $50,000 for a pickup truck, the Toyota Tundra is one of the most affordable full-size pickup trucks you can buy. That said, we expect the 2022 Tundra to sell closer to the prices of its competitors. For example, a new F-150 King Ranch starts at about $56,000, while Platinum and Limited trims come in at $59,000 and $70,000, respectively.
Why Coil Springs Matter
As previously mentioned, the all-new Tundra is expected to come with a new suspension system; more specifically, it will boast rear coil springs in place of the leaf springs found in previous models. This is in addition to Fox internal bypass shocks. The casual observer may overlook the significance of this upgrade, but there are many reasons why quality coil springs can benefit a pickup truck.
In the simplest terms, coil springs are designed to absorb a significant amount of a truck’s payload, meaning that you can carry more while maintaining a smooth ride. Coil springs also prevent the truck bed from sagging, and in most cases, the truck gets at least a one-inch lift. You may have noticed that heavy-duty vehicles owned by city and state governments tend to stand taller than most other commercial trucks on the road. Simply put, most of these trucks have coil springs in the rear to help with heavy loads of snow, salt, and other materials. Let’s discuss coil springs in a little more detail:
How Coil Springs Work
Coil springs absorb the impact of bumps and dips in the road, ultimately mitigating wear and tear on your suspension while also providing a smoother ride. Heavy-duty springs, like the ones that will come on the new Tundra, are made out of a denser material; this means that they can accommodate rougher and more demanding conditions. Such springs are also stiffer than those of lower quality, so they will only compress when you’re carrying heavier loads in your pickup.
If you haul heavy loads in your pickup, whether occasionally or regularly, having rear coil springs will ensure that you can get your job done without hurting your vehicle. It will also help you to enjoy driving on gravel, rough pavement, and other rough terrains, as well as provide your truck with more ground clearance to avoid obstacles that could otherwise cause damage to your suspension, frame, and fuel lines. Then there is the aesthetic component—raising your pickup with good coil springs can help your truck stand out from others.
Transporting Construction Materials
Whether you work for a construction company or undertake DIY home improvement projects, having rear coil springs on your truck can make a huge difference. You frequently may need to carry overbearing loads, such as tools, equipment, and materials. With good coil springs, your truck will have the support it needs, which will lead to a smoother ride and a longer-lasting suspension. And if you care about gas mileage, it will help in that area too.
Agricultural Projects
If you live in a rural area, and especially if you own a considerable amount of land, you might have a significant amount of responsibilities that require you to haul and tow. Maybe you need to carry gravel or heavy branches. Maybe you need to take animals or equipment from point A to point B.
While even a decent mid-size pickup truck can get the job done in that regard, tasks like these require more support when they are done on a regular basis. Reinforcing your truck with quality coil springs will prolong its lifespan and help you work more efficiently.
Off-Roading
Let’s not forget about recreational vehicles. If you’re an adventurer who likes to go off the beaten path or engage in outdoor sports, you need a pickup truck that is up to the task. Over time, hauling massive items can drive your truck into the ground. And of course, you don’t want to be off-roading without a top-notch suspension system, including coil springs.
Winter Weather
If you live in an area that gets snow, sleet, or other types of winter weather, having quality coil springs can make a huge difference when the cold months arrive. Not only will you be able to rely on your pickup truck for driving in what could otherwise be dangerous conditions, but you will also be able to more easily get out of situations where you’re stuck. Furthermore, if you ever want to plow snow on your road or in your neighborhood, having a truck outfitted with good coil springs will help you accomplish that.
Crawl Control and Other Off-Road Features
Okay, so you’ve seen that the new Tundra will include a crawl control feature. But if you are like many other consumers, you may not know exactly what that means. Let’s clear that up a little bit.
Toyota Crawl Control, often dubbed CRAWL, is basically an advanced technology that helps your vehicle travel better on multiple types of terrain. The feature automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes between five low-speed settings, enabling you to concentrate on steering. The Tundra, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and 4Runner all come with this feature and it integrates seamlessly with a lot of the other features that are found on the Toyota TRD models.
Toyota TRD vehicles are generally focused on providing the optimal off-road driving experience. That is why these models are loaded with features developed specifically with the path less taken in mind. Multi-Terrain Select, for instance, helps to reduce traction loss and wheelspin by controlling the throttle and traction control automatically through five different modes. To help you prevent from rolling backward down a hill when taking your foot off the break, Hill Start Assist Control keeps pressure applied to the breaks while on an incline.
Additionally, you can use the Multi-Terrain Monitor and surround-view camera system to see any objects or obstacles that are under and around your tires. And there are also the Bilstein/Fox shocks and electronic locking rear differential, among other systems, that come on the TRD models.
Conclusion
By all appearances, the highly anticipated release of the all-new Toyota Tundra will not disappoint. From cutting-edge technology to re-engineered performance, this model should be on every truck enthusiast’s shortlist. Expect a major disruption in the full-size pickup market as the 2022 Tundras roll into dealerships—hopefully within a few months.
If you would like to speak with one of our team members about availability or set up a test drive for any new or used Toyota models, don’t hesitate to contact Mount Airy Toyota today!
