Finally the new 2022 Tundra is totally revealed 16 years after the first full size Tundra in 2007. It’s been teased often for years and as with most Toyota products, it’s amazing. First was the T100 then the small Tundra in 2000. I was at the media launch of the 2007 full size Tundra. The crew max crew cab rear glass totally rolled down and still does in the new model. That was cool, great for doing video’s. The 5.7L V-8 mated to a 6-speed automatic had 381 horsepower. But with a 4.30 rear axle ratio was a good towing machine not good for MPG. Started out great but in recent years was out dated compared to the other 1/2 ton trucks.
Introduced to the public at the 1/2 time Sunday night football game 9/19/2021. I’ll be touching it 9/23/2021 at the start of the State Fair of Texas. Texas is where the Tundra and Tacoma is built. Fitting as the state that sells the most trucks. Basically the majority of what us journalist wanted changed has come true. The Crew Max now with a 6.5 ft bed along with the standard 5.5 ft bed. The 6-speed replaced with a 10-speed of course. New grill, new interior, new suspension, new bed, lots of LED lights. The grills are different for each model of SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794. No V-6, no V-8, learning from Ford, only 2, V-6 3.5L twin turbos, the one in the TRD PRO is hybrid.
Towing capacity is up to 12,000 lbs. properly equipped. The hybrid is 11,400 lbs. towing. Payload can be as high as 1940 lbs. properly equipped. As a growing option with large screens, the middle dash touch screen can be 14 inches. Instrument panel is 12.3 inches. Big improvement over outgoing model. Rear leaf springs went away and a 5 link rear coil suspension with Fox piggy back reservoir improves the ride on TRD PRO. Front suspension is wish bone independent. SR5 and above have optional rear air ride.
Rear coil springs with Fox shocks for TRD Pro or air bags in and high end models, learning from Ram. TRD PRO meant a complete upgrade in the Tacoma, but mostly just decals and wheels in the Tundra. Now the Tundra TRD PRO is a total upgrade. The hybrid 3.5L twin turbo is 437 horse power and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. More than the Ford F150 hybrid. New off road modes enhance off-road and towing. The V-6 3.5L twin turbo as the standard engine in the other Tundra’s is 389 horse power and 479 lb.-ft torque.
The bed, learning from Tacoma is now a composite with aluminum floor frame. And more from little brother Tacoma is CRAWL Control like a cruise control at low speeds. The frame is new, instead of a reinforced C-channel, it’s now fully boxed. The rear air suspension option on more expensive models has three height modes. I like truck air suspensions. Semi-trucks shouldn’t be the only ones to have fun. Now we have Toyota and Ram with air, I see a pattern.
The i-FORCE MAX hybrid motor in the bell housing between motor and transmission work together. The battery isn’t Lithium Ion like most other hybrids but a 288V Nickel-Metal Hydride battery located under the second row seat. Tow/Haul is improved with two modes depending on the size of the trailer. Of course a slue of camera’s and the big 14 in. screen to watch them with. Toyota has a new Trailer Back Guidance aid, I’m sure it’s similar to what Ford and Ram have. Though manufactures copy each other, it the long run it helps all of us. Can’t wait to drive the new Tundra.
