Radical Redesign: Next Gen 2022 Toyota Tundra Debuts with New Platform, Twin Turbos & Hybrid Power
Want an idea of how long the current second generation Toyota Tundra has been around? When it went on sale back in the fall of 2006, the Apple iPhone didn't even exist and Myspace was still the social media platform of choice. And the second gen Tundra has now been sold during four different presidential administrations
In Toyota's defense, the truck did receive a substantial styling refresh back in 2013 and the age of its platform and powertrains has done little to discourage buyers who are drawn to the Tundra's legendary reputation for reliability.
But still, you won't find many who will disagree that the Tundra was long overdue to be brought into the modern era with a new generation. And it looks like the just-debuted 2022 next gen Tundra is going to do exactly that.
Worth the Wait
Starting on the outside, the new truck has a dramatically different look than the outgoing model. Gone is the somewhat bulbous profile of the old truck, replaced with a more aggressive, squared-off look with bulging fenders and a massive front grille.
But that's just the beginning of the changes. Beneath the body sits an all-new chassis that now uses a multilink rear suspension with coil springs and a redesigned double-wishbone setup in the front. As with most redesigned vehicles these days, the changes should improve both strength and refinement.
Equally dramatic are the changes under the hood of the next gen Tundra. The outgoing truck was known for its 5.7 liter V8 engine that basically hasn't been touched since 2006, and for 2022 popular but aging V8 has been put out to pasture for more powerful, more fuel-efficient alternatives.
Bye Bye V8, Hello Turbos & Electric Motors
The base engine for the 2022 Tundra is an i-Force 3.5L twin turbocharged V6 that Toyota says will make up to and 389 horsepower and 479 pound feet of torque. While that horsepower figure is about on par with the outgoing V8, the boosted V6 makes nearly 80 more pound feet of torque than the 5.7.
What's even more interesting is that the Tundra will also have an optional new powerplant that Toyota calls "i-Force Max". It's built around the same 3.5 liter twin turbocharged V6 with a bellhousing-mounted electric motor generator setup.
Choosing this hybridized powerplant boosts output up the 437 horsepower and an even more impressive 583 pound feet of torque from just 2,400 RPM.
The i-Force Max setup should also offer improved fuel economy along with the ability to operate as an EV during low-speed city driving. Both engines send their power to a new 10-speed automatic, a big improvement over the outgoing six-speed.
All New Inside & Out
As expected, the interior of the third gen Tundra also gets some massive changes to bring it into the 2020s. Both the look and material qualities look to be a huge improvement from the outgoing truck.
The '22 Tundra will also be the first Toyota to use the company's new Audio Multimedia system accessed via an optional 14" center screen. Additionally there's a new optional 12.3" digital instrument display as well.
As for trims, all of the popular versions of the outgoing Tundra including SR, SR5, Limited and Platinum. The TRD Off-Road package returns as well, along with the hugely popular TRD Pro model.
A New Segment Leader?
While the Tundra has always been an extremely popular pickup among the Toyota faithful, America's fullsize pickup market is an extremely competitive one, and a new platform and high tech new powertrains have a chance to lift the Tundra to the top segment.
Toyota hasn't released pricing information yet, but we can expect to learn more we get closer to the on-sale date scheduled for late 2021.
More From Driving Line
- Now we wait for Toyota to release an equally overdue next gen 4Runner. Here's how they are keeping the existing model fresh in the meantime.
