We've only just started to enjoy the 2022 Toyota Tundra, and the 2023 model is already knocking on our doors. Fortunately, it seems that there won't be any significant changes for the upcoming vehicle, so we can continue to adjust to the freshly updated pickup truck.

Indeed, it was great to see the Tundra receive a facelift, particularly because we haven't had a chance to see many of them since 2007. This vehicle has been around since 1999 and has recently changed a lot to become what it is now — a modern pickup truck with bold, refined styling and advanced tech.

Today, the Toyota Tundra offers excellent specs, performance, payload capacity, towing, styling, and materials. The only thing that raises interest is the engine under the hood. Unlike other full-size pickup trucks on the overloaded market, the 2022 Toyota Tundra doesn't offer a big mighty V8 to prospective customers. There are only three V6 options available. Why is that?

Let's take a closer look at the 2022 Toyota Tundra's 3.5-Liter V6 Twin-Turbo Engine to try to understand the V8 rollout.

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The 2022 Toyota Tundra's 3.5-Liter V6 Twin-Turbo Engine: The Whys Behind The Only Full-Size Pickup Truck Without A V8

The 2022 Toyota Tundra Limited on display.
Via: Toyota Pressroom

While no one can really know why Toyota gave up on the V8, we can make valid assumptions. Firstly, we wouldn't be surprised if the team thought that the V6, when developed right, could provide just as much thrill and excitement as the V8. Secondly, they probably wanted to stand out from the competition with efficiency.

Anyway, the 2022 Toyota Tundra ended up with V6 variants we'll finally introduce here — pardon the long introduction, but some context was necessary for this situation. So, the first variant is an i-FORCE 3.5-liter Twin-Turbo V6 that delivers 345 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 405 lb-ft of torque at 2000 RPM.

The second variant is the i-FORCE 3.5-liter Twin-Turbo V6 providing 389 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 479 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 RPM. Of course, we saved the best for the end. The i-FORCE 3.5-liter Twin-Turbo V6 provides 437 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 583 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 RPM, which is a significant upgrade.

As you can see, the hybrid powertrain is set to be the most powerful one, but the other two alternatives are also quite good. They all pair to a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECTi), which means there are upgraded driving modes and advanced shifting. For more details on the V6, follow the next section.

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All The Novelties And Enhancements Of The 2022 Toyota Tundra's 3.5-Liter V6 Twin-Turbo Engine

A look at the development of the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
Via: Toyota 

"Calling the twin-turbo V6 a "base" engine just doesn't seem right," says the press release that Toyota has published about the 2022 Toyota Tundra. The same release stresses that this engine easily improves on the outgoing V8 one with its design, which only confirms what we said above.

Namely, the 2022 Toyota Tundra's 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine comes with an aluminum block that features a 3,445cc displacement, has a 24-valve Dual Overhead Cam, and is chain-driven. The water-cooled intercooler also keeps the turbo temperatures down for better performance.

When we're at these advancements, it's significant to mention that Toyota brags about "state-of-the-art" cylinder heads that improve engine reliability and durability. The brand also emphasizes the importance of the machined cross-channels that work to ensure advanced combustion chamber cooling. In fact, some other additional parts and components work to enhance cooling, including the laser-applied powder-metal intake valve seats.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra's 3.5-Liter V6 twin-turbo engine and specs.
Via: Toyota

The star of the show is, of course, the i-FORCE MAX powertrain because it delivers the highest number of ponies and torque. This variant relies on the same twin-turbo V6 platform but includes a motor generator with a clutch to boost the power output for even more excitement. What's interesting here is that the extra power goes through the transmission, and the hybrid components take over the rest, such as the engine start-up, EV driving, and electric assist.

Overall, the hybrid powertrain aims to increase performance for those highly-demanding situations on the road, such as when you're in need of heavy towing. However, it's also highly efficient in the city and on the highway, where it ensures smooth, efficient, and highly-responsive power delivery for the best possible driving experience.

The hybrid powertrain also has a brand new Power Control Unit (PCU), developed to increase the durability of the battery and thermal performance. But all options come with different driving modes to ensure exceptional power output and driving experience in shifting road situations. There are also solid packages for those who may need more for their off-road adventures, for example.

Generally speaking, the 2022 Toyota Tundra's 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is a solid option in any of the three configurations. While it may not be a V8, it still delivers the performance you'll enjoy every step of the way.