Toyota is known for making high-quality vehicles with long-term durability and high resale value. Since 1999, their lineup has included the Tundra model series. As just the second full-size pickup built by a Japanese manufacturer (the first by a Japanese manufacturer in North America), the Tundra has been a pioneer since its beginning.
The Tundra has won countless awards over its lifespan, including “North American Truck of the Year” and “Truck of the Year” in 2000 and 2008. The pinnacle of Tundra models has been the TRD Pro iteration since it began being offered in 2015. The upgrade package helped the truck to compete with more rugged trucks like the Ram 1500 Rebel and Ford SVT Raptor.
Historically, Toyota has been synonymous with value in the vehicle world. The Tundra has generally stayed somewhat true to that concept with non-exorbitant pricing, however opting into the TRD Pro package on the 2022 Tundra may have some wondering if the truck is worth its price tag. With updates to nearly every aspect of the pickup and plentiful features, though, the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is definitely worth paying for.
Let’s take a closer look at why the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is worth its price!
The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro: Specifications And Upgrades To Love
The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro boasts updates to nearly every piece of the pickup. Now equipped with a new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a ten-speed transmission, the truck goes above and beyond by incorporating a hybrid-electric drivetrain as well. Previous models of the truck were offered with V8 engines; however, the update has increased the efficiency of the Tundra and produces better overall stats.
The powertrain has an electric drive motor positioned between the flex plate and torque converter and is capable of an output of 437 horsepower at 5200 RPM and 583 lb-ft. of torque. With the hybrid design, the Tundra TRD Pro is able to hit peak torque output at a lower RPM (just 2400 RPM). At the track, the Tundra is able to accelerate 0-60 MPH in just 7.41 seconds.
The TRD Pro also comes with a choice of Double Cab at a 6.5-foot bed length or CrewMax with a 5.5-foot bed length. Both options come as aluminum-reinforced composite constructions, include a deck rail system with adjustable tie-down cleats, and have a bed-mounted AC power outlet and LED bed lights for convenience of use.
Features Worth Paying For In The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Beyond the impressive specifications of the 2022 Tundra TRD Pro, the pickup also has a host of features that contribute to making the vehicle well worth the price. Opting into the off-road Pro results in an upgrade to Fox 2.5 inch internal bypass shocks that give the front of the truck 1.1 inches of additional lift. Other off-road upgrades on the TRD Pro include an aluminum front skid plate, underbody protection, front stabilizer bar, all terrain tires from Falken Wildpeak, and bright red paint on some suspension parts.
In the cabin of the TRD Pro are several premium features such as a panoramic roof and heated front seats and steering wheel. In the center of the dashboard is a 14-inch infotainment screen that not only controls internal systems and navigation, but also offers the option of showing the vehicle’s exterior from several angles, which can be extremely handy when off-roading or towing.
Fully digital instrument cluster gauges are an option for the Tundra and the internal systems are compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With internal Wi-Fi connectivity for up to ten devices and voice activated task assignment for things such as navigation and setting adjustments, the Tundra delivers on technological features and upgrades as well.
An incredible set of safety features have also been added to the Tundra to make the pickup safer and more convenient to drive. With Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, the truck is equipped with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure alerts, steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. Additionally, the TRD Pro has blind spot monitoring, trailer merge warnings, parking assistance with automatic braking, tire pressure monitoring, eight airbags, and Safety Connect. Safety Connect includes emergency assistance, stole vehicle locator, and roadside assistance.
The 2022 Tundra SR (base model) has a starting MSRP of just $35,950 according to Kelley Blue Book, however, to upgrade to the TRD Pro iteration increases the price up to $67,505. Although that is not the most expensive trim (that would be the Capstone, offered at $74,230), the TRD Pro is still relatively expensive for a pickup. Additionally, the current waitlist is approximately 9-18 months (putting some customers in line for the 2023 model year instead). However, the comprehensive features for safety, luxury, and convenience offered on the 2022 Tundra TRD Pro show that it is worth the wait and the price.