The all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra has made itself a name in global markets, specifically in places where trucks are hugely popular, like the United States. The third-generation model ups the game further - and sets a great impression in the segment, full of large trucks in the North American market.
Toyota is known for its quality, reliability, and durability now adds the Tundra's legacy to it, and what you get, is a model that will further build on its popularity in the full-size truck segment.
The new Tundra has washed off the weaknesses of the older Tundras but has way more to offer in its latest avatar, with a new powertrain that makes more power whilst staying fuel efficient as well. Then there's the common need for maximum towing and payload capability.
Its American-designed multimedia system is only among the many features customers love - and at an MSRP starting at $35,950, it's an extremely competitively priced truck. But with the beastly Ford -150 Raptor in its sight, can the Toyota stand a chance to be better, or is it a draw?
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Is Poised Yet Intimidating
The new Tundra TRD Pro's being assembled at Toyota Manufacturing Texas, in San Antonio, and Toyota designers and engineers in the U.S have been burning the midnight oil well before the Tundra could reach the production line.
It could be mistaken for a home-grown American truck until you see the Toyota badge. You can see the influence of American design in the details of the Tundra pickup. The entire exterior was designed at Toyota's North American design studio, Calty Design Research, in California.
Not a hint of Japanese flair to it, and that's a good thing because the U.S market doesn't want its trucks to look like the Corolla range. With its towering and broad stance, we could easily imagine The Undertaker from WrestleMania stepping in, without being dwarfed by it.
The crisp lines are all there, but so are slab-like surfaces. It doesn't only look rugged; it looks sophisticated. You know it's packed with the latest features the moment you look at it.
Toyota has been bullish about their truck, and they're rather chuffed to see the result. Toyota considers it an athletic design; we'd say it's designed to carry a family and its farm animals through a violent storm. Also, it shouldn't have a problem towing your Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 on a flat-bed trailer!
Certain design elements are specific to the Tundra TRD Pro, like the TRD grille that's massive, optional 20-inch TRD wheels, TRD lowered sport suspension, and a TRD leather-wrapped gear knob. There are skid plates, mudguards, and this 4x4 model features an electronic rear differential lock, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select.
Toyota Tundra TRD Has A Sporty & Tech-Heavy Cabin
There are lots of functional bits inside the truck, and it's hard to nitpick. Storage bits are aplenty, and the center console is so big, that it makes you feel like a minion inside. There are separate armrests for the driver and the passenger. Resting our elbows on the window sill is common, particularly if it's a habit, but the good thing here is, that your elbow rests easily, not uncomfortably.
It features a 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster, but again, the optional 14-inch central touchscreen infotainment system is likely to make you feel small. It is reported that the system is responsive to speech commands. Also, the pinch-and-zoom for the map works brilliantly. You can connect numerous smartphones via Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
The horizontal layout theme is very different from what you'll see on other trucks, but the aim was to integrate the instrument panel and center console to blend with the rest of the cabin. Premium materials are in abundance, including pads on the dashboard, doors, and a few other places.
The TRD Pro also gets the 'TRD' badging on the lower half of the steering wheel. The red-and-black theme on the inside looks great, for as long as you're not going to be made fun of, by one of your friends sitting inside.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Packs Hybrid Power
Now, this is where the Toyota needs your attention: it packs an iForce Max 3.5-liter V6 engine that pushes out 437hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Since it's a hybrid, the instant torque is said to be fantastic the moment you gun it. At slow speeds, the Tundra works solely on electric power, but the gasoline engine comes to life when you put your foot down.
If you've to slow down, the Tundra will again go back to its EV mode. Everything is said to work effortlessly; it only goes to show Toyota's interest in perfecting its offering. The 10-speed automatic gearbox works like caramel being poured into a cup.
Tundra TRD Pro Has An Edge Over Ford F-150 Raptor
Let's get the designs over with first. Firstly, the Tundra TRD Pro doesn't look like a Toyota. It's large, just like any other truck, including the Ford F150. Both trucks can crash a party and the house into bits - but it's the Toyota's muscle that somehow seems easier on the eye.
The Ford looks like it wants to rob a bank, busting straight into the vault. Utility-wise, the Ford F-150 outshines the Toyota, but this is a point Tundra buyers are going to ignore. Tech-wise, the Toyota packs a lot for the price, making it the value-for-money option here. Ford's F-150 packs-in every gizmo you'd need as well, but it all doesn't come cheap. The Toyota simply takes the cake when it comes to the pricing!
Sources: Toyota, Ford