Evolved after almost a decade, the flagship truck of the Japanese automaker mogul, Toyota, is set to hit the streets with loads of startling features at the end of this year.
The last version update for Toyota Tundra was the second generation of 2008, which was a massive hit. Toyota sold over 1,96,000 units globally, and the record for the vehicle's groundbreaking sales still remains unbroken. However, surprisingly enough, Toyota did not modify this vehicle further, which gave its rivals an open ground to excel in every aspect of the truck segment where Toyota fell short. This was clearly reflected in the ever-depleting sales of Tundra in the years following 2008.
To date, the Toyota Tundra is still running way behind its rivals in terms of high-tech capabilities, payload capacity, off-roading features, and speed. However, after an elongated dry spell, Toyota finally threw some good news for its loyal customers. The Japanese automaker announced the third generation of Tundra, and it claims that the automobile shall be the best thing that the truck segment has ever seen.
The new Toyota Tundra is expected to be refined in several aspects, such as styling, interior, powertrain, and payload capacity, to regain its status in the market. Undoubtedly, it will face hefty competition from seasoned trucks like Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, and Ram 1500. But the expected modifications of Tundra are expected to be muscled enough to help the truck carve its way to the top.
The Toyota Tundra is all set to rule the streets at the end of this year in a new avatar and with some massive upgrades, and here’s what the truck shall offer.
A Brawny, Heavy Look
The new Tundra shall ship in a more macho, heavy look on the outside with significant improvement of its inner skeleton as well. If rumors are to be believed, the new Tundra will be built upon the Toyota New Global Architecture-F (TNGA-F) body-on-frame chassis composed of high-strength steel and weight-saving materials. This new chassis shall give the truck more structural rigidity while moderately curbing the weight.
The fascia of the truck is expected to be beefier with a more aggressive design that may include a massive grille accompanied at the edges by smartly designed LED headlamps with daytime running light. Below which, the car shall feature a huge body-colored bumper with LED fog lights. The hood may gain some height as compared to its predecessors, along with an integrated air intake. The new Tundra will be available with four different grille styles.
The much-needed improvements that are expected from the vehicle are in the suspension system. The present model has truck-like leaf springs, but to compete with its highly advanced rivals, the 2022 Tundra may sport coil spring suspension for a comfortable and jerk-free driving experience. Some other upgrades may include the upliftment of payload and towing capacity as compared to the present numbers, which are 1,730 pounds and 10,200 pounds, respectively.
The Versatile Interior Set-Up
Emphasizing the passenger’s comfort and experience, the 2022 Tundra shall feature some upscale improvements in its passenger cabin. Though the current model’s interior is decent enough, the new generation of the truck shall step up the game to meet customer demands for an SUV-like interior.
So far, it is expected that the new Tundra will offer all-new seats and high-quality materials for upholstery with optional choices. The front seats shall be 12-way power-adjustable, and all the seats will be equipped with heating and ventilation systems, with an electronic panoramic sunroof on the ceiling. The cabin size shall be 6.5 feet, which is much larger than the present Tundra CrewMax model. The car will provide 42.3 inches of legroom for passengers seated in the rear.
It is also believed that the 2022 Tundra will feature the cutting-edge Entune infotainment system, consisting of a 12.0-inch touchscreen and a large display. The Google-based navigation system will be standard, and like the present model, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto shall be the standard with Bluetooth connectivity. The infotainment system will be powered by Amazon’s Alexa support and SiriusXM, connected with a premium sound system. A dual-zone climate control system shall control the weather inside the car.
The New V6 Engine
Considering the fuel economy, a drastic change is expected under Tundra’s hood as well. The 2022 Tundra will not have the traditional V8; instead, it shall feature a fuel-efficient yet powerful V6. As per the expectations, the next-gen Tundra will be powered by a 3.4-liter Twin-Turbo V6 with rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive powertrains. The vehicle shall be able to produce a gigantic 416 horsepower.
The new engine will be controlled by either a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic transmission and will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds.
The Upgraded Safety Features
In consanguinity with today’s safety concerns and expectations from a high-end truck, the 2022 Toyota Tundra may equip several advanced safety features. This may include the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Rear Door Child Safety Locks, Engine Immobilizer, 8 Airbags, Stability Control, Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation, Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System, Auto Delay Off and Dusk Sensing Headlamps, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Traction Control, Pre-Collision Safety System, Post-Collision Safety System, and the Emergency Braking Assist.
The truck segment of the automobile industry has seen some massive advancements from the leading truck makers like Ford, Ram, or Mitsubishi. While Toyota was not topping the charts in its truck segment over the last decade, the Japanese giant aims to capture the market again with its newest generation of Tundra. If the truck is shipped with the expected features in the 2022 Tundra, then undoubtedly, Toyota shall regain its status as the global leader in the truck segment.