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The pickup truck is big business for automotive manufacturers in the USA, taking a massive 20% market share of all vehicles sold yearly. In 2019, this totaled $91 billion worth of new trucks being sold. One of the most popular trucks on sale today is the 2021 Ford F-150, which has many cool features, whilst the likes of the Dodge Ram and Chevrolet Silverado come in close behind.
Offering far more load space, generally better off-road ability, and incredible towing capability, many people favor pick-ups over the hugely popular SUV, and sales figures testify to this. Manufacturers, too, are fully aware that the humble pickup has a massive following, and have released a number of fabulous, high-powered or performance-oriented versions with some truly great engines having been fitted to pickups over the years.
For some, though, ultimate off-road ability and build quality lie solely at the feet of Toyota, a brand that has been making sturdy, capable terrain killers for decades. Its Hilux set the bar so high for pickup reliability that even today it is a benchmark that some deem to be unreachable. Sharing that infamous truck's genes, the Tundra too has won over a loyal fan base and with a new model inbound, here are 10 things we now know about the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
10 A Monster Truck
When it comes to building unstoppable go-anywhere utility vehicles and trucks Toyota doesn't need to take a cue from anyone, having previously built the Hilux and Landcruiser the Tundra has solid familial DNA.
With large muscular dimensions, swollen arches, and a front grille that would make a Basking Shark blush, the Tundra looks like it means business whilst shouting proudly about its all-terrain credentials and heritage.
9 It'll Be A Comfortable Place To Sit
Redesigned for the new model, the interior blends cutting-edge technology with rugged off-road design flourishes, freshening up the look to deliver a very appealing look and superb quality of overall finish.
Having more in common with a luxury SUV, the Tundra seating is superbly comfortable, the rear glass screen fully detracts with the press of a switch whilst a host of electrical aids like blind-spot monitoring assist the driver.
8 Awesome Off-Road Ability
Having built up a solid reputation for building vehicles that will climb mountains and cross rivers without batting an eyelid, like the unstoppable Land Cruiser, the 2022 Tundra comes packed with off-road prowess.
Fitted as standard with a Multi-Terrain Select system allowing for the driver to tailor the ride and four-wheel drive to a particular surface, the Tundra benefits further from Crawl Control, an off-road low-speed driver's aid.
7 Loaded With Tempting Features
Along with its enormous moon-roof, which can be retracted at the flick of a switch, the Tundra is packed with technology and can be fitted with heated/cooled leather seating to compliment the other soft touch finishes.
Now equipped with one of the largest touchscreens screens in its segment, the 14-inch multimedia display is preloaded with both Apple and Android capability whilst being easy and intuitive to use.
6 Bye Bye V8, Hello Hybrid V6
With the choice to dump the long-serving V8 powerplant, the Tundra now comes with either the i-Force 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 unit that punches out 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque or a new Hybrid unit.
Named the i-Force Max, the V6 gains an inline hybrid powertrain, situated within the bell housing, boosting power to a massive 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, enabling the truck to hit 60 mph in a little over 6.5 seconds.
5 A Huge Load Area
Able to carry loads up to 1,940 pounds, the 2022 Tundra will also flex its V6 muscles to pull up to 12,000 pounds of trailer cargo, that's a very impressive 17.6% increase over the outgoing model.
Aimed squarely at the outdoor sports market and not those intending to use the truck for work, the Tundra dismisses the need for a multifunction tailgate and keeps things nice and simple, which is just what their customers asked for.
4 Return Of The Range Topping 1794
With a name that references the original ranch on which the factory in San Antonio, Texas where the Tundra is built, the top billing 1794 trim level ensures that all the bells and whistles are packed into one place.
Finished in Mesquite and with either cream or brown leather, the 1794 model comes loaded as standard with the popular TRD Off-Road package, unique badging plus lots of shiny chrome to set it apart from lesser specifications.
3 TRD Packs
Well worth adding to any base model Tundra the TRD Off-Road package adds larger 20-inch wheels, rugged Bilstein dampers, skid plates, mudguards, and a very smart looking TRD branded leather shifter.
For a sleeker look, the Tundra can be specified with the accompanying TRD Sport package that will see the truck fitted with 20-inch black alloy wheels, TRD front grill, and lowered suspension.
2 There's A Nascar Version
The 2022 Tundra racing truck will compete in the Nascar Camping World Truck Series starting at Daytona International Speedway, continuing a tradition that started in 2004 which led to 11 manufacturers' championship titles.
Actually sharing very little with the road-going truck, the racing Tundra sits far lower, features a bespoke NASCAR body kit for enhanced aerodynamics, racing slick tires, plus a fully custom-built racing engine to beat its competition.
1 From $37,645 It's Reassuringly Expensive
Priced higher than its American-derived competitors, the Toyota Tundra remains expensive, aimed at those seeking to choose a strongly built and well-equipped lifestyle vehicle and not another work truck.
Pitched higher than the homegrown favorites, the Tundra offers up a package to suit buyers seeking the load-lugging capabilities of a truck, the comfort levels of a luxury SUV, and the reliability that only Toyota can offer.