The Tundra might not be Toyota’s first full-size pickup truck, however, the Tundra is the carmaker’s first full-size pickup made in North America and built for this market. Toyota had the United States market in mind when it built the Tundra, although its American rivals remain a force to reckon with in terms of sales.
While it is true that sales of the Tundra may not be as considerable as the Ford F-150, Ram Trucks and Chevrolet Silverado, it still holds a good chunk of the market. In 2021, Ford sold more than 720,000 F-Series pickups, Stellantis sold more than 560,000 Ram Trucks, while Chevrolet sold a little less than 530,000. In the case of the Tundra, sales actually dropped from 109,000 in 2020 to just 81,000 in 2021.
The decline in sales of the Tundra might be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s hard to deny that the second-gen 2021 Tundra is a 13-year-old machine. Knowing that, Toyota came up with the all-new third-generation 2022 Tundra.
This next generation of the Tundra boasts a single but a significant addition to its lineup – the 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone. This new grade exemplifies what the Tundra has been missing in the previous generation – a taste of luxury. The Tundra Capstone exudes this luxury in several ways, but its best feature is literally its premium and plush interior laden with a number of technological details.
A Premium Interior Wrapped In Semi-Aniline Leather
Pickup trucks are essentially vehicles with great towing and hauling capabilities. Nonetheless, these trucks are also defined by what they can offer. For instance, the Tundra TRD Pro is Toyota’s pitch for off-road and adventure-loving customers. The Tundra Capstone, meanwhile, is meant for customers who wanted spices of luxury with their pickups.
Thus, the Tundra Capstone’s best feature is one that allows customers to experience luxury while on the move – its premium interior in entirety.
As passengers prepare to enter the Tundra Capstone, they are greeted by automatic running boards. Passengers are then welcomed and accommodated on luxury-grade standard seats trimmed in semi-aniline leather. These premium seats feature stylish perforation and a Capstone-only black-and-white color combination. The same material practically covers the entire cabin, including part of the dashboard.
The luxurious nature of the interior is furthered by usage of authentic Dark American Walnut wood (with an open-pore finish) for the center console and passenger-side dash. A Walnut inlay on the dash also surrounds a Capstone logo that illuminates once the doors are opened.
Luxurious Elements For Driver And Passengers Alike
Tundra Capstone drivers, meanwhile, are provided with a taste of luxury with the leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, a massive 12.3-inch digital Multi-Informational Display, as well as the standard 10-inch color Head-Up Display.
Toyota complemented these interior elements with another massive monitor – a standard 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display that controls the all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia system. This system works in three ways -- sight, touch and voice. Its Drive Connect feature is loaded with elements such as Intelligent Assistant and Cloud Navigation. Of course, the all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia system supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Passengers would find the new Toyota Audio Multimedia a great fit for their entertainment needs, as it allows for simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. Audiophiles would surely appreciate the 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. Interestingly, the Tundra Capstone can become an Internet hub as an AT&T Hotspot for up for five devices, as available through a Wi-Fi Connect subscription.
Premium Interior Comfort While On The Move
Furthermore, occupants would the new Toyota Capstone a place of solace from the outside world. Thanks to the acoustic glass on the front doors, the trucks could better kill off exterior sound. By the way, a panoramic moonroof allows occupants to open up to the outside world and let the sunshine in while on the move.
To make it easier for passengers to enter or exit the Tundra Capstone, Toyota installed power running boards as well as power bed step for the truck bed. Ride comfort is ensured by the Tundra’s new multilink rear suspension system, with the availability of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and load-leveling rear height control air suspension.
An Exterior Expressing Luxurious Intent
Expectedly, the Toyota Tundra Capstone’s luxurious status is properly expressed through its exterior. Its rugged yet handsome front end is marked by a Capstone-exclusive grille with a color-keyed outer frame and a chrome inner mesh pattern. Also giving the Capstone its premium looks are its chrome elements such as mirror caps, “TUNDRA” tailgate inserts, trim accents, as massive 22-inch wheels.
Available only in one body configuration (CrewMax with a 5.5-foot bed), the 2022 Tundra Capstone can be finished in any of these colors: Blueprint, Celestial Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl.
High-Level Hybrid Performance And Capabilities
Nevertheless, such luxury should be complemented by premium performance. Serving as the core of the Tundra Capstone is the new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, delivering 437 hp of max output and 583 lb-ft of peak torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
An absolute Tundra powerhouse, The Capstone can impressively tow up to 10,340 pounds, and the setup process is made easier by the standard Towing Technology Package. This package includes Trailer Back Guidance and Straight Path Assist feature. Interestingly, the Tundra can also recognize blind spots for the trailer, thanks to available 360-degree cameras, integrated trailer brake controller and Blind Spot Monitor.
Source: Toyota