2022 Toyota Tundra Makeover – The arrival of a new half-ton pickup is cause for cheers around here, especially when the vehicle in question is replacing one that’s been in production with only minor changes for the better part of 15 years. When the same model is equipped with new engines, our excitement is sparked into high gear.
2022 Toyota Tundra Makeover
What’s New for 2022?
Toyota provides the Tundra a needed, total overhaul after the previous generation has remained largely the same since its debut in 2007. Even though it was updated for the 2014 model year however, it was unable to take sales from rivals in the half-ton segment like that of Ford F-150, the Ram 1500 and it’s Chevy Silverado 1500 along with the GMC Sierra 1500. The brand new Tundra isn’t likely to surpass any of the other options, but its myriad improvements will make it far more competitive and appealing once it hits the market this winter.
Performance
Before, the Tundra was sold exclusively with the naturally aspirated V-8 engine. In the new model year the Tundra comes with a V-6 and it’s more powerful than the previous engine however it’s got two less cylinders. A 10-speed automated transmission replaces the older six-speed for all models.
A regular 3.5-litre twin-turbo V-6 produces 389 hp and 479 Lb-ft of force (compare with the 2021 Tundra’s 381-hpand 401 Lb-ft V-8). Buyers looking to increase their power can match an V-6 engine using an electric motor. In this hybrid configuration the output increases to 437 horsepower and 583 pounds of torque. These hybrids offer top tech.
Engines
The Tundra eliminates the earlier models’ option of an normally aspirated V6 or V8 to make way for the use of two twin-turbo 3.5L V6s, one electronically augmented with a hybrid system. The base engine produces 389 horsepower while the other produces 479 pounds of torque. Both are improved in comparison to the 5.7L V8 engine that drove the 2021 Tundra. It was able to produce 381 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In addition, a hybrid’s electric engine increases the 2022 Tundra’s horsepower to 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed auto transmission is typical. It replaces a six-speed automated used in the ’21 model.
Truck manufacturers love to pound their chests by presenting the highest towing and payload figures even in this half-ton range. That’s why Toyota has been eager to tell us its new Tundra can tow 12,000 pounds using the hybrid V6 and the correct towing options. This figure is around 20 percent more than the previous Tundra in fact. Statistics for that smaller engine aren’t available yet.
Like payloads too, a half-ton truck’s engine and body layout influence its towing capability. This is why we’ll choose the biggest hybrid powertrain four door at Ford and Ram to test against Toyota’s IForce MAX. In this case, search for an maximum of 12,700 pounds at Ford and 11,560 pounds at Ram.
