2022 Toyota Tundra is a terrific choice if you are looking for a new blood in an old-school truck segment.
Whether you need a reliable work truck, or need something to tow your boat, there is a new blood in the full-size truck segment. Though Toyota is not the new kid in the block when it comes to trucks, but all non-American entries have been struggling to keep up with the big 3 in terms of sales numbers.
Third generation Toyota Tundra is finally here, with totally new platform, and it carries Toyota’s latest corporate face. More importantly, it is here to challenge the big 3, the F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado.
Exterior and Interior
The new Tundra is fully redesigned and carries over a lot of design elements from the other new Toyota models. Like many modern trucks, it has a enormous front grille for more masculine design, silver lines wrapped around the grille, and “T” shaped front headlights that make the truck look very modern.
From the side profile, it just looks like any other truck. Our tester is the Double Cab version, which is a good choice for people that wants to have a smaller truck, or if you don’t need rear legroom space. 2022 Tundra comes with 3 different bed sizes and 2 cab size.
There are some features that I was expecting, which can be seen from the side profile. The first one was a running board as it is not easy to get in an out, and the second was one a step for an easy access to the bed.
The rear design also carries traditional Toyota design language, you see a lot of sharp body lines and boxy design elements, including the taillight. You don’t get as many amenities as the higher trims, such as no self-closing tailgate, or a step in the back to climb easier.
Although our tester does not have the longest bed, you can choose the combination of Double Cab with the long bed option, which means you can tow even more due to the longer wheelbase. You don’t have many options when it comes to a long bed and double cab orientation, but it’s available with the new Tundra.
Like the exterior design, new Tundra comes with totally redesigned interior. Toyota did a great job with the overall dashboard and center stack layout. The most significant change is that now it comes with a huge infotainment system that also has a great resolution.
As soon as you get behind the wheel, you immediately feel the rugged feeling in the interior. Plastic buttons and knobs feel solid, and all essential features have physical buttons despite having a huge screen, which shows Toyota prioritizes longevity in the interior.
Double Cab is not the most popular choice when it comes to trucks, as it offers limited amount of rear passenger space. 2022 Toyota Tundra comes with both Double Cab and Crew Cab options, and Double Cab can still carry large adults but it is not the optimal choice. You also have storage space under the rear seats.
Engine and Drivetrain
2022 Toyota Tundra no longer comes with a V8 engine, Toyota replaced it with a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 that produces 389 hp and 479 lb-ft. of torque. What’s more important is that the turbocharges spool up pretty quick, which means it has tons of torque almost all the way at idle.
There is also a hybrid engine option with more power and torque figures, which is the first time in a Tundra. Both engine options are matched with the new 10-Speed torque converted automatic transmission and an optional 4wd system with electronically controlled transfer case and low gear ratio.
Driving Impressions and Features
Before I get behind the wheel, I was skeptical about not having a V8 engine in a full size truck, but the twin turbo V6 engine not only has tons of torque pretty much everywhere, but it also sound great for a V6 engine. It also offers decent fuel economy which we averaged around 14.0L / 100 km.
As Limited trim is not really off-road oriented version, you don’t get fancy off-road features like locking rear differential, or special shocks. If I have to nitpick about the suspension tune, you feel road imperfections more than other entries, rear leaf springs feel a lot stiffer due to the fully boxed steel frame.
Though Double Cab may not be the optimal choice if you drive a lot with your family, front seats are exceptionally comfortable. Although our tester is the mid trim, it still comes with memory seats for the driver, and it has a lot of adjustment options.
2022 Toyota Tundra is very good at offering a lot of storage spaces in the center stack and dashboard. The center arm rest cannot be moved forward, but the storage under the arm rest is quite practical and big items fit without a problem.
Toyota comes up with the largest infotainment screen in its class, and it also has totally new infotainment system. I really like the fact that infotainment system is not only easy to use, but it also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Towing capacity is quite important for truck owners, and previous generation Tundra was way behind. New Tundra comes with much better maximum towing capacity of 12,000 lbs., but more importantly, almost all trims offer over 11,000 lbs. of towing capacity whereas it is much lower for some entries in this segment.
Pricing and the Verdict
It’s not an easy choice when it comes to finding the right full-size truck, whether you need it for work or for hauling stuff around. 2022 Toyota Tundra is a great option if you are looking for a traditional half-ton truck with Toyota reliability and modern features.
2022 Toyota Tundra starts at just under $45,000 CAD, but with all extras and different bed sizes, it is not hard to get closer to the six-figure price tag, like many other trucks. Our tester, Double Cab with the Limited trim is priced at $62,510. If I was buying the Double Cab, I would choose 8.1 foot bed option for maximum storage and utility.
For more details – please visit www.toyota.ca
