The 2022 Toyota Tundra is the Pickup Truck Everyone is Talking About
Erica Mueller
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Like any new kid on the block, the 2022 Toyota Tundra is the topic of some hot gossip.
I’d like to introduce you to what may be the most controversial pickup truck. The redesign of the 2022 Toyota Tundra has everybody talking about it, not just because it was a long time coming. The Tundra has a super loyal fanbase. The trucks are known to last practically forever, and when they do finally bite the dust, their owners buy another one.
This truck was due for a new look, some new tech, and according to drivers, better fuel economy. Originally, the 2022 Tundra was priced from about $36K to $61K. So let’s dish about the redesign of this truck that won the coveted Truck of Texas award from the Texas Auto Writers Association. Why are the neighbors silently (or not-so-silently) judging this new Tundra?
Related: The 2022 Toyota Tundra Has Been Redesigned (About Time, Right??) and We Can’t Get Enough of It
The i-Force Max engine is a hybrid that combines a gasoline engine with battery electric technology for more torque and horsepower for better towing. Photo: Erica Mueller
What is All the Controversy About?
Well, for one, Toyota got rid of the V8 engine, replacing it with a twin-turbo V6 that generates 348 horsepower (389 HP in the hybrid edition). This is a reduction from the 381 HP the V8 generated. Consequently, people worried this would make the truck weak and that the larger engine would be missed.
However, we have not experienced any loss in power or missed the V8 at all. In fact, the new engine actually has more towing capacity. To put all the gossip to bed, I’ll be clear: The truck still drives and sounds amazing.
Related: 2022 Toyota Tundra Road Test: She’s Pretty, But Can She Do the Job?
The new composite bed won’t rust, dent or break, and it is easy to clean out. Photo: Erica Mueller
Does It Get Better Fuel Economy?
Second, after so many years of being the worst in its class for fuel economy, many hoped that Toyota would finally launch a class-leading truck with competitive numbers in that area. Alas, while there has been a great improvement, the 2022 Tundra isn’t the fuel-efficient truck many had hoped for. The official EPA for the hybrid Tundra is 20 miles per gallon combined. Personally, I experienced an average of 17 miles per gallon, but I am not the most conservative driver.
Related: F-150 Powerboost Hybrid: Ford’s Stepping Stone to the All-Electric Lightning?
There’s plenty of legroom in the rear seat. Photo: Erica Mueller
Let’s Discuss the Highlights of My 2022 Tundra Test Drive
Spending a week in a vehicle is a good way to get to know it. Unlike quick test drives at the dealership, you have time to discover the little things that make a vehicle special or drive you crazy.
One of the things I love about the 2022 Toyota Tundra is the armrests. Toyota widened and flattened part of the doors just below the windows, making for a very comfortable place to rest your arm. Also, the center console in the front seat has been perfectly matched. This may seem like a small thing, but once you experience it, you miss this feature in every other truck.
The back window is seamless (this is in the full-size crew cab only). Many trucks have a split back window with a little sliding section in the middle. The Tundra does not. Instead, the whole back glass retracts into the truck body with the touch of a button, just like all the other windows. I love the increased visibility of a solid piece of glass, and I like being able to open the whole window on a beautiful day.
Related: The New Luxury Truck Contender: The 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone First Drive
The best bed step ever. Deploys automatically when you open the tailgate. Shuts on its own. Photo by Erica Mueller
These Game Changers Are Absolute Genius
From a mom’s point of view, there is no better feature than built-in window shades that keep the sun out of a toddler’s eyes. I’ve seen these in minivans and SUVs and envied them for years. Finally, someone at Toyota thought to put them in a pickup truck. All I can say is, thank you Toyota!
These built-in window shades had me almost ready to trade my own truck in for a Tundra! Photo: Erica Mueller
Second only to the window shades would be the truck bed step. This thing comes out on its own when you let the tailgate down, or you can lower it thanks to an elbow-height button on the taillight (again, this is an option on some trims). Then, it stores itself automatically when you shut the tailgate. It is the perfect height for a quick step up into the bed, and I loved it.
Related: Why Girls Love Trucks, and How the Best Trucks Make Us Feel
Everything you need is at your fingertips on the steering wheel or conveniently located in piano-style keys just under the infotainment screen. Photo by Erica Mueller
All the Tech in this 2022 Toyota Tundra is Good News
In the past couple of years, I have been underwhelmed by some of Toyota’s infotainment systems. However, the 14-inch multimedia screen in the new Tundra gives me hope. This all-new Toyota audio multimedia touchscreen is fast, easy to use, and is so well-integrated into the dash. I didn’t have a single issue with it, and I absolutely loved the wireless Apple CarPlay feature (Android Auto is also wireless).
Related: Apple CarPlay: Why I Love It and Why You Need It
I loved the textures and colors of the 1794 edition! Photo: Erica Mueller
The onboard navigation system is so slick. Like a chatty backseat driver–and I mean that in the best way–the truck would warn me when I was entering a school zone, show the speed limit signs in the HUD on the driver’s display, and even alert me to an upcoming stop sign. It can also set up navigation by just asking. Say “Hey Toyota,” and the voice assistant is there to help you out. She can even make a call, change the radio station, set the air temperature or roll down the windows.
I’ve come to expect a good backup camera, but I’m still pleasantly surprised by the 360-degree views that some vehicles show. I like that the Tundra has a button to turn this on, even when you’re not in reverse, so you can see how you’re doing while trying to park this beast of a vehicle. I also appreciated the video rearview mirror (a premium option and totally worth it, especially if you’re towing).
Heads-up: The hybrid Tundra does not have storage under the seats. Photo: Erica Mueller
What You Need to Know
The 2022 Tundra starts at $35,950, and the i-Force Max hybrid starts at $52,300. The top-of-the-line 1794 edition of the all-gas version that I drove starts at $57,690. The new Tundra comes with 11 exterior color options and multiple interior packages as well.
The i-Force Max engine has a 10-speed automatic transmission and produces 389 horsepower and 479 pound-foot of torque for one of the best towing experiences you can have in a light-duty pickup truck. The max tow rating for this truck is 12,000 pounds and max payload is 1,940 pounds.
I hope you’ll get to spend some time in the 2022 Tundra. You can see for yourself what everybody is talking about. Receiving the honorable title ‘Truck of Texas’ at the Texas Auto Writers’ Truck Rodeo makes it worthy of discussion. Furthermore, Toyota’s decision to redesign this super popular truck after more than a decade of sameness makes it worth a look.
Consider this the Texas edition of the Tundra. Photo: Erica Mueller
Disclosure: Toyota lent me this vehicle for the purpose of this 2022 Tundra review. All photos and opinions are my own.
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