Solid and modest – Toyota unveils next-gen 2022 Tundra

Toyota has given the Tundra a complete overhaul for MY2022. It has been redesigned from the ground up, with a new exterior and interior to accompany new engine options and an assortment of new tech.

The model was designed, from first pencil sketches to the finished product, at Toyota’s two studios in Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan. The exterior design team adopted the term “technical muscle”, and although the general appearance is close to the previous generation Tundra, there have been some fundamental changes. For example, there is a new high-strength steel frame, aluminium-reinforced composite bed, and a wider rear frame member to improve stability and support greater towing capability.

”Our design goal from the beginning was to create the most powerful, rugged and sophisticated looking full-size pickup that will take Tundra to a whole new level,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research, Toyota’s design subsidiary. “Because recreation and an outdoor lifestyle are at the core of Toyota truck identity, we set out to create a muscular, chiselled and athletic design that also looks like it could handle the toughest towing demands.”

Various aesthetic changes have also been made to the exterior. A new honeycomb grille dominates the front end. Like the previous model, the grille is outlined by a large chrome surround, but there is no longer an air vent at the top and at either side the strip extends straight down to the bottom of the front bumper. This results in the centre of the front bumper seamlessly connecting to the grille area, making for a cleaner face.

The headlights have also been redesigned. They are far more narrow and include a thin strip of LEDs that push back over the front wheel arches. Under these are small vertical air intakes, which sit either side of the large grille and emphasise the width of the pick-up.

New lights are also featured at the back. The layered C-shapes start at the very edges of the rear, connecting the back to the sides, and like the air intakes at the front they emphasise the shape of the wheel arches.

On the inside, a horizontal layout with rectangular shapes provides the cabin with a far more modern feel than the previous Tundra. A new thin 8-inch touchscreen can be upgraded to a larger 14-inch screen. It sits astride the large central section of the IP, which protrudes out towards the front passengers while the top and lower sections of the IP are kept short. The touchscreen is flanked by air vents either side and there is a small glossy black section underneath for climate controls and the volume knob.

The large centre console looks to have plenty of storage space and includes a newly designed gear shifter. Next to this is a rotary dial to adjust the chassis and select towing capabilities.

Most of the cabin is made up of hard plastics for practicality purposes, but the higher trim variants of the Tundra do have some colourful leather cladding on the large central section of the dash and on the upper door panels. The large arm rests on the centre console are also made of leather, and include red stitching along the edges. A panoramic roof is available on certain trims, as are heated and ventilated front seats.

A new suspension system has been tuned for off-roading. Two powertrain options are available: a twin-turbo V6 engine and a hybrid twin-turbo V6. The latter includes a motor generator with the clutch located between the engine and the ten-speed automatic transmission. It provides additional power when needed, while also enabling pure EV driving and energy regeneration.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra is the latest among a flurry of new and improved pick-ups unveiled by various OEMs. Chevrolet recently launched the updated Silverado, for example, and Ford also showcased its all-new Maverick. The Silverado has hands-free driving capability with the inclusion of GM’s Super Cruise system, while the Ford Maverick, like the Tundra, has a hybrid powertrain with the hope of maximising efficiency and increasing power.