First Look – Gen 3 2022 Toyota Tundra

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Toyota has previewed what it calls an “all new” Tundra pickup truck, which will be in its third generation when it debuts later this year as a 2022 model. That’s an if, perhaps a big if – if the runaway corona virus Delta variant in Texas and the semi-conductor supply crisis don’t abate.

A new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine is rated at 389 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. When paired with a >marketing babble alert> ”brilliantly engineered bell-housing motor system called the i-FORCE MAX, the result is a combined performance output of 437 horsepower and a whopping 583 lb.-ft. of torque.” Both configurations use the same 10-speed automatic transmission.

SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794 models will eventually be available. TRD Pro will also return to the Tundra lineup, but it will only be offered with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, whereas i-FORCE MAX will be an option on Limited, Platinum and 1794 models.

Other added items include a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, aluminum-reinforced composite bed and redesigned multi-link rear suspension. The result is a competitive Tundra with a maximum towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds, +11%, and a max payload capacity of 1,940 pounds, +17.6%.

High-strength steel is used throughout the chassis to increase rigidity “considerably” over the previous generation, while aluminum is used in some areas to help reduce weight. Frame cross-members are more than doubled in size to provide additional reinforcement and rigidity, according to Toyota. A new front cross member was constructed for the steering gear box, which adds rigidity with  an additional cross member support.

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Toyota is playing catch up with its multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air updates. Two different four-door layouts are available, as well as several bed lengths – a 5.5-foot bed, 6.5-foot bed and an 8.1-foot bed.

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limit. Tundra also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Like the prior generation, the new Tundra will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio.

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