OpenRoad Driver Volume 17 Issue 1 Nov. 2021 | Page 58

56 » OpenRoad Driver

2022 Toyota Tundra

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Toyota ’ s body-on-frame trucks are tried and true . Capable as workhorses on weekdays and off-road warriors on weekends , these adventure-ready , go-anywhere rigs have created a strong cult following that sets a high bar for any successor to overcome . Now with the arrival of the brand-new 2022 Tundra , how does it stack up ? Surprisingly well , actually .
New from the ground up , the Tundra ’ s structural improvements and enhancements are significant . Notable features include a more refined coil-spring rear suspension setup for better stability and ride comfort , a wider and fully boxed , high-strength steel-ladder frame , and an aluminum-reinforced composite bed that ’ s more rustresistant than steel . Maximum towing capacity is up 17 % to 12,000 pounds , and a maximum payload capacity of 1,940 pounds .
The interior sees a massive update as well . A number of new tech features can be equipped inside , including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster , a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , as well as Toyota ’ s Safety Sense 2.5 driver assistance system that is standard on all Tundra models . With premium and durable materials padding the cabin , along with an optional panoramic roof and nice horizontal lines accentuating the truck ’ s width , the new Tundra ’ s welcoming cabin provides plenty of space and a design that is now in line with the rest of the Toyota lineup .
Two new power configurations replace the V8 engine in the outgoing model . The standard Tundra features a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine that offers 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque , while a new hybrid setup increases the performance output to 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque . Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission , and Toyota says the setups have been tested for six years over a wide variety of climates to ensure they remain dependable to the high standards that customers have come to expect .
The 2022 Toyota Tundra is designed , engineered , and assembled in North America for North American roads . With its structural advancements and interior refinement , the new Tundra is an appealing choice for buyers who want a truck with modern amenities and an advanced drivetrain , but who also value the reliability and dependability of Toyota . The anticipation is high for the new Tundra , and Toyota absolutely delivers it with this generation .