2022 Toyota Tundra Limited TRD Crewmax 4x4: Did They Finally Get It Right?

Highlight: The fullsize truck is not available with an 8-cylinder engine.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $59,009 (Base Model: $39,695)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; trailer sway control (6-cylinder); an automatic slip differential (automatic only); pre collision system with pedestrian detection; a lane departure alert system; automatic high beams; a radar activated cruise control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a hill start assist control system (automatic transmission only)

Standard Equipment (SR): 18-inch wheels; black on black grille; LED headlights; cab mounted cargo lights; easy lower and lift tailgate; aluminum reinforce composite bed; deck rail header; power heated side view mirrors; front door handles with touch sensor; 8-inch infotainment screen; a single zone automatic climate control system; fabric seats; manual operated front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and a 60/40 split rear seat

Standard Equipment (Limited TRD): 20-inch wheels; satin chrome grille; LED foglights; tail release bump switch; deck rail header and side rails with adjustable tie-down cleats; active aero front spoiler; towing hitch receiver; 7-/4-pin trailer connector; 14-inch infotainment screen; three driving modes; tow/haul mode select; trailer brake control; a dual zone automatic control system; power horizontal rear window; power front leather-like seats; heated and ventilated front seats; illuminated center console storage bin and glove box; soft touch instrument pane; leather shift knob; a leather trimmed steering wheel; 60/40 split rear sear with center armrest with cupholder; electronic locking fuel door (hybrid only); and an electronic blind spot mirror

Options: JBL 12 speaker audio system; LED headlights and towing; limited power package; wireless smartphone charging; cabin power supply and LED bed lights; TRD off road package; 20-inch wheels; all-terrain tires; off road suspension with Bilstein shocks; skid plates; mud guards; leather shift knob; aluminum sport pedals; electronically controlled locking rear differential; a mult-terrain driving mode system; and TRD decals; a down hill assist control system; special color; heated leather steering wheel; all-weather floor liners; bed mat; and mini tie-down hooks

Other Trims:

Double Cab

Hybrid

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Depending on trim

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine/159-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/22-hwy (4x4)

Standard Towing (Double Cab 4x4): 6,400 lbs

What’s New: The stylish and brawnier looking third-generation Tundra is all-new for the 2022 model year.

Why A Tundra: 

All-new breathtaking design

Easier to maneuver than previous model

Choice of cabs: Double Cab and CrewMax

Choice of beds: Short Box and Standard Bed

A rugged look and design

Available in a 4x2 or 4x4 configuration

Powerful 6-cylinder engine

Hybrid powertrain available

Gigantic Infotainment Screen

16-in, 17-in or 18-in wheels available

Leather seats

Heated seats

Loads of space inside of the center console - easy to transition into a mobile office

Ventilated front seats

Split rear seats with underneath storage

Wireless charging pad

A 6,400-lb towing capacity

Safety driving aids such as an electronic blind spot monitor system

An autonomous mode driving feature for climbing and descending hills with its crawl feature

TRD Pro is also available

A nav system depending upon trim

A two-tier loading system, with an integrated deck rail utility system

Four adjustable tie-down hooks

Easier to navigate than many of the fullsize trucks on the road today

Short box/regular bed box

But: 

No Diesel powertrain

Voice activated system is fickle - doesn’t always work as designed

A cloud-based navigation system, which requires a subscription

Some competitors offer more horsepower with their gasoline engines

Is an electrified vehicle being considered?

Need side steps for the bed

Hybrid model gas mileage is literally the same as the pure gasoline model, according to fueleconomy.gov

No side steps integrated into rear bumper like with some of its competitors

Verdict: 

Toyota has finally nailed it with their third-generation fullsize truck. The previous truck seemed somewhat awkward, when compared to the ‘Detroit Three’ – Ford, Ram and Chevy/GMC. This year's model seems to be right on par with the segment leaders. 

It’s stylish. Its has the towing and carrying capabilities one expects. It’s available in a variety of trims. Its capable of navigating both on and off-road terrains. And foremost, this is the truck that could take away market share from the Detroit Three – Ford, Ram and Chevy/GMC in a market climate where all things were equal in terms of inventory availability and plant build capacity.

Yet, while we're head over hills with the new Tundra, some of the major drawbacks are that the truck has limited powertrain options, the cloud-based navigation is subscription based and the vehicle only has a short and regular box/bed. Furthermore, the hybrid model is not only pricier than the pure gasoline model, but the gas mileage is also literally indistinguishable. 

So, despite some of the quirks we noted, like the midsize Toyota Tacoma, which is the segment leader, the new Tundra has the potential to run neck and neck with 'The Detroit Three.' The next terrain for Toyota to tackle is the heavy-duty segment.

Competition: Chevy Silverado; Ford F-150; GMC Sierra; and Nissan Titan