Road Tested by Randi Payton
Decisive Media Network
An all-new Tundra enters its third generation as Toyota’s redesigned full-size pickup truck. Built from the ground up, it was engineered to compete with the number one selling Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and the Chevy Silverado. They are fierce competitors.
Despite selling 109,203 Tundra’s in 2020, compared to 787,422 F-150s, the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra is completely rebuilt with stylish new exterior and interior designs, the latest technology, improved ride quality, a powerful new twin-turbocharged engine, and a standard or optional hybrid system.
Although sales of the previous Tundra declined 25 percent last year, the new Tundra hopes to restore demand. However, production is still hampered by a chip shortage, and the Tundra is still far short of competing with the Big Three rivals, which dominate truck sales in the U.S.
My recent test drive of the top-of-line 2022 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition disclosed its competitive spirit. The 1794 model is a four-door CrewMax, which is built in the U.S., was originally launched in 2014 and is named after a Texas Cattle rancher named Juan Ignacio de Casanova.
Models/Price: The all-new 2022Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck comes in six different models with a wide selection of styles, which include: Tundra SR ($35,950), Tundra SR5 ($40,755), Tundra Limited ($46,850), Tundra Platinum ($56,990), Tundra 1794 ($57,690), Tundra TRD Pro ($49,125), and the Tundra Capstone Hybrid ($74,230 MSRP).
Each model comes in either CrewMax or Double Cab with a choice of two cargo bed sizes: a 6.5 or a 5.5-foot short bed.
Power: The new Tundra drops the V8 for a new I-FORCE 3.5-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine that gets 348 and 405 lb-ft of torque from the standard engine and 389 horsepower and 479-lb-ft. of torque from the optional engine. When the available i-FORCE engine is paired with the Toyota electric battery hybrid system, as it is in the TRD Pro and Capstone models, power is increased to 437 horses with 583 lb-ft of torque.
The Hybrid system is optional on the Limited, Platinum, 1794, and standard on the TRD Pro and Capstone models. The 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid models range from $52,300 to $73,530 MSRP.
Fuel Economy: The 2022 Toyota Tundra averages 24 highway/18 city MPG.
Visit www.decisivemedia.net for a complimentary subscription to my blog to get updated car buying tips, and reviews on the latest new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network
Randi Payton
