Toyota is taking the fight to the F-150 with the all-new Tundra, at least for the U.S. market. Dubbed the “toughest Tundra” it’s redesigned from the ground up to be the “most capable, most advanced Tundra to date.”
Underneath, the 2022 Tundra gets a new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, an aluminum-reinforced composite bed, and get this, a multi-link coil spring rear suspension. According to Toyota, payload capacity is about 880 kilograms, while maximum towing capacity is 5.4 tons.
The switch to multi-links at the back also allows Toyota engineers to add manual or automatic leveling suspensions with three height modes—High, Low, and Normal. An Adaptive Variable Suspension is also available. The linear-solenoid-type AVS features built-in actuators in the front and rear shock absorbers (twin-tubes as standard, Bilstein monotubes on the TRD Off-Road) to continuously change damping force based on the road conditions.
Tundra will offer two different powerplant configurations. A new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine and a hybrid twin-turbo V6. The “base” V6 does an impressive 389 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque, while the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid delivers 437 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque. Both are mated to a 10-speed automatic.
The new i-FORCE MAX relies on the same twin-turbo V6 platform but features a unique attribute – a motor generator with a clutch located within the bell housing between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. In essence, the motor generator is built in-line to provide additional power that is transferred efficiently via the transmission, while the engine start-up, EV driving, electric assist, and energy regeneration are solely done via the parallel hybrid components.
A newly developed Power Control Unit (PCU) is used to achieve excellent battery durability and thermal performance with a focus on drive performance. The system employs a tried-and-true 288-volt sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery that resides under the rear passenger seats.
A new interior will offer creature comforts for driver and passenger alike, including an available panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, rear sunshade, heated steering wheel and more. A host of new tech features are found throughout Tundra as well, such as towing aids, off-road enhancements, an all-new multimedia system with a 14-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OTA updates.
There’s almost no chance to see the Toyota Tundra outside the North American market, however, bits and pieces of it, especially the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine and the all-new infotainment system will likely make its way onto the all-new Lexus LX which is slated for a global debut later this year.
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