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2022 Toyota Tundra Is Here With Twin-Turbo V-6 Power, No V-8

Photo credit: Toyota
Photo credit: Toyota

After months of rumors, leaks, teasers, and spy shots, Toyota has finally revealed its newly refreshed Tundra pickup for 2022. Aside from the looks, the biggest change comes under the hood. Gone is the naturally aspirated V-8 in the previous model, replaced by a twin-turbo V-6 as standard. There's also independent suspension all around and an available hybrid powertrain with 583 lb-ft of torque on tap.

Toyota calls the standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 "highly efficient," sporting a 24-valve dual overhead cam setup with dual VVTI systems. It's rated at 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, 8 hp and 78 lb-ft more than the outgoing V-8. It gets that power to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift mode and tow/haul driving modes.

The optional "i-FORCE MAX" hybrid powertrain uses the same 3.5-liter V-6 as the standard truck, but features an electric motor-generator with its own clutch mounted between the engine and 10-speed transmission. Connected to a 288V sealed Nickel-metal Hydride battery that resides under the rear passenger seats, it can deliver a full-electric experience at low speeds while providing extra power and torque while towing. It delivers a total of 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque.

Photo credit: Toyota
Photo credit: Toyota

Another big change for 2022 is the suspension. The leaf springs out back have been dropped in favor of an independent multi-link setup, with Toyota promising better ride comfort and straight-line stability when paired to the standard double-wishbone setup up front. Toyota says the new setup contributes to the truck's new maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, a 17.6-percent increase over the last-gen model. There are twin-tube shocks and aluminum forged knuckles as standard all around, and air suspension out back on higher trim levels. TRD off-road package-equipped cars get monotube Bilstein shocks. Adaptive dampers are also available on the Tundra, which Toyota says use built-in actuators to adjust force based on road conditions.

Photo credit: Toyota
Photo credit: Toyota

Step up to the highly anticipated TRD Pro trim, and you get aluminum-bodied 2.5-inch Fox Racing internal bypass shocks with external piggyback reservoirs that lift the truck by 1.1 inches up front. TRD Pro Tundras also get unique styling, 20-inch TRD wheels, a front stabilizer bar, red-painted suspension parts, all-terrain Falken tires, and additional underbody protection, including a TRD-branded aluminum front skid plate.

Inside, the Tundra gets a totally new cabin that comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also an available 14-inch touchscreen that looks absolutely gigantic.

Photo credit: Toyota
Photo credit: Toyota

The Tundra will be available in two four-door trims, a Double Cab and a CrewMax. You'll be able to get the Double Cab with either a 6.5-foot bed or an 8.1-foot bed, while CrewMax trucks will be available with either a 5.5-foot bed or 6.5-foot bed. There are five trims available: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro. The hybrid powertain is available as an option on Limited, Platinum, and 1794 trims. Interestingly, it comes standard on TRD Pro trucks.

The 2022 Tundra will be built at Toyota's manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas and hits dealers starting in late 2021. Pricing will be released closer to the truck's on-sale date, according to the automaker.

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