Skip to main content
  • 2022 Toyota Tundra ($35,950 – $73,530)
  • “Best Resale Value for 2022” – Kelley Blue Book
  • Pro: The 2022 Toyota Tundra is all-new for 2022. In addition to a new premium Capstone trim level and a revised rear suspension, the Tundra also has two new powertrain options.
  • Con: There’s no more regular cab model and we can all mourn the loss of the 5.7-liter V8 engine.
2022 Toyota Tundra front shot near mountains for our full review
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The Toyota Tundra has been a staple in the full-size truck category for decades and has built up quite the following. Its unrelenting reliability and undeniable capability easily make it a favorite among truck fans and for 2022, it’s been completely revised inside and out. It’s been a long time coming as the last time the Tundra saw any real changes was back in 2007.

Three American presidents later, the Tundra now has the beauty, brawn, and brains to give competitors like the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and the RAM 1500 a much-needed run for their money. After spending a week with the 2022 Tundra, I can say that it’s sure to be a winner for many more years, which could equate to a few more presidential terms in office.

Which 2022 Toyota Tundra trim level is right for you?

A side view of the 2022 Toyota Tundra with trees surrounding it
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

If you count the new hybrid trim levels, the 2022 Tundra is now available in 10 different flavors. As far as which one is right for you, that depends on what you need.

Most truck enthusiasts will be fine with the popular SR5 trim level, while those needing a more rugged work truck could make use of the entry-level SR trim. However, if you want a more luxurious truck, then the upper trims have you covered.

Here are how the trim levels break down:

  • SR – $37,645
  • SR5 – $42,450
  • Limited – $48,545
  • Limited Hybrid – $53,995
  • Platinum – $56,990
  • 1794 – $57,690
  • Platinum Hybrid – $62,805
  • 1794 Edition Hybrid – $63,115
  • TRD Pro – $66,805
  • Capstone – $73,530

In addition to these trim levels, there are well over 20 different packages that can be included with each one.

My test truck for the week was a Tundra Limited with the Crew Max cab and a 5.5-foot bed. It also had a myriad of options including a heated steering wheel, a JBL Premium sound system, and a TRD Off-Road package.

How does the 2022 Toyota Tundra look?

A front view of the 2022 Toyota Tundra's massive grille
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

For 2022, the Toyota Tundra dons all-new sheet metal, which includes an aluminum hood and front door panels for weight savings. In case you didn’t notice, there’s now a massive front grille and LED headlights upfront in addition to a couple of air intakes. Out back, the tailgate is embossed with “Tundra” and the tailgate handle with “Toyota.”

As far as the truck bed, the Tundra now uses an aluminum-reinforced sheet molded compound in every trim level. It also has a UV coating to protect it from the sun’s rays, however, it could use a nice bed coating or bed liner for even more protection. According to Toyota, this new bed formulation was engineered for greater strength and payload capacity.

How comfortable is the all-new 2022 Tundra?

a front interior view of the 2022 Toyota Tundra
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The 2022 Tundra is very comfortable to sit in no matter which seat you happen to be in. Of course, the front seat occupants get the most room, but rear-seat passengers likely won’t complain either. My 5 feet, 8-inch stature was able to fit in every seat very comfortably and I’m sure even taller occupants will fit without any issue.

As far as material qualities, the Tundra feels upscale compared to the outgoing model, especially if you opt for the Limited trim level and above. As Kelley Blue Book notes, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment screen is standard and a massive 14-inch touchscreen is available on the higher trim levels. Although the Tundra’s cabin is expansive, the touchscreen is easy to reach and is very responsive. Also, the easy-to-read HVAC controls are underneath it and I applaud Toyota’s decision to make them toggle switches that are easy to use.

Considering it has so many trim levels, the Toyota Tundra is stacked with features

The 2022 Toyota Tundra's center console gear select dial
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

I could easily write a completely separate review just on the Tundra’s standard and available features alone. But since that would be a stretch, the truck’s most notable standard features include LED headlights, power/heated side-view mirrors, push-button start, a manual tilt/telescoping wheel, and a remote tailgate release on the key fob.

Cloth seats with manual adjustments are standard on the lower trim levels, while the mid-grade trims get SofTex faux leather with power adjustments. If you want real leather, then you’ll have to select the Platinum trim or above. The Limited and TRD Pro trims get heated and ventilated seats, while the 1794 and Platinum trims have front and rear ventilation. Also, if you pick the CrewMax cab, then the rear-seat passengers will also get rear air vents for maximum cooling (or heating).

Speaking of the different cab configurations, the Tundra is available as a Double Cab or CrewMax, which both have four doors. The Double Cab can be outfitted with a 6.5-foot bed or an 8-foot bed, while the CrewMax comes with either a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed.

The latest and greatest addition to the Tundra lineup is the top-of-the-line Capstone trim level. The Tundra Capstone comes standard with a black-and-white leather interior with walnut trim, acoustic side glass, large 22-inch wheels, and automatic running boards. Other standard features on this trim level include a power moonroof, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and a Towing Technology package that assists with backing a trailer.

That’s not all! The 2022 Tundra has a lot of optional packages as well

2022 Toyota Tundra rear TRD badge
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

As stated before, every 2022 Tundra trim level can be outfitted with over 20 different option packages. So if you’re poking around Toyota’s configurator, be prepared to spend an hour building the Tundra of your dreams. Here is a brief rundown of the packages:

  • TRD Sport package: This package comes with 20-inch TRD wheels, a TRD grille, a TRD lowered suspension, and a TRD shift knob
  • TRD Off-Road Package: This package includes 18-inch TRD wheels, a TRD grille, TRD Off-Road suspension, skid-plates, mudguards, TRD leather shift knob, electronic rear differential lock, and multi-terrain select.
  • Other options: heated steering wheel, power tile/slide moonroof, panoramic roof, and power boards and bed step.

The Tundra Capstone trim level is already loaded with features, however, buyers can equip it with an Advanced package that includes a load-leveling rear air suspension, adaptive variable suspension, and a 10-inch head-up display.

How does the Toyota Tundra handle?

2022 Toyota Tundra rear corner shot in the woods and snow
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The Toyota Tundra handles well despite its gargantuan size and 5,200-pound curb weight. During regular street driving, you can feel some of the road imperfections and bumps, thanks to the truck’s body-on-frame construction. However, it’s much better than before thanks to its updated rear spring suspension as opposed to the leaf springs in the outgoing model. When driven on the highway, though, the Tundra feels confident and comfortable – almost luxury-car smooth.

However, when you take the Toyota Tundra off the beaten path, that’s where it shines. Switching into four-high is possible with the flick of a switch on the center console and the whole system works seamlessly. I was able to traverse some snowy roads in the Tundra and the truck handled it without any hiccups or fear of it getting stuck thanks to its 9.4 inches of ground clearance.

Power comes from a twin-turbocharged V6 now

2022 Toyota Tundra engine view
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

For 2022, Toyota did away with the Tundra’s V8 engine in favor of an i-Force twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and an i-Force Max Hybrid 3.5-liter V6. While that might seem blasphemous considering the Tundra resides in a segment that is known for using monstrous V8 engines, the new V6’s saving grace is that they both produce more power and torque than the truck’s previous engine.

As a refresher, the old 5.7-liter V8 was good for 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, but the new gas-only twin-turbo V6 puts out 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. If you need more power and torque, then the hybrid setup is the way to go as it produces 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. According to Car and Driver’s testing, the extra power is good for 0.7 seconds off the truck’s previous 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, but no one buys a Tundra for premium acceleration times.

Instead, buyers will be happy to know that the 2022 Tundra can tow up to 11,110 pounds with the gas-powered V6, while the hybrid-equipped version can tow up to 11,020 pounds. Additionally, the truck has a maximum payload capacity of 1,820 pounds.

As far as fuel economy goes, the gas-only Tundra can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway while the hybrid model ups that city number by 2 mpg. In my real-world testing in mixed driving situations, I achieved an average of 15 mpg. So, don’t expect commuter-car gas mileage – it is a massive truck, after all.

How safe is the 2022 Toyota Tundra?

2022 Toyota Tundra TRD wheel
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The 2022 Tundra is very safe as it comes standard with a host of active and passive safety features via Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite. The most notable features include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic cruise control, a lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams.

Additionally, there are eight standard airbags and the higher trim levels have the added benefit of blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert and front/rear parking assist with automatic braking. As of now, the 2022 Tundra has not been rated by the NHTSA or the IIHS, but we won’t doubt that it will receive high praise when it does.

How about maintenance for the 2022 Tundra?

A view of the 2022 Toyota Tundra's empty bed
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

While the Toyota Tundra can be considered a premium full-size truck, it should be relatively inexpensive to maintain. Car Edge shows that it should cost an average of $1,916 to maintain a Tundra for the first five years of ownership. Fortunately, the Tundra is backed by Toyota’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, so owners won’t have to worry too much about costly repairs during the first few years of ownership.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra ups the ante in a bustling segment

A rear shot of the 2022 Toyota Tundra
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

While the 2022 Toyota Tundra continues to face stiff competition in the burgeoning full-size truck category, it does so with some added beauty and brawn. The Tundra’s new look, new features, and hefty powertrains should give trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and RAM 1500 a good run for their money. But it can also give owners a great value for their hard-earned cash.

MotorBiscuit gives the 2022 Toyota Tundra an expert rating of 9.0 out of 10

The editors of MotorBiscuit gave the 2022 Toyota Tundra an overall rating of 9.0 out of 10. While the Tundra plays in a competitive field, it’s poised to outrun the competition with its handsome styling, potent engine choices, and tech-savvy interior. There’s really not much to dislike about this full-size truck.

Related

Why Do 2022 Toyota Tundra Prices Start at $37,645?