The Toyota Tundra faces stiff competition from other full-size trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500, and Nissan Titan. With its outdated design, it’s been difficult for the Tundra to keep up with its competitors in recent years. However, this may change, for the Tundra struck back with a dramatic redesign for the 2022 model year. Check out the differences between the 2022 Tundra and the 2021 Tundra.

Tundra exterior design changes

The most noticeable difference between the 2022 and 2021 Toyota Tundra is the exterior design. Overall, the 2022 Tundra has a more modern look. The massive grille is a standout feature — and varies for each trim level. Another distinctive part of the 2022 Tundra is its tailgate, which has an inward slant and a black area. Additional new design elements include a black hood detail/vent, sharp wheel arch character lines, handles on the taillights, and a high beltline.

New interior features for the Tundra

The 2022 Tundra benefits from a sleek new interior design. The standout interior feature is the new multimedia system, which is five times faster than the one in the 2021 Tundra. Offered with either a standard 8-inch or available 14-inch touchscreen, it has many useful features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

The 2022 Tundra packs a punch with its powerful new hybrid powertrain

Considering that Toyota has long been the hybrid leader in the automotive industry, it’s surprising that it never built a hybrid Tundra model before. However, the 2022 Tundra boasts an optional hybrid powertrain. Combining an electric motor with a twin-turbo V6 engine, it churns out 437 hp and 538 of torque. The base-level twin-turbo V6 engine for the 2022 Tundra produces 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Gone is the 5.7-liter V8 engine from the 2021 Tundra, which generates 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque.

Another performance upgrade for the 2022 Tundra is the new suspension. While the 2021 Tundra has leaf springs for the rear suspension, the 2022 Tundra replaces those with coil springs. The result is improved handling, greater stability, and a more comfortable ride. Additionally, the 2022 Tundra offers the option for an adaptive variable suspension. 

On the towing front, the 2022 Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds. This is a considerable increase over the 2021 Tundra, which has a towing capacity of 10,200 pounds. For payload, the 2022 Tundra can haul up to 1,940 pounds, while the 2021 Tundra has a capacity of up to 1,730 pounds.

Improved safety for the 2022 Tundra

Safety improves for the 2022 Tundra. All models come standard with the Toyota Sense 2.5 suite of safety-enhancing driving assistance features. This includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, road sign assist, dynamic cruise control, and lane tracing assist. 

Overall, the 2022 Tundra is a much better truck than the 2021 Tundra. As you can see, there are many differences between the two models. With its more modern design, a powerful new hybrid powertrain, higher towing and payload capacities, a new multimedia system, and many standard driving assistance features, the 2022 Tundra has much to offer for full-size pickup truck buyers.