Why Is the 2022 Toyota Tundra Nearly in Last Place?
Where is your detective hat? It’s time to solve a new mystery about the Toyota Tundra. The 2022 Toyota Tundra is ranked second to last on the list of the best pickup trucks. But the Tundra is all-new, so what’s the deal? Why is it nearly dead last?
Is the 2022 Toyota Tundra worth buying?
Yes, the 2022 Toyota Tundra is an excellent truck to consider buying. It has new hybrid power, can tow more than before, has more advanced tech, and rocks a brand new interior design, bringing it to the modern age.
That’s why we’re a little shocked by Car and Driver’s list of the best pickup trucks for 2022. The Nissan Titan is in last, which is understandable. It has limited powertrain options, the lowest towing capacity, and poor ride qualities.
But then the Tundra comes in second to last place, and that’s hard to understand. It was redesigned for 2022 and includes significant improvements compared to the previous generation.
The Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Ford F-150 all rank ahead of it, while the Ram 1500 takes the top spot as the best truck.
What’s wrong with the 2022 Tundra?
We wouldn’t exactly say anything is wrong with the 2022 Toyota Tundra, but we want to know what the problems are. So, it’s time to dive into the Car and Driver review to evaluate the truck’s pros and cons.
The full review suggests that the engine options are still comparatively limited. The 2022 Tundra comes with a standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that cranks out 389 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
You can upgrade to the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid powertrain for 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. However, the Tundra doesn’t have a V8 or diesel option. Plus, the powertrain options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It doesn’t offer a manual option.
But V8 engines and diesel engines have been biting the dust as emission standards rise and the push for electrification increases. The Ram 1500 offers a diesel engine and two V8 units, while the Ford F-150 offers one V8 engine and canceled the diesel engine.
However, the Tundra can only tow up to 12,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,940. Rivals like the Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 3,240 lbs.
What’s good about the 2022 Tundra?
There are plenty of great 2022 Toyota Tundra features to brag about. Car and Driver is impressed with the revised suspension. The old leaf-spring setup was replaced with coil springs for a more controlled ride.
The crew cab is now offered with a 6.5-foot bed, and the TRD Pro model features a suspension lift, skid plates, black 18-inch wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires, and exclusive dampers.
Plus, the interior is significantly improved with higher quality materials, including wood accents and innovative storage solutions. The optional 14.0-inch touchscreen is the largest in the class, and the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster can’t be ignored.
Sure, the Tundra doesn’t have as many powertrain options as rivals, but it’s refined, comfortable, luxurious, and highly capable. It may have gotten shafted in this list of truck rankings.
