Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Archives

View Archives

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

2022 Toyota Tundra: Feature-rich full-size workhouse

If you're looking for a totally capable full-size truck with lots of neat features, the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra is a solid choice. With two powerful engine options (a 389-hp twin-turbo V6 and a 437-hp hybrid twin-turbo V6), a towing capacity of 12,000 lb and a max payload capacity of 1,940 lb, a well-equipped interior, and an air-suspension system that lowers the back to line you up with your trailer, this third-gen powerhouse has most everything you need to get the job done.

Improvements and enhancements abound, including its new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, aluminum-reinforced composite bed, and fully redesigned multi-link rear suspension.

Both engine configurations will be mated to a new 10-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECTi). The new 10-speed features a sequential shift mode, uphill/downhill shift logic, and TOW/HAUL driving modes.

The twin-turbo V6 engine's aluminum block features a displacement of 3,445 cc via an 85.5-mm bore and 100-mm stroke. The 24-valve, Dual Overhead Cam V6 is chain-driven and features Dual VVTi systems. Thanks to the water-cooled intercooler keeping turbo temperatures down, the V6 engine improves on the outgoing V8 engine in every way with impressive performance figures: 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.

The second option is the new i-FORCE MAX hybrid configuration, which 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. It puts out 437 hp at 5,200 rpm and an impressive 583 lb-ft of torque at only 2,400 rpm. 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.

The i-FORCE MAX powertrain is designed to provide maximum performance and maximum efficiency at every extreme. During towing applications, the hybrid system provides additional power and torque. In city driving, it offers a quiet ride with improved efficiency while in low-speed EV mode. On the highway, responsive linear power delivery is the name of the game, and off-road driving is further enhanced thanks to peak torque performance being achieved low in the RPM range.

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-V sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery that resides under the rear passenger seats.

Using the SPORT or SPORT+ settings under Drive Mode Select, i-FORCE MAX makes use of the electric motor's instantaneous responsiveness. Although the electric motor does the bulk of the work at lower speeds, once above 18 mph the gasoline engine is constantly in operation for excellent performance in the mid- and high-speed range. When in TOW/HAUL mode, the i-FORCE MAX system is constantly in operation to provide impressive acceleration and torque for towing needs.

There will be a lot of Tundra flavors to choose from: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, and a 1794 edition will be available. TRD Pro will also return to the Tundra lineup, but it will only be offered with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, whereas i-FORCE MAX will be an option on Limited, Platinum, and 1794. Tundra will be offered in two four-door options: Double Cab and CrewMax.

The TRD Off-Road Package is available on SR5, Limited, and 1794 models, and it includes 18-in. TRD wheels (unique 20-in. wheels on Limited and 1794), TRD grille, TRD off-road suspension, skid plates, mud guards, and TRD leather shift knob, while 4x4 models will also gain electronic rear differential lock, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), and Crawl Control.

The TRD Sport package is also available on 4x2 or 4x4 SR5 models in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations. It includes the addition of 20-in. TRD wheels, TRD grille, TRD lowered sport suspension, and a TRD leather shift knob.

The most noteworthy change to handling and performance on the new Tundra is the new multi-link rear suspension, which ditches leaf springs in favor of coil springs. Ride comfort, straight-line stability, and overall handling dynamics are improved with the multi-link rear suspension, along with towing capability. The maximum towing capacity for Tundra increases 17.6% over the previous generation to 12,000 lb. The maximum payload increases to 1,940 lb, which is an improvement of more than 11% compared to the previous generation.

The overall structure of the new frame and the multi-link rear suspension allowed engineers to adjust the placement of the shock absorbers, which are mounted outside the frame rails for improved efficiency and enhancement to roll damping and towing performance. And, as one more good measure, the lateral control arm provides increased lateral rigidity.

To further enhance the ride comfort, driving performance, and overall durability, a newly developed double wishbone front suspension is fitted on Tundra. The truck will also feature standard twin-tube shocks at the front and rear. The shock absorbers feature triple-oil seals and extended dust covers for added protection and durability. Beefy new aluminum forged knuckles are employed to optimize weight. To help prevent corrosion and stress cracks, steel inserts reinforce the ball joints. For TRD Off-Road packages, monotube Bilstein shocks improve damping for on- and off-highway driving. For maximum off-road performance, TRD Pro grades are fitted with 2.5-in. diameter FOX internal bypass shocks that provide the truck with a 1.1-inch front lift.

TRD Pro also gains a few additional off-road attributes, including a new TRD Pro front stabilizer bar, red painted suspension parts, TRD aluminum front skid plate, along with additional underbody protection and unique all-terrain Falken tires.

The multi-link rear suspension also provided the flexibility for the engineers to add Tundra's new air suspension system to the rear of the truck. Available on certain grades, the system features automatic and manual leveling functions. It features height modes for High, Low, and Normal. The High setting is designed for slow-speed off-road driving, and it will return to Normal height if the truck exceeds 18 mph; it also optimizes damping to reduce roll rigidity for off-road driving. Low height mode allows for ease of loading and unloading, and it will return to Normal height once the truck exceeds speeds of 8 mph.

An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is also available for the first time on Tundra. It is designed to adjust damping force based on ever-changing road conditions. The linear-solenoid-type AVS features built-in actuators in the front and rear shock absorbers to continuously change damping force based on the driving environment.

Two new Tow/Haul modes are available. The standard Tow/Haul mode increases throttle response and is ideal for lighter to moderate needs, such as small box trailers, utility trailers, or small boats. In Tow/Haul+ mode, throttle response is more aggressive for situations when towing larger trailers such as RVs, larger box trailers, or larger boats. On the i-FORCE MAX powertrains, not only is the electric motor constantly in operation for immediate responsiveness when needed, but the Stop and Start functions are also deactivated so as not to inhibit performance.

Trailer Back Guidance aids in overall maneuvering of trailers, while the Straight Path Assist feature is designed to ensure your truck and trailer will back up in a straight line. The available 360-degree cameras aid with visibility and tough-to-see areas around the truck and trailer. When connected with Toyota's integrated trailer brake controller, even the Blind Spot Monitor can recognize blind spots for not just the truck but the trailer as well.

The available new air suspension system can also make towing a simpler proposition, as it offers the ability to load-level the rear height to find the right balance between truck and trailer.

Several new cameras are employed on Tundra, displaying multiple exterior angles that are viewable from the available 14-in. touchscreen or the available rearview mirror camera accessory. On TRD Pro or vehicles with the TRD Off-Road package added, Multi-Terrain Monitor is available to allow the driver to check the immediate surroundings for potential obstacles by simply pressing a button for front-, rear-, and side-camera views on the display.

There are two new instrumentation panels on Tundra: the available 12.3-in. TFT panel or a combination meter that includes a 4.1-in. digital multi-information screen (MID) with analog readouts. Aside from vehicle diagnostics, the new displays also provide access to safety features, navigation, audio controls, off-road features, and towing functions.

Creature comforts for driver and passenger alike abound, including an available panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, rear sunshade, heated steering wheel, and more. The crew cab seat has tons of room.

Every Tundra will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 on every single grade -- that means from SR up to 1794 and TRD Pro. This includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Departure Alert, and lots more. The tailgate release on the key fob as well as a Rear Seat Reminder is also standard on all models.

Pricing will be released closer to the on-sale date at the end of this year. The new Tundra will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio. The 2021-model Tundra starts at $34,025 for the SR5 and goes all the way to a start price of $49,000 for the 1794 and TRD models, to give you some idea.

LOTS more features not mentioned here. Go to toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/tundra/ to learn more.

Source: Toyota

Published October 2021

Rate this article

[2022 Toyota Tundra: Feature-rich full-size workhouse]

Very interesting, with information I can use
Interesting, with information I may use
Interesting, but not applicable to my operation
Not interesting or inaccurate

E-mail Address (required):

Comments:

Type the number: