2022 Toyota Tundra: Design, Powertrains & Everything Else We Know

Toyota’s Tundra full-size pickup is, let’s face it, a bit of an automotive relic. So much so that the origins of the current truck can be traced back to the last global financial crises (and ironically, it’ll see in the impending next one too).

Fortunately for us isolated souls, the Japanese manufacturing giant has been hard at work readying its next-generation F-150 rival. While its debut is some time off yet (and could even be delayed, depending on how the pandemic affects the economy), we take an illustrative look at what to expect in terms of design and everything else we know to date. So let’s take a deep breath and dive into all the details.

Tough New Looks

Styling on our speculative study is an unashamedly collective mix of RAV4 and new Highlander. The LED headlamps have c-shaped DRL signatures with high-mounted main beams. A detailed, yet imposing chrome trapezoidal-framed grille shares visual linage with the current truck and its upper air intake, which in turn leads the eye along with a RAM-like power hood.

Photo Renderings Copyright CarScoops / Josh Byrnes

The view from the side is simple yet muscular, while sheet metal surfacing employs taut tension in the fenders and lower door areas. For a point of difference, there are black fill segments at the base of the a-pillars and rear roof zones in another visual nod to the latest RAV4. Out-back, it features a powered tailgate, Cadillac-style vertical LED tail lights, integrated bumper steps and a configurable modular bed.

Under The Skin

Underpinning the new truck will be Toyota’s new F1 architecture shared with the next-generation Tacoma and Sequoia full-size SUV. This bodes well for a roomier, yet higher-quality cabin with a plethora of technology and amenities. If the latest Highlander is anything to go by, expect a 12.3-in touch-screen incorporating Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, 4G Wi-Fi connectivity, and a JBL audio system at a minimum.

The next Tundra could use an infotainment system similar to the one seen here on the 2020 Highlander

Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 will also feature employing a suite of driver assists that include low-light pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing aid, automatic high beam control, front & rear park assist, and road sign detection.

Power To Haul

Reportedly the new Tundra will utilize a version of the ever-present in the Lexus brand, hybrid 3.5-litre V6, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 under the ‘I-Force Max’ banner with the latter pumping out 450 horsepower (335 kilowatts). Whether these hybrid engines will supplement or entirely replace the current 4.6-litre and 5.7-litre normally aspirated V8 units offered in the current truck, remains unknown. However, we find it difficult for Toyota not to offer at least one V8 option for traditional pickup truck consumers.

Lexus’ twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 hybrid unit may find its way into the 2020 Tundra

Power should be fed to the rear wheels (or optionally, all four) via six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions. The truck will have coil spring rear and air suspension options, as well as dynamic torque vectoring with multi-terrain and trail modes for those who regularly go off the beaten track.

Rivals, Pricing and Reveal

The all-new Tundra has some hard work ahead if it wants a bigger slice of the full-size truck pie. Ford’s unstoppable F-150 will be bracing electrification soon, and Chevrolet’s Silverado/GMC Sierra and RAM 1500 are a worthy look too …oh and then there’s Nissan’s Titan (just in case you forgot), while Tesla is also looking to shake the segment with the fully electric Cybertruck.

Ford’s new generation 2021 F-150 will be the one to beat in the full-size pickup truck class

Pricing for all grades from SR to TRD Pro (double cab and CrewMax) is tipped to head upward, albeit whilst still competitive with core competition.

Also Read: Toyota And Lexus 2020-2022 Product Roadmap Includes GR 86, CUV, Tundra And More

An official (albeit delayed) debut is expected in the fourth quarter next year, with sales tipped to start December 2021 as an MY2022 offering. Its Sequoia full-size SUV sibling will also arrive roughly under a year later.

Finally, what would you like to see from the next Tundra? Share your views in the comments below.