When the second generation of the Toyota Tundra hit the market in 2007, it was an instant classic. This beast held its own against more well-known trucks like the Silverado, F-150, and Ram 1500. It even won the Motor Trend Truck of the Year in 2008.
As the years went on, other trucks went through various updates and facelifts, while the Tundra went through few significant changes. It was still a powerful and impressive pickup, but it started losing some of the ground it fought so hard to take. That was until now. The 2022 Toyota Tundra will emerge from its cocoon to start a new generation of this muscular pickup. While it’s not available just yet, here’s what we know about the newest Tundra Facelift.
Rebuilt From The Ground Up
Expectations for the Tundra Facelift are relatively strong. Toyota has been working on a new chassis called the Toyota New Global Architecture-F (TNGA-F) that will immensely improve how this truck handles the road. Here are some highlights of what you can expect from the TNGA-F:
- High strength steel frame that comes at a lower weight
- Coil springs replacing the current leaf springs
- Increased maximum payload above the current 1,730-pound ceiling
- Increased maximum towing capacity above the current 10,200-pound max
Updated Powertrains
Rumor has it that Toyota is dropping the V8 engines currently available on the Tundra for V6 options. The high-end powertrain is expected to use something similar to the 3.4-liter V6 engine(416-horsepower) that is popular in the Lexus LS500. Knowing Toyota, they’ll have a variation of this that’s more powerful than anything we’ve seen before. Lower-level trims will probably have something similar to what we find in the Toyota Tacoma: a 3.5-liter V6 offering 278 hp. Some suggest that Toyota will tweak this engine to produce over 300 ponies. You should also expect some hybrid versions of Tacoma. Toyota has been leading the way with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains for over two decades. While Toyota may not release this option right away, it’s certainly coming.
Updated Styling To Stand Out
With all of the changes going on under the hood, the Toyota Tacoma is due for a proper facelift. We’re looking forward to a sportier look than anything Toyota has offered on a pickup truck before. That means a more prominent grille, tall hood, and plenty of eye-catching colors.
Inside, drivers will enjoy Toyota’s top-of-the-line technology, like a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. You’ll also love all of the advanced safety features Toyota offers: automatic braking, advanced radar cruise control, lane centering, lane-keep assist, and more.
When Will This Caterpillar Emerge as a Butterfly?
The chances are that the Tundra facelift won’t be a practical reality until the end of 2021. Don’t worry, though. The first model should be available as a show-off piece in the middle of the year. If you’re one of the many drivers who are excited to hear about the Tundra’s facelift, keep your eyes and ears open. Once this workhorse is available, it will sell fast.
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