We’re finally getting a look at a bit of the upcoming 2022 Toyota Tundra. And it’s about time. The current generation of Tundra has been on the road since 2007, in which time three new generations of Ford F-150 have been launched. Toyota is remaining tight-lipped about its new full-size pickup, though, revealing little more than its wealth of lighting technology with this teaser.
Fortunately, the teaser image does show off a new LED light signature that was spied in November. Spy pictures also revealed a truck testing with six-bolt wheels, suggesting that Toyota is looking to win some spec-sheet towing battles. Indeed, U.S. dealers are excited about the new truck. Speaking to Automotive News, Robby Findlay, chairman of the Toyota National Dealer Advisory Council said it could be a Detroit crusher.
The new Tundra will be based on Toyota’s F1 body-on-frame platform. The same chassis will underpin the brand’s other large SUVs, like the Sequoia, the 4Runner, and the Tacoma. Reports also indicate that the truck will get power from a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6. The engine is known to be capable of up to 450 horsepower. Whether it will replace the 5.7-liter V8 completely is unknown at this point, but Toyota has committed to selling a hybrid model whose electric elements will be designed to increase power and torque.
Unfortunately, there are still a lot of question marks, too. The suspension, for instance, remains a mystery. But all will be revealed before the end of 2021, as sales are expected to start in Q4 2021. It will have to do a lot if it wants to beat any of Detroit’s big three in sales, though. In the Tundra’s 21 years of existence, it has never outsold them. Given America’s appetite for pickups, though, it’s hard not to keep trying.
