Luxury pickups are big business and Toyota is throwing their hat into the ring with the all-new Tundra Capstone. Designed to push the 2022 Tundra into the “upper echelon” of the full-size truck segment, the Capstone is billed as a new halo trim that will compete with rivals such as the GMC Sierra Denali. As part of this effort, the Capstone brings the bling as the range-topper is distinguished by chrome mirror caps and 22-inch chrome wheels, which are the largest ever offered on the Tundra. They’re joined by a unique grille with chrome accents and chrome “Tundra” lettering on the tailgate.
There’s plenty of more chrome to talk
about, but we’ll turn our attention to the power running boards and power bed
step. The latter automatically deploys and provides easy access to the 5.5 foot
composite bed. While the Tundra Platinum and 1794 are already luxurious, the
Capstone ups the ante with semi-aniline leather seats that feature an exclusive
black and white design. They apparently come with heating and ventilation in
both rows, and Toyota noted drivers will sit behind a heated leather steering
wheel.
Since nothing says luxury quite like wood
trim, the Tundra Capstone has been outfitted with Dark American Walnut that graces
the dashboard, doors, and center console. Buyers will also find a panoramic
moonroof, an illuminated Capstone logo on the dash, and acoustic side glass on
the front doors which is another trim exclusive. That’s just scratching the
surface as the truck also comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument
cluster as well as a 14-inch Audio Multimedia infotainment system with wireless
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other tech features include a
10-inch color head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a 12-speaker JBL
premium audio system, and a Panoramic View Monitor that provides an assortment
of views of the truck and its surroundings.
Given the Capstone’s range-topping status,
it’s not surprising to learn the model will be offered exclusively with the
i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. It features a 48 hp electric
motor, which is effectively sandwiched between a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine
and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This gives the truck a combined output
of 437 hp and 790 Nm of torque, which is enough
to make it a hybrid for hooligans.
Sticking with the performance theme, the
Tundra Capstone has a maximum payload of 674 kg and a maximum
towing capacity of 4,690 kg. You can find better numbers
elsewhere, but Toyota’s range-topper comes equipped with a standard Towing
Technology Package that includes Trailer Back Guidance and Straight Path
Assist. Customers can also opt for an Adaptive Variable Suspension, which
adjusts damping force based on road conditions.
Full details will be released closer to
launch, but the Tundra Capstone will come with an assortment of driver
assistance systems including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure
Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian
Detection. Other highlights include Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist,
Rear Seat Reminder, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Blind Spot Monitor. There’s
also Parking Support Brake, which automatically applies the brakes if a
collision is imminent when parking.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone will
arrive at dealerships this spring and be available exclusively in a CrewMax
configuration. There’s no word on pricing at this point, but the model will
slot above the 1794 trim which begins at US$ 57,690 before a US$ 1,695 destination
fee.