2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Overview

While Toyota doesn’t specifically call this version of the new Tundra the Hybrid, it should. As a replacement for the longtime favorite V-8 in the previous-generation Tundra, Toyota bolts a hybrid twin-turbo V-6 named the i-Force-Max under the hood. It produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, making the hybrid the most powerful version in the Tundra lineup. Unfortunately, its beefy 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery eats up all of the cargo space under the folding rear seat. Unlike the gas-only version, the hybrid is only available as a crew cab, with the choice of 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed lengths. While the Tundra hybrid’s max towing capacity of 12,000 pounds is competitive, it still trails behind other full-size light-duty trucks such as the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Still, the Tundra hybrid’s switch to a coil-spring rear suspension smoothes its ride, and a bevy of modern interior updates has made it more attractive than ever before.

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What’s New for 2022?

For the first time ever, the Tundra gets a hybrid powertrain. The Tundra is all-new for 2022, which is a big deal considering it has been mostly the same pickup since 2007.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The priciest of Tundra pickups carry the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. In fact, the starting price is roughly $18,000 over what a gas-only Tundra SR begins at, but the hybrid models come with desirable features that entry-level trucks don’t. Every Tundra hybrid comes with remote start and keyless entry, as well as a fob-operated tailgate release button. Plus, they all use Toyota’s massive 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. We’d stick with the Limited to avoid spending too much on a truck that doesn’t deliver significantly more than its closest competitors.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Before fans of the Tundra’s legendary V-8 get too teary-eyed, heed this; the Tundra Hybrid’s 437-hp twin-turbo V-6 and 583 pound-feet of torque is the most muscle of any Toyota pickup ever . Does the engine sound as cool? No. Does it tow more? Yes. And it’s a far brawnier powertrain than the non-hybrid Tundra, reviewed separately, which manages just 389 horsepower with 479 pound-feet of torque (348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet for the non-hybrid Tundra SR). Every Tundra uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid unit allows for electric-only driving at crawling speeds and even at some higher speeds when going downhill, saving the gasoline engine for when it needs it the most. Toyota’s rear-suspension switch from leaf springs to coil springs has dramatically improved the Tundras ride and how it handles. The hybrid powertrain enables the Tundra to zip to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The only thing missing from the Tundra’s lineup is a direct competitor that answers the lunacy of the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX. While the TRD Pro does offer a suspension that caters to some level of off-road glory, its skid plates, suspension lift, and all-terrain tires don’t fling mud as far as others.

More on the Tundra Hybrid Pickup

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Tundra hybrid can tow up to 12,000 pounds, which is a few thousand short of its strongest competitors. The F-150, for example, can pull up to 14,000 pounds. The Tundra also has a maximum payload capacity of 1940 pounds. Again, several other half-ton pickups can haul more weight in their cargo bed, with the Ford maxing out at 3250 pounds of payload.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Tundra hybrid doesn’t quite transform a pickup into a Prius, but its battery pack does help to marginally improve fuel economy. While the nonhybrid rear-wheel-drive Tundra is rated for up to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (all-wheel drive reduces those figures by 1 mpg each), the hybrid model gets an estimated 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the hybrid model delivered only 19 mpg. For more information about the Tundra’s fuel-economy ratings, visit the EPA website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Tundra’s cockpit has big square air vents, a massive infotainment screen, and thick knobs that are easy to use and won’t scratch easily. The Tundra’s geometrical dash new door-trim panels are covered in materials that are a big improvement over the last pickup. Available on the 1794 Edition, Toyota has even gone full luxo with wood accents. The center console provides a massive catch-all for storage and there’s no shortage of door cubbies for mail, beverages, or tools. The only major drawback with the hybrid is that the cargo space under the rear folding seats is unusable due to the 288-volt Nickle-metal Hydride battery that lives there. The extended- cab Tundra (a.k.a. Double Cab) is only available for nonhybrid models, leaving all Tundra hybrids as a crew cabs (Toyota calls this CrewMax) with the choice of either a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

One thing that the Tundra does bigger than most other pickups is found in the cabin: its 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. This gigantic screen is standard on all hybrid models and is of high enough resolution to mistake Google Maps navigation for a top-down video game. The infotainment system features a useful volume knob and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but there’s no tuning knob and the controls on the steering wheel have limited functionality. A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is also offered.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every Tundra is stocked with a full complement of driver-assistance technology that includes automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. For more information about the Tundra’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota’s limited and powertrain warranties align with what’s offered on every other full-size pickup truck. However, Toyota’s complimentary scheduled maintenance is unmatched.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 milesArrow pointing downArrow pointing down

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup

PRICE

Base: $68.500

POWERTRAIN

twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.4-liter V-6, 389 hp, 479 lb-ft + AC motor, 48 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined output: 437 hp, 583 lb-ft; nickel-metal hydride battery pack)

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle

Brakes, F/R: 13.9-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc

Tires: Falken Wildpeak AT3W

285/65R-18 116T M+S

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 145.7 in

Length: 233.6 in

Width: 81.6 in

Height: 78.0 in

Passenger Volume: 117 ft3

Curb Weight: 6107 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 5.7 sec

1/4-Mile: 14.5 sec @ 92 mph

100 mph: 18.0 sec

Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec

Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec

Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec

Top Speed (gov ltd): 107 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 194 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.71 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 20/19/21 mpg

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C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs