I Drove 2022 Toyota Tundra for 90 Miles (with Video): I Did Not Expect This

Work for Torque News, follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook.

Submitted by Jeff Teague on November 1, 2021 - 8:54AM

My first test drive in a 2022 Toyota Tundra confirmed a couple very important things. Wow.

Like most Toyota truck fans over the last several years, I have been anxiously awaiting the launch of next-gen 2022 Tundra. After all, Toyota Tundra has not been redesigned since 2007.

I recently attended the new Tundra public reveal event and driving experience. To say I was surprised by a few things would be an understatement.

2022 Toyota Tundra Specs

The vehicle I drove most was a 2022 Tundra Limited Double Cab (in Supersonic Red).

This specific truck was equipped with the base engine (i-FORCE), a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It produces 389 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. torque.

Another optional engine for 2022 Toyota Tundra is the i-FORCE MAX, or Tundra hybrid. It delivers even more power – 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. torque. I tested this engine with a 2022 Tundra TRD Pro, and I will write about this off-roading experience in the next couple weeks here at Torque News / Toyota News.

2022 Tundra Test Drive Video

I recently uploaded my Tundra 2022 test drive video at “ToyotaJeff Reviews” YouTube channel. My goal is to share my experiences so you can research Tundra for yourself and decide your own impressions.

On my channel you will find nearly 20 videos already devoted to hands-on 2022 Toyota Tundra reviews and drives. I hope you find my content helpful and entertaining.

2022 Tundra Driving Impressions

It was not a mile into my drive that I got to test out the acceleration power of 2022 Toyota Tundra. Getting on to a highway. We all do this move on a regular basis, so it was a good test.

I could not believe how quickly my test Tundra accelerated up to highway cruising speeds. Plenty of low-speed torque. From zero to sixty miles per hour swiftly – and it was smooth and comfortable.

One small negative was some wind noise I could hear coming from the side mirrors. Now, it was not a level that was too distracting or annoying. Just something I noticed.

On the highway, I found Tundra has improved ride comfort versus the previous generation with the addition of rear multi-link suspension. The new 2022 Tundra felt soft as it drove over cracks in the road and smaller potholes along the way.

2022 Toyota Tundra Interior

The main cornerstone of 2022 Tundra interior is the massive 14-inch multimedia touch screen. One that features a new next-gen Audio Multimedia system. Look for five times faster processing speeds, much easier-to-use voice commands, and a display that is the epitome of “simple and user friendly.”

Seats were comfortable – SofTex seating with 8-way power driver and passenger seats with 2-way power lumbar support. Heated and cooled seats are standard on the Limited trim level.

You may appreciate the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. Wireless charging pad is in a convenient location and angle at the bottom of the center stack.

2022 Toyota Tundra MPG

A 2021 Tundra is rated at either 14mpg or 15mpg combined. I see comments on my channel from current Toyota Tundra owners where they wish their truck had better fuel efficiency.

Plan to see higher estimated gas mileage numbers in a next-gen 2022 Toyota Tundra.

With the base i-FORCE engine, a 4x2 Tundra is rated at 18mpg in the city, 23mpg on the highway, and 20mpg combined.

A 4x4 Tundra 2022 comes in at 17mpg in the city, 22mpg on the highway, and 19mpg combined.

On my drive I got about 19.2 miles per gallon based on a combination of city and highway driving. This was a 4x4 so that falls in line with what is posted.

One thing to note is that I tend to drive with a little heavier acceleration foot, so my gas mileage tends to be less than other drivers. For example, my friend TRD Jon (follow his YouTube channel here) found his 2022 Tundra fuel mileage was over 22mpg along the same route. Maybe he drove a little differently than me. Sigh.

I think we all know that a big factor in fuel efficiency is how someone drives a vehicle.

Time for Your Toyota Tundra Comments

Thanks for reading everyone.

What are your first impressions of next-gen Toyota Tundra? How do you like exterior and interior styling, features, multimedia, and other specifications?

Do you think you would rather have the base i-FORCE engine or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine?

See you next story when I discuss one of my biggest disappointments about Toyota Tundra 2022.

READ MORE:
- Lunar Rock available in multiple 2022 Tacoma trims
- 2022 GR86 pricing revealed
- Answering your vehicle shortage questions

Follow Jeff Teague on Social Media:

- My "AutoJeff Reviews" YouTube channel - Car reviews and people stories
- My Torque News / Toyota News column
- My "ToyotaJeff Reviews" YouTube channel
- My Toyotajeff website
- My Facebook page
- Instagram @toyotajeff1
- My Twitter page

Thank you everyone for following me.

Submitted by H Ksy (not verified) on November 1, 2021 - 4:17PM

Permalink

Thanks but I’ll keep my 2021 Crew cab V8 4x4 with 12 mph that sounds like a real truck. That 14inch screen looks like a distraction me. Does the crew cab still have the full rear window that goes all the way down? Is Toyota still making any V8s maybe with the new 10 speed transmission?

Seems like somebody purchased a last year of outgoing model is is bitter about it. Outdated V8 with a terrible mileage.
Yeah, I had it for 2 weeks and that's not the truck I wanted in 2021.
Sorry buddy. Yeah, 12 "mph" sounds like a real truck. I'd take 2022. It seems unreal to me.
Lol

nothing outdated at all about a DOHC 32 valve V8 with variable valve timing on exhaust and intake! you want outdated lets talk 1954 small block v8 pushrods tech. not knocking chevy small blocks at all, but if making bold statements about outdated V8s, nothing is more ancient than pushrods. now some of us would ave wished for incremental gains, direct injection and say a 10 speed tranny. but ayway, turbo v6 is the way of the (truck) world half tons these days.

Submitted by Robert Flynt (not verified) on November 1, 2021 - 8:05PM

Permalink

Please don't tell me you went to the small rear sliding rear glass like lesser trucks the big one on my 2017 is so handy not a girly window like Ford and dodge yuck . Love my Tundra

Submitted by Jeff (not verified) on November 1, 2021 - 8:08PM

Permalink

I can't compare engines yet until I get mpg for the hybrid engine. Please provide that statistic.

that's only half the question. maybe a third. sure it takes 87. but does the tow rating use premium? I have not researched this engine...the 5.7 v8 retarded ignition significantly with less than premium gas, and the tow rating stated done with premium. you wanted the most hp in the ole 5.7 tundra you did indeed run premium, which is usually a fallacy for cars/trucks...except when retarding timing nearly 12 degrees for 87.

Submitted by Rev (not verified) on November 3, 2021 - 12:02PM

Permalink

I just don't see the point of a full size truck with a V6. Over the life of the truck, if you are utilizing it for truck work and not just to look cool in a truck, it will not last as long or have the power it needs.

that a remain to be seen statement. why think an engine that is not new to toyota wont last? Its been around since 2017.....

v6 turbo are the new 1/2 ton normal...ford ecoboost seem to be doing just fine.

while your statement makes logical sense-extra tech and turbos maybe more prone to issues. that statement just does not hold water these days as accurate. quality and machining and computer design and simulations and frankly less humans drunk on mondays and fridays building vehicles is better for quality. plus competition.

I have a 2011 F150 3.7 V6. 220,000 kms. Been used for work since the day I bought it plus a weekend off roader. Never had a single issue and it's running strong. Nearly 11 years old. So what were you saying?

Submitted by Siete Mares (not verified) on November 3, 2021 - 2:57PM

Permalink

Just bought a new 4x4 5.7L Tundra for the old style, power and rumble of the vanishing 350. It got away from me when GM phased it out in 1998 and it wasn’t going to happen again. Plus, the 2021 feels like a beautiful old stool truck. Just my $.02

Submitted by Brett (not verified) on November 4, 2021 - 1:35AM

Permalink

I like the new Tundra design and the concept. I actually do drive a tundra and put it through the ringer monthly. All of these reviews are biased and I would love to spend a month doing everything I do in my tundra. My wife drives an expedition with the turbo charged engine and I have my doubts. So all of you reviewers that make a living doing this stuff(shit), give me a crack. I’m from Texas and I know tuff terrain. I’m looking for an unbiased opinion!

Submitted by Rusty (not verified) on November 20, 2021 - 5:47PM

Permalink

I don’t know what you office boys use trucks for but a V-6 is an insult to contractors. I’ve got an Engineering degree but I love construction. Only the 3 American truck makers have real trucks. Dodge with their Cummmins diesel is my favorite by far. How are you going to pull a piece of yellow iron or a buried concrete truck out with a Japanese girl truck? Busted concrete on trailer weighing 30,000 lbs.? If you have never used your truck bed, buy a Prius hybrid. You’re hogging precious commodities for no good reason.

I’ve had a 2017 and a 2020 Tundra 4x4 with the 5.7. There’s nothing I couldn’t tow with them. I’m not sure how the V6 and the twin turbos are going to work out. I’ll stay away from the 2022 model, that’s for sure.

@Rusty: Not all of us pull yellow iron or concrete debris. I don't. Heavy site-work equipment haulers won't (can't) use a V6 1/2 ton; we all know that. But the rest of us: yes... I haul ATVs, snowmobiles, firewood, boilers, water heaters, plywood, tools, and other assorted items that require a "truck" type of vehicle. I've owned Toyotas, Fords, Chevs, and Dodges over the years. By FAR the most trouble free were the "Japanese girl truck" Toyota models. This would include a 7.3 Powerstroke Ford, and also a 5.9 Cummins 3500 (which I still have).

I'm sure Toyota will do just fine with their new release Tundra. The "new" engine has been used in the Lexus line since 2017, it's likely a fine design for what it's intended purpose is, yellow iron notwithstanding.

Listen. Not everyone pulls concrete slabs or some other junk. You don’t have to justify or not a usability of a truck. I’m in a food business and haul different bags of food. V6 twin turbo is still way more than I need. I could get a Tacoma but I’m a big boy and I don’t like Tacoma’s lack of room.
So get over some idiotic stuff and go back to hauling some debris.

comparing half tons to 3/4+1 ton trucks is not exactly apple 2 apple now is it? If you need to tow steel, get a 3/4 ton or 1 ton. sounds like you do-so the tundra is not for you. maybe barking in the wrong forum. plenty of building contractors and fishermen here use tundras. plenty of suburban poofs drive american diesel rigs without ever working them. so what?

as to cummins, talk to my neighbor his cummins threw a rod bearing at 80k and he got laughed at by ram dealer. 13K rebuild. Ram is the cheapest out of the 'merica 3/4+1 ton diesel rigs for a reason. around here nothing but rams with rusting body panels albeit not the later gens. but totally falling apart.

probably the best thing for mopar was speaking italian and mexico high tech plant....you do know your 3/4 ton and 1 ton Ram is built in Mexico right? The plant gets rave reviews for quality, but when you drive around in your mexican labor built Ram tough, don't be putting that Buy 'Merica sticker on the back. Toyota purposely chose to build trucks in texas.

toyota stands behind their vehicles. even when an american supplier (dana corp) fails to rust proof frames and uses subpar steel 2 boot...no matter how high the miles.

I dont need to tow steel or a fifth wheel. Whether i trade my miserable mpg Tundra V8 for a new v6 turbo is debatable. I dont need to use it for highway miles I need it for towing a boat, debris, lumber, and getting dirty......a basic truck is what suits me.

Yeah it’s not really the Dodge body that makes the 3500 Dually so wonderful. It’s the Cummins Diedel. That engine is built wVolumbus, Indiana, USA. I’d probably buy a good ole Chevy 3500 if they made a deal with Cummins. Not going to happen but I can dream. Toyota Camry is the most US made content of any car I know of, made 17!miles from my house in Georgetown, Ky. Mexican assembly is not my perfect scenario but it cuts the costs. $85,000 is already a little bit high. Assemble them in Ohio and they’d be $125,000.

Submitted by Rusty Harrod (not verified) on December 8, 2021 - 1:17PM

Permalink

I respect all you guys who don’t need a big powerful diesel sucking truck. The moron who called me redneck doesn’t deserve an answer. Stupid to waste fuel hauling flowers, I once owned a plant nursery, I let the girls take care of it. Made a nice staging area for my crew of tough concrete men and roofers. The girls still liked my Duallys. I don’t know why. I totaled some Honda Accord accidentally hooked the front wheel with my rear outside tire. I couldn’t even find a smudge on the tire. They’re beasts.

Mexican built beasts.

You get angry at a guy calling you a redneck? Ok gotcha concur. But Then brag about hitting a smaller car, thats curiously a Japanese brand. Why not endanger the lives of say a chevy bolt driver in your tale? Cmon man, you are fulfilling the label you disagree with being called.

You need a 3/4 ton or 1 ton for work. I respect that.

I dont. I also dont want the hassle of diesel emission tech, urea, water in diesel issues.

When I am wrenching my tundra with elp from a buddy here and there, i like to see japanese bearings (or american) in the wheel hub. i run 35's and a 4-5" lift, so yeah these go ere and there. not chinese or mexican bearings. Wonder what bearings are in that Ram wheel hub? ever compared the front wheel hub on a tundra 1/2 or the tundra rear diff and gearing to other 1/2 tons? not close. The mechanics I know who work on a lot of american trucks, say you want to have a reliable truck and dont need towing like a 3/4+1 ton buy Tundra. They also say most of the toyota parts are made in america-not the case for Ram.

I keep picking on Mexican Ram trucks to poke you. BY all accounts the mexican ram plant is a quality plant. However, I will say do you think if mexicans had better wages there would be less issues south of the border? Why do you not purchase American built trucks?

Submitted by Rusty Harrod (not verified) on April 4, 2022 - 1:42PM

Permalink

I’m a college educated contractor. UK Mechanical Engineering degree. I spent the first half of my life building cars. Toyota Camry plant is 17 miles from my house. I’m more familiar with the Automotive Industry than almost anybody. Dodge is inferior but they excel at the one most important feature of any Carbon spewing machine- the engine. Cummins makes that wonderful powerful diesel in Columbus Indiana. I’ve lived there too. I could see that mid range plant from my house. Poetry in motion and I knew their Engineers personally. Best on the planet. The Hemi is also legendary. Made by the Dodge boys. Everything else is garbage. I worked for Toyota- they build the best 4 cylinder engine on the planet and overbuild the car or truck. Waste of money. Did you know it only costs about $6,-$7,000 to build a car or trucks? The rest of the price is paying a ROI on the $2-$3 billion dollars invested in robots, dedicated welders, huge plants. 250 acres under one roof , 2 running in Georgetown and a third coming up. 4th planned. Georgetown rivals Ford’s largest complex (Kansas City) for title of most vehicles produced in the US at a single location. American Engineers had to explain to the Japanese why we even like trucks. They don’t have a clue. Tokyo is impossible to even park your car, Dually couldn’t navigate those little streets. I’m proud to be an American. I now build houses and I’ve got more knowledge in my pinky toe than you boy. Go back to school and learn to do simple math and maybe I’ll talk to you. Probably still won’t.

Submitted by Robert E Savadge (not verified) on November 17, 2022 - 8:50AM

Permalink

I have a ‘22 1794 Edition with the iForce Max drivetrain. First, the interior is the best looking and best designed I’ve ever seen, regardless of manufacturer. Second, the 14” display is very well integrated and not distracting in any way. Third, I like the exterior styling, with the exception of the huge chrome grille. The latter looks like it came from a ‘53 Buick. So I decided to tone down the chrome by having the grille and surround shot with Line-X; I also fitted the truck with a 3” lift and larger wheels and Nitto tires. Now the truck has a proper height and stance, as well as a more understated, but aggressive, look. Pay attention Toyota!