Written by Marco Carvajal
2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone i-FORCE MAX
I am test-driving the redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra, assembled at the San Antonio, Texas plant. The new flagship of the Tundra lineup is the Tundra Capstone with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system. The Capstone is more luxurious, more efficient, more powerful, and is also a hybrid pickup truck.
The 2022 Tundra model is the third generation of the Tundra and it is the only full-size pickup truck made in Texas.
The 2022 Tundra is a four-door pickup offered in Extended Cab (Double Cab) and Crew Cab (CrewMax) configurations, with a short-bed and long-bed option.
The regular Tundra gets a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 making 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the latter with low-range gearing.
More power and more efficiency are available with the Tundra I am test driving, the new Electrified i-FORCE MAX Powertrain. Tundra’s available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain generates an electrifying 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque.
The powerful engine is an i-FORCE MAX 3.5-liter aluminum block, V6 Hybrid, twin turbochargers with water-cooled intercoolers; 24-valve DOHC chain drive with Dual VVT-i Displacement. Powered by this super engine, the 2022 Tundra has the strength and torque for any task thrown at it, whether you’re working hard or enjoying the scenery with the family.
There’s a substantial amount of torque available, even at low speed, and the 10-speed automatic shifts and responds quickly and smoothly for a nice optimized drive.
Toyota has also made several key changes to Tundra that improve on-road performance, including replacing the traditional rear suspension commonly found on full-size trucks due to its durability and toughness, with modern coil springs in the rear to provide a more comfortable ride on board the Tundra.
2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone i-FORCE MAX Hybrid
Tundra’s new i-FORCE MAX is very smart and powerful hybrid system built for the demanding tasks of full-sized truck. This hybrid system expands on the core twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 by brilliantly pairing a motor generator system built inside bell-housing to create an inline hybrid powertrain that produces a very strong 437 horsepower and a whopping 583 lb.-ft. of torque.
This hybrid system is optional on Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition trims and standard on TRD Pro and top of the line Capstone, using the same engine, but paired with a battery-electric hybrid system.
The 4×4, i-FORCE MAX V6 Hybrid engine is combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
This powertrain has a combined output of 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. With its standard V6 engine and 4WD CrewMax setup, it’s rated to tow 11,120 pounds.
Driving the Tundra you can enjoy a fuel Economy of 19 MPG city, 22 MPG highway and 20 MPG average combined, on the Tundra Capstone i-FORCE MAX Hybrid
The Tundra Capstone is fully loaded with several premium Standard Premium Features like Standard i-FORCE MAX Powertrain Engine producing 437 hp, 583 lb.-ft. Stylish 22-inch Chrome Wheels standard. Semi-Aniline Leather-Trimmed Seats Accent Plush Interior. Standard Power Running Boards and BedStep, 10-inch Color Head-Up Display, and Towing Technology Package, amore many standard features.
I like the interior leather-trimmed heated steering wheel and large 12.3-inch digital Multi-Informational Display. The standard 10-inch color Head-Up Display works great.
The center console big enough for multiple laptops or other accessories and the door pockets are equipped for large drink containers.
Tundra Trims
The starting price of the 2022 Tundra at $35K makes it a very affordable pickup truck. You can go all-features to the top-of-the-line Tundra TRD Pro for $67K or Tundra Capstone I am test driving for around $75K.
There are seven Tundra trim levels to select for the Tundra 2022, I am test-driving the Tundra Capstone model.
- SR
- SR5
- Limited
- Platinum
- 1794 Edition
- TRD Pro
- Capstone
Premium JBL premium audio system, wireless smartphone charger, rear door sunshades, moonroof panoramic seats, home-style power outlets in cab and bed, trailer backrest guidance system.
Many features found on the higher models are available on the lower models as options you can add. TRD Off-Road, off-road suspension, fenders, skid plates Locking rear diff, multi-terrain driving modes, crawl control (4WD only), rear air suspension with load leveling, tuned suspension shocks.
The Limited trim includes the premium JBL audio system, wireless smartphone charging, rear door sunshades, panoramic moonroof, in-cab and in-bed domestic-style power outlets.
The TRD Pro model is similarly equipped as the Limited version, but is optimized for rough terrain. It also gets 18-inch TRD wheels with all-terrain tires (33-inch tires), 1.1-inch front suspension lift, skid plates, Fox suspension shocks, and a rear limited-slip differential.
As for the interior, the comfort of the seats and the low noise levels make it a pleasant vehicle to cover long distances for front and rear passengers.
When equipped with the panoramic moonroof and exclusive full-width power rear window, Tundra feels truly spacious.
Storage under the rear seat is generous, as is small-item storage for front passengers.
In terms of safety we can mention that it includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front knee airbags, front side airbags and side curtain airbags that cover both rows.
The Tundra comes standard with adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane departure monitoring. Adds forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
A rearview camera is standard, while parking sensors, a blind-spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert, are optional.
The Platinum model’s 360-degree camera system gives you an immersive view of the Tundra and its surroundings for tight parking situations.
The TRD Off-Road model gets Bilstein shocks for better off-road performance, though you won’t notice much of a difference in ride and handling on pavement.
