Consumer Reports Was Impressed With the 2022 Toyota Tundra’s New V6 Engine
Alex Healey
· 3 min read
In the full-size pickup segment, it’s fair to say that
Toyota
has fallen behind the competition. Sensing this, Toyota promised a full redesign for the 2022 Tundra. However, fans of the truck were a little worried when it was announced that it would no longer come standard with a V8 engine.Instead, a V6 engine would take its place. While some might still be skeptical, the new Tundra engine made a good first impression on Consumer Reports. What else did they uncover about this long-awaited truck?
The 2022 Toyota Tundra’s new V6 engine contributes to a slick powertrain
While you might assume a smaller engine would negatively affect performance,
Consumer Reports
found the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 combines beautifully with the Tundra’s 10-speed automatic transmission.The result is an effortless powertrain, which actually boasts a few more horsepower than the outgoing V8, and far more than the engines in Chevy, Ford, GMC, and Ram’s base models.
The reviewer goes on to say the upgraded transmission provides “nearly imperceptible upshifts” that can rival luxury cars.
Further improving the ride quality, the 2022 Tundra has switched to a multilink rear suspension with coil springs (this basically means a smoother ride with less jerky bumps). Suffice to say, this is a fantastic truck to drive.
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More praise for the 2022 Toyota Tundra
MORE: Why the Toyota Tundra Was Named the Most-Loved Full-Sized Pickup Truck
In their review, CR appreciates the Tundra’s user-friendly infotainment system, which blends easy to read text with an intuitive menu bar.
The reviewer admires the truck's comfortable seats and soft leather interior—although it should be noted he was driving a top trim model—and the use of real wood trim on the doors and dash.
Perhaps the most commendable feature of the new Tundra is Toyota’s decision to include Safety Sense 2.5, the company’s advanced safety suite, on every trim level.
This doesn’t happen often in the truck market, but it ensures every 2022 model comes equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Still some room for improvement
MORE: Should You Get the 2022 Toyota Tundra or Chevy Silverado 1500?
While the CR review is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few criticisms levied at the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
Firstly, the reviewer suggests the climate controls are overly complex, and hard to see when driving in sunlight.
Perhaps more damning is the complaint about awkward and clunky handling. The Tundra’s steering is slow and it feels bulky.
This might seem like a silly thing to say, after all, it’s a huge vehicle, but Chevy and Ram’s full-size trucks are much more responsive according to the review. The ponderous Tundra has work to do in this department.
Additionally, the 2022 Toyota Tundra is not available with a full-time four-wheel drive system. Most full-size pickups automatically shift back and forth between ear-wheel drive and 4WD as needed, but the Tundra requires drivers to make the shift themselves.
Even taking into account these criticisms, the good aspects of the newest Tundra far outweigh the bad.
It is important to note that Consumer Reports is waiting until general release before conducting a full test of the 2022 Tundra. As a result, they cannot yet gauge things like fuel economy and towing capacity.
But based on what they have seen so far, the Toyota Tundra’s revitalized powertrain, stylish interior, and impressive safety features make it one to watch in 2022.
