Toyota announced pricing and fuel economy for its first electrified pickup truck on Tuesday. The 2022 Toyota Tundra hybrid with its i-Force Max powertrain will cost $3,400 more than similarly equipped gas models and get an estimated 22 mpg combined, which is 2 mpg better than the gas-only truck.
The redesigned 2022 Tundra is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. The uprated hybrid, dubbed i-Force Max instead of just i-Force for gas-only models, adds a 1.87-kwh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack that sits under the rear seats. It powers a motor-generator sandwiched between the engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, to provide a torque boost and smooth out the stop/start system; it also enables battery-only driving at speeds under 18 mph, when charged. Total system output with the twin-turbo V-6 is 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque at just 2,400 rpm.
Quick off-the-line starts and effortless towing make the hybrid powertrain stand out. We towed a 5,800-lb Airstream briefly around coastal California, and the powertrain shrugged off the weight even on an uphill start. Once moving, the presence of the trailer was known, even with the optional rear air springs and adjustable dampers. Towing capacity maxes out at 11,450 lb with the TRD Pro crew cab in rear-wheel drive with the 5-foot-6 short bed. The gas-only Tundra SR5 with a double cab and 6-foot-6 medium bed can tow up to 12,000 lb.
All hybrids come with a crew cab and choice between the short or medium bed; the 8-foot-1 long bed is not available with the crew cab and thus, the hybrid. The hybrid is offered on Limited, Platinum, and 1794 grades, but it comes standard on the TRD Pro and new Capstone models. Pricing starts at $53,995 (including a $1,695 destination fee) for the Limited crew cab with the short bed and rear-wheel drive; that’s $3,400 more than a similarly equipped gas model. Four-wheel drive adds $3,000, and swapping in the medium-sized bed costs $330.
The well-equipped Limited comes with a 14.0-inch touchscreen, 8-way power front seats trimmed in synthetic leather, 20-inch alloy wheels, and blind-spot monitors in addition to all the other standard safety features.
It’s a big step up to the $62,085 Platinum. The interior opens up with a panoramic sunroof, 10-way power front seats dressed in leather, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It can be had with the adaptive dampers and load-leveling rear air suspension, which are packaged together with power running boards for $2,995.
The 1794 hybrid model costs $700 more than the Platinum and swaps out dark accents for chrome as well as lighter leather hues and walnut wood trim inside. It also comes with a trailer assist system.
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro i-Force Max hybrid
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro i-Force Max hybrid
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro i-Force Max hybrid
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro i-Force Max hybrid
The TRD Pro with standard four-wheel drive and all the off-road capability costs $68,500, and it only comes with the hybrid powertrain, making it somewhat of a deal.
The Capstone comes in one configuration exclusive to the hybrid with a crew cab, four-wheel drive, and a 5.5-foot bed for $75,225. On the outside, it flashes more chrome and a distinct honeycomb grille, 22-inch chrome wheels, power running boards, and a power bed step out back. Inside, it features two-tone perforated leather trim, open-pore walnut trim, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and acoustic glass on the front doors that quiets the ride.
It also comes with Toyota’s finest features, including a revamped 14.0-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.0-inch color head-up display, 12-speaker JBL audio, and a Towing Technology Package. The surround-view camera system still costs extra, as do the adaptive damping and rear air suspension. The much-improved infotainment system supports voice activation, as well as Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto.
Toyota estimates the Tundra hybrid at 20 mpg city, 24 highway, and 22 combined with rear-wheel drive, and 19/22/21 mpg combined with 4WD, which significantly trails the 2022 Ford F-150 Hybrid and its 24 mpg combined rating for 4WD.
The Tundra hybrid goes on sale this spring.
