Final October, Toyota gave us our first likelihood to drive the all-new redesigned 2022 Tundra full-size pickup in Texas, which you’ll learn all about in our First Spin report. Since then, Toyota has introduced a brand new top-of-the-line Capstone trim degree and crammed in few extra particulars in regards to the new Tundra lineup that had been left clean final fall. Now, we’ve had the chance to spend a while behind the wheel of the brand new Tundra Capstone and higher expertise the brand new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain.
Toyota was already providing the brand new Tundra in two luxurious grades: Platinum and 1794 Version. The primary distinction between the 2 is that the Platinum imparts an “city” luxurious ambiance, whereas the 1794 Version is influenced extra by Western imagery (1794 is a reference to the founding 12 months of a cattle ranch in Texas, which is now the situation of Toyota’s truck-manufacturing plant). The 1794 additionally boasts American Walnut wooden inside trim and is priced $700 greater than an equal Platinum.
Nonetheless, with decked-out lux-trim pickups persevering with to lure consumers from conventional luxurious autos (and persevering with to command jaw-dropping costs), Toyota determined there was extra room to take the Tundra even additional upscale. Toyota says that the Capstone is the “unique” Tundra. It’s accessible in only one configuration—a 4×4 CrewMax crew cab with the 5.5-foot mattress and i-FORCE MAX fuel/electrical hybrid powertrain—and it’s positioned nicely above the Platinum and the 1794. The Capstone costs from $73,530, which is an eye-opening $9440 bounce up from a 1794 Version in the identical configuration. (The vacation spot cost provides $1695 to any Tundra mannequin.)
CES 2022: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV
So, what do you get for all that additional scratch? The Capstone receives a handful of things as commonplace tools which can be non-obligatory on the 1794 Version, together with energy operating boards, an influence mattress step, and a 10-inch shade head-up show. Gadgets distinctive to the Capstone embody semi-aniline leather-based seats in an unique black-and-white shade scheme, dark-finished American Walnut wooden inside trim, a body-color grille bezel, particular chrome grille insert, body-color wheel-arch moldings, acoustic laminated side-window glass, Capstone-branded flooring mats, and lighted “Capstone” lettering that’s set into the wooden trim on the passenger’s aspect of the sprint. Moreover, Capstone is the one Tundra to experience on 22-inch wheels (they’re alloys with a dark-chrome end). Surprisingly, two objects which can be commonplace on the 1794 Version are not included: heated and ventilated rear seats and a rearview mirror with digital show.
First Spin: 2022 Toyota Tundra
Digging by means of materials offered by Toyota and data we discovered on the Tundra configurator at toyota.com, we decided that the 1794 Version’s non-obligatory Superior Package deal provides the ability operating boards, the ability mattress step, and the head-up show for $2995. It additionally provides the adaptive suspension and rear air suspension, which collectively are an additional $1045 choice on Capstone. So, it’s truthful to say the operating boards, mattress step, and head-up show comes out to $1950 value of added tools. That leaves the opposite Capstone additions operating one thing like $7490, which strikes us as expensive.
One Toyota consultant we spoke with in contrast the Capstone to the GMC Sierra Denali. That rival truck is $63,290 to start out with the non-obligatory 6.2-liter V8, and when optioned up with the Denali Reserve Package deal and body-color wheel arch moldings, its backside line swells to $70,295. So even at this degree, the Tundra Capstone’s $73,530 base value raises an eyebrow.
We spent about 45 minutes behind the wheel of a prototype Capstone on roads round Carmel, California, at Toyota’s press-preview occasion. Our check truck stickered for $76,270 with the $1045 Superior Package deal and vacation spot, and it was completed in Wind Chill Pearl, a vivid and funky white shade. Although the outside modifications are refined, we predict the Capstone’s body-color grille encompass and wheel-arch trim actually assist impart a cultured vibe. The complexly detailed 22-inch wheels add to the premium look as nicely.
Meet the 2022 Client Information Greatest Buys
Toyota says the Capstone’s leather-based upholstery is identical grade that’s used within the Lexus LS luxurious sedan, however underneath informal inspection we observed no dramatic distinction between the Capstone’s leather-based and the lesser-grade hides within the 1794 Version. The Capstone inside may be very nicely completed and enticing—the open-pore American Walnut wooden trim is gorgeous—however we wouldn’t say it’s the equal of top-line Ram 1500 cabins. Look is subjective, however the Capstone’s inside falls on the understated aspect of luxurious and doesn’t fairly match Ram’s finest efforts—notably with regards to these small particulars that add visible delight. Toyota reps informed us that the inside wasn’t fairly manufacturing prepared on the prototype Capstone we drove, however all the pieces felt sturdy and the meeting high quality gave the impression to be high notch.
The Capstone’s inside is as snug as another Tundra, and the management structure is basically similar. There’s ample passenger room throughout, and headroom is beneficiant even underneath the usual energy sunroof’s housing. We additionally famous that i-FORCE MAX Tundras lose the storage bins which can be underneath the rear seat in non-hybrid Tundras—that area is used to accommodate the hybrid system’s battery pack.
This drive alternative additionally strengthened two of our observations from our first 2022 Tundra check drives. One—the oddly formed storage cubby within the ahead portion of Tundra’s console is seemingly unremarkable at first, nevertheless it proves very intelligent in follow. The perfect half is the forward-slanted wall that’s outfitted with a wi-fi charging pad. This floor seems to be run-of-the-mill black plastic, nevertheless it did a wonderful job of holding our iPhone SE in place and sustaining its place for correct charging. It additionally retains the cellphone out the way in which and comparatively protected, but leaves it simply accessible. Particulars matter, and right here they’re very nicely completed.
Two—we’re nonetheless not loopy in regards to the markings for the bodily HVAC controls. The controls themselves are easy-to-use “flipper” switches which can be mounted in a horizontal row under the touchscreen. The difficulty is that the lettering and symbols indicating the change’s capabilities are printed on a curved floor above the controls, and these markings are very tough to decipher at a look.
First Look: 2023 Toyota Sequoia
So, how is the Capstone out on the street? Like different Tundras with the non-obligatory rear air suspension, the Capstone rides comfortably—fortunately, we observed no apparent penalty in experience high quality from the 22-inch wheels and the lower-profile 50-series tires. The cabin stays serene at freeway speeds as nicely.
The Tundra’s i-FORCE MAX powertrain is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 mated to a brand new “one-motor” fuel/electrical hybrid system, and the mix is nice for a powerful 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is a really slick 10-speed automated that gives primarily unnoticeable gear modifications. There’s loads of energy accessible, and all the pieces feels very clean and refined. At a freeway tempo, the engine will loaf alongside in close to silence, however extra throttle awakens the V6 instantly and the added muscle is accompanied with a muted growl that we discovered gratifying.
Through the press occasion, we additionally bought some seat time behind the wheel of an i-FORCE MAX-powered 1794 Version 4×4 in the identical configuration the Capstone, with a CrewMax cab and the shorter 5.5-foot mattress. This truck had a base value of $64,420 and was outfitted with the non-obligatory TRD Off-Highway Package deal ($2140), however didn’t have the non-obligatory rear air suspension.
The TRD Off-Highway Package deal swaps out the 1794’s flashy chrome grille insert for a bolder black TRD-branded piece. Different visible modifications embody black-finished 20-inch wheels, restrained TRD graphics on the bedsides, and some well-chosen items of purple TRD inside trim. To our eyes, the smattering of TRD additions look nice whereas including a vaguely sporty vibe to the 1794’s enticing however comparatively sedate trim. The “Smoked Mesquite” paint on our check truck—a wealthy metallic brown hue—was dazzling as nicely.
Take a look at Drive: 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
The 1794’s inside may be very properly completed. Once more, we predict the spotlight is the open-pore American Walnut wooden trim, and right here the passenger aspect of the sprint contains an eye catching 1794 brand that’s been etched into the wooden’s floor. It’s a bit shocking given the substantial value distinction, however there’s no feeling you’re settling for much less once you climb into the 1794 Version after spending time within the Capstone’s cabin.
Future Automotive: 2025 Ram Dakota
On the Falken-brand all-terrain tires which can be included within the TRD Off-Highway Package deal, this 1794 rode a bit softer than the Capstone, however the physique management wasn’t fairly as buttoned down. General although, the 1794 additionally proved to be a really snug and refined freeway cruiser. This was notably true when the drive-mode selector was within the Regular or ECO modes. Placing the truck in Sport mode makes the transmission maintain a decrease gear, which ends up in the V6 feeling a bit peppier. The tradeoff is a little more engine noise, even throughout a gradual freeway cruise.
If you first hear that Toyota has given the Tundra a hybrid powertrain, you would possibly assume the corporate has give you a Prius-style gasoline sipper, however that’s not precisely what’s happening right here. Tellingly, there aren’t any hybrid badges on the truck, and there isn’t an EV-mode indicator gentle within the instrument cluster that says when the truck is transferring solely underneath battery energy—the twin-turbo V6 will shut down with a really gentle proper foot at low speeds, however its slumber is simply indicated by silence and the tachometer dropping to zero.
First Look: 2021 Ford F-150
Toyota says that a big group of Tundra house owners tow repeatedly, and that almost all of these house owners are way of life consumers who use their truck to tug issues like campers and horse trailers. The hybrid powertrain’s i-FORCE MAX branding is probably going aimed toward conveying the concept that it’s a extra highly effective premium engine aimed toward these consumers, and never essentially a 100-percent eco-focused choice. Toyota engineers say the aim of the hybrid system was to supply a diesel-like energy curve with out the appreciable expense of a diesel engine, or the complexity of getting one licensed on the market in the US.
The Final Common-Cab Brief-Mattress Pickup
It took some time, however Toyota has launched its fuel-economy estimates for the i-FORCE MAX powertrain (these numbers aren’t but licensed by the EPA, however we don’t count on any vital modifications). With rear-wheel drive, the figures are 20 mpg metropolis/24 mpg freeway/22 mpg mixed. With four-wheel drive, the Restricted, Platinum, 1794, and Capstone fashions are rated at 19/22/21; the macho off-road-ready TRD Professional mannequin is available in at 19/21/20.
So, how do these numbers stack up with the competitors? The Tundra hybrid’s closest competitor is the Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid. In rear-drive kind, the Ford is rated at 25 mpg in metropolis, freeway, and mixed driving, whereas the four-wheel-drive mannequin is available in at 23 mpg throughout the board. So, on paper the Ford handily beats Toyota’s estimates in all classes. Nonetheless, in Client Information testing final winter, we noticed a disappointing 18.9 mpg in a 2021 4×4 XLT mannequin in frigid climate… and we’ve seen quite a few different studies, from quite a lot of sources, of F-150 Powerboost vehicles returning real-world gasoline economic system nicely under the EPA-estimate numbers. We sit up for checking the Toyota’s real-world mileage after we get an opportunity to check one in our suburban Chicago home-base environs.
Official EPA-certified numbers have now been launched for the usual i-FORCE V6, they usually maintain true to Toyota’s beforehand introduced producer estimates. In base rear-drive SR fashions, the figures are 18 mpg metropolis/24 mpg freeway/ 20 mpg mixed. Different rear-drive fashions are available at 18/23/20. With four-wheel drive, SR and SR5 fashions are rated at 17/23/19 (Restricted, Platinum and 1794 Version fashions take a one-mpg hit in freeway driving—they’re rated at 22 mpg freeway). The underside line is that the hybrid system helps metropolis and mixed mileage whereas including 48 horsepower and 104 lb-ft of torque, however affords no obvious fuel-economy profit on the freeway in comparison with the bottom engine.
How Hello-Rail Pickup Vehicles Work
The Tundra’s base i-FORCE engine is nice for 348 horsepower within the most cost-effective SR fashions, and 389 hp in all the opposite trims the place it’s supplied. Both means, the twin-turbo V6 is kind of a bit extra highly effective than the entry-level engines that Chevy, Ford, and Ram provide of their pickups. As such, we predict the Toyota twin-turbo V6’s gasoline economic system numbers are higher in contrast towards the step-up engines of its principal rivals: Chevy’s 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 with 8-speed automated (16/21/18), Ford’s 400-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 (18/24/20) and 5.0-liter V8 (16/22/19; 17/24/20 with cease/begin), and Ram’s 395-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in commonplace (15/22/17) and eTorque mild-hybrid (18/23/20) varieties. All of the numbers proven listed below are for rear-drive vehicles, and the brand new Tundra’s estimates are close to the highest of its aggressive class. (And don’t overlook the 2021 Tundra’s 5.7-liter V-8 made a bit much less energy whereas delivering dismal EPA estimates of 13/17/14 in four-wheel-drive fashions.)
Toyota has lastly launched full-line Tundra pricing nicely, so we are able to get a greater sense of how the Tundra stacks up from a worth standpoint. A rear-drive SR Double Cab begins at $35,950 with the 6.5-foot mattress, and upgrading to an SR CrewMax crew cab with the 5.5-foot mattress raises the start line to an excellent $38,000. By comparability, 2022 Chevy Silverado LTD costs begin at $37,390 for a rear-drive Double Cab in WT trim with the 5.3-liter V8. The rear-drive Ford F-150 XL Tremendous Cab with the 5.0-liter V-8 begins at $36,070. To get the F-150’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, you need to transfer as much as the XLT, after which a rear-drive Tremendous Cab goes to set you again not less than $42,135. At Ram, a rear-drive Tradesman Quad Cab with the 5.7-liter Hemi costs from $37,495. Like Toyota, Chevy and Ford cost $1695 for vacation spot, whereas Ram asks $1795. So, it seems Toyota has very aggressively priced the entry-level Tundra.
Plug-in Perspective: Electrical Pickup Vehicles in Profile
The Restricted is predicted to be the most well-liked Tundra trim degree, and it has base costs starting from $46,850 to $55,630. For a Tundra Restricted CrewMax 4×4 with the 5.5-foot mattress and the usual engine, you’re a beginning tab of $51,900. A Silverado LTD RST Crew Cab 4×4 begins at $49,600, a Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4×4 EcoBoost at $52,425, and a Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 with the 5.7-liter V8 costs from $54,045. Tools ranges are going to fluctuate, however Tundra pricing must be aggressive on this powerful bunch.
Getting up in direction of the highest of the road, let’s have a look at the 1794 Version CrewMax 4×4 with the 6.5-foot mattress and the i-FORCE MAX powertrain—its base value is $64,420. A Silverado LTD Crew Cab 4×4 in Excessive Nation trim with the 6.2-liter V-8 costs from $60,895, whereas a Ford F-150 Platinum SuperCrew 4×4 PowerBoost hybrid will ring you up for not less than $66,115. And to get right into a Ram 1500 Restricted Crew Cab 4×4 you’re a minimal of $64,495. So once more, Toyota is within the thick of it. The off-road-performance TRD Professional mannequin is simply supplied as a 4×4 CrewMax with the 5.5-foot mattress and hybrid energy. It begins at $66,805.
Toyota ought to have 2022 Tundras with the bottom powertrain at sellers now. The i-FORCE MAX hybrids are slated to hit showrooms this spring, with Capstone scheduled to comply with by summer season. The redesigned Tundra is way improved over the aged mannequin it replaces—it affords a better degree of experience high quality and all-around refinement, together with highly effective turbocharged engines and up-to-date connectivity and infotainment techniques. The brand new Tundra finds itself in a brutally aggressive class full of fantastic entries, however we predict Toyota has delivered a truck that’s aggressive, and one that ought to entice new clients in a section the place model loyalty is robust. Our greatest query pertains to the brand new Capstone. We marvel if it’s distinctive sufficient even amongst Tundras, and specifically we aren’t certain what to make of the mannequin’s ultra-premium pricing. It’s very good, however luxury-seeking Tundra consumers will discover rather a lot to love—together with a lot better worth—within the tempting 1794 Version.
’60s Insanity! 10 Years of Basic Pickup Truck Advertisements
Take heed to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone Gallery
(Click on under for enlarged pictures)
Toyota Tundra Capstone
First Spin: 2022 Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundra Capstone
Automotive Stuff Podcast