2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Toyota Tundra marked the beginning of its third generation, with a complete redesign that included every component, even down to the turn signal stalks. The exterior boasted a dynamic and expressive look, featuring a large hexagonal grille with various trim-matched patterns and branding. The TRD Pro trim stood out with "TOYOTA" badging in retro letters above an LED strip light, and a technical camo pattern that extended into the cabin. The interior was updated with premium materials and amenities, including a 14-inch touchscreen display on higher trims, aiming to position the Tundra as a versatile family adventure vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, despite a facelift in 2020, began to show its age, particularly in the cabin where hard plastics and outdated switchgear were evident. The exterior maintained a contemporary look with an aggressive grille and headlights. The Tacoma was available in various configurations, with standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Toyota Safety Sense. Higher trims offered additional features such as alloy wheels, sport suspension, and leather seating. The Tacoma's interior was functional, with adequate front legroom but limited rear space, making it more suitable for short trips or internal storage.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced two new engines, moving away from the previous 5.7-litre V8. The base engine, the i-Force, was a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, with slightly lower figures for the SR trim. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain combined the V6 with an electric motor, delivering 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth power delivery and improved handling thanks to a new chassis and suspension setup. The Tundra's fuel consumption was rated at 11.8 L/100 km for RWD and 12.2 L/100 km for 4WD and hybrid models. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with available TRD packages, making the Tundra a versatile choice for both on-road and off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The Tacoma's towing capacity reached 6,500 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,285 pounds. While the V6 provided decent acceleration around town, it struggled at highway speeds due to transmission gearing. The Tacoma excelled off-road, particularly in TRD Pro trim, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities. The suspension offered a balance between a smooth ride and firmness around corners, making it suitable for both urban and off-road environments.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra was available in Double Cab and CrewMax configurations, both offering four-door crew cabs with seating for five. The Double Cab provided 846 mm of rear seat legroom, while the CrewMax offered a spacious 1,057 mm. Bed options included a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed for the Double Cab and a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed for the CrewMax. The Tundra featured an aluminum-reinforced composite bed, offering durability and weight savings. Towing capacity reached 12,000 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and TOW/HAUL mode. Inside, smart storage solutions and thoughtful design elements enhanced the cabin's functionality.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with a five-foot or six-foot-one-inch bed. The Access Cab featured clamshell rear half-doors and limited rear legroom, making it more suitable for storage or short trips. The Double Cab provided seating for up to five, but rear-seat space remained tight. The front seats offered ample legroom, though the steering wheel's limited adjustment could be a drawback for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed included practical features like in-bed lighting and a power outlet, enhancing its utility for active lifestyles.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra featured a new infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, along with Toyota Connected services and a range of audio options. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch head-up display. Off-road models benefited from a multi-terrain select system and a multi-terrain monitor, enhancing the Tundra's off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, with an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM on higher trims. The system's older design made it user-friendly, with straightforward navigation and large icons. A wireless device charger was available, though it required manual activation. While the Tacoma lacked advanced tech features, its simplicity suited those with active lifestyles who valued durability over cutting-edge technology.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Star Safety System and eight airbags were standard, along with blind-spot monitoring on most trims. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma included standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.