2022 Toyota Tundra better, still struggles

The Toyota Tundra debuted in its third generation this year as among the most varied available pickup trucks. But its legacy is diminishing.

The Japanese manufacturer assembles the truck in San Antonio, Texas, a hub for ranchers and RVers and their utilitarian vehicles. Despite the substantial niche market, the Tundra is struggling. Nearly 197,000 sold in 2007, the full-size truck’s best year. In contrast, fewer than 82,000 were purchased in 2021.

Serious competition from an omnipresent truck foursome remains. The Tundra’s smaller, thriving pickup sibling has also helped squash the big truck’s sales.

The Ford F-Series, Ram, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC are perennially among the country’s top-selling vehicles. The half-ton Tacoma had sales of more than 252,000 in 2021, about a 10 percent increase from the previous year.

The best-bet approach taken by Toyota is to offer as many Tundra variants as possible and hope for the best as the country’s fifth-best selling truck.

For 2022 that includes two powertrains. A 3.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 generates as much as 389 horsepower and a hybrid with an electric motor has 437 horsepower. Both powertrains have 10-speed automatic transmissions and a fully-boxed frame and rear coil or air spring suspensions. Gas mileage averages are 18 miles per gallon in city driving, 23 mpg on the highway.

Maximum towing capacity and payload have been respectively increased to 12,000 and 1,940 pounds. The limits will get most tasks done, but the Tundra›s top foes have higher limits.

Trims levels diversify. They include: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro and new Capstone trim. A four-wheel-drive system is also standard on TRD Pro and Capstone trims.

The Tundra is available in two cab styles, both offering four front-hinged doors: Double Cab (SR, SR5, and