2022 is the first year of the third-generation Toyota Tundra. The all-new TRD Pro trim of this pickup truck also has an all-new price: $66,805. That’s $17k more than 2021’s model and nearly equal to the Ford Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX. So is it worth it?
What is the Tundra TRD Pro package?
TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development. Toyota builds Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, and Sequoia TRD Pro editions. These vehicles feature top-of-the-line off-roading technology.
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Toyota
How much will the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro cost?
The 2022 Tundra starts at $35,950 and its TRD Pro trim level commands at least $66,805. This price is for a 4WD truck with a 4-door cab and a 5.5-foot bed. Accessories such as side steps and a tonneau cover cost extra.
Toyota bumped the TRD Pro’s price by $17k in one year
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro interior | Toyota
The 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro started at just $48,225. When MotorTrend reviewed this truck, it pointed out how badly the flagship 4WD needed a redesign.
MotorTrend revealed that the Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8 gave up power and fuel efficiency to everything in its segment. It also complained about the lack of t he Tacoma’s off-road driver aids such as multi-terrain select (MTS) and CRAWL. Finally, it pointed out that the Michelin tires were not up to off-roading.
For the 2022 model year, Toyota fixed all of these problem. It swapped the old V8 for a twin-turbocharged V6 out of the Lexus LS 500. Then Toyota installed a segment-leading 14-inch display with off-road driver aids. Finally, it even added spacers and wide Falken Wildpeak tires.
But all this progress comes at a cost. Toyota also bumped the TRD Pro’s price by an unprecedented $17k.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro rivals Ford Raptor and Ram TRX prices
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Toyota
The 2022 Tundra TRD Pro looks to be a major upgrade. But is it a $17k upgrade? I don’t think so.
When Toyota first released the specs of the 2022 TRD Pro, I predicted the truck would be a cost-effective Ford Raptor. Boy was I wrong.
I took the old TRD Pro’s price, added a few thousand, and predicted that the new truck would come in at $15k less than the Raptor. I admitted that without the Ford’s long-travel suspension and huge tires, the Tundra wouldn’t be nearly the desert racing trophy truck the OG still is. But the Tundra’s hybrid V6 makes more torque, so I figured it was a cost-effective substitute.
Then Toyota announced the TRD Pro’s price. The 2022 Ford Raptor starts at $68,675. The Ram TRX comes in at $70,325. The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is nowhere near as capable as these super trucks. But it’s nearly as expensive.
The $46k Tundra TRD Off-Road is equally capable
2022 Toyota Tundra Limited (TRD Off-Road equipped) | Toyota
| 4WD Tundra SR5 (TRD Off-Road) | Tundra TRD Pro | |
| Price | $46,165 | $66,805 |
| Output | 389 horsepower, 479 lb-ft of torque | 437 horsepower, 583 lb-ft of torque |
| Suspension | Tuned Bilstein shock absorbers | 2.5-inch FOX Racing |
| Rims | 18-inch TRD Racing | 18-inch BBS Forged TRD Racing |
| Tires | Falken Wildpeak A/T (265) | Falken Wildpeak A/T (285) |
Toyota appears to be aware of its overpriced Tundra TRD Pro. If not, it is at least aware of the market for a reasonably-priced off-road pickup truck. For 2022 you can buy a sub-$50k off-road Tundra to rival the Ford Tremor and Ram Rebel: the TRD Off-Road equipped Tundra SR5 or Tundra Limited.
On the 2WD Tundra SR5, the upgrade only costs $1,440. If you opt for a 4WD Tundra SR5, the upgrade will cost a bit more. The full cost of a 4WD SR5 TRD Off-Road is $46,165. That’s less than the 2021 Tundra TRD Pro cost. And with off-road driver aids and a locking rear differential, it is a whole lot more capable.
When TFL Off-Road put the TRD Pro up against the TRD Off-Road, it came away ambivalent. The TRD Pro has more torque and is a bit better at high-speed desert racing. But at 6,200 pounds, it could be a liability in low-speed maneuvers the TRD Off-Road handles with ease.
In addition, for the price of a new Tundra TRD Pro, you could buy an equally-capable Tundra TRD Off-Road AND a brand new Ford Maverick pickup truck. The Tundra TRD Pro comes with a swanky interior and cool badges. But most serious off-roaders will likely rate this truck a ripoff.
See for yourself how the TRD Off-Road stacks up with the TRD Pro in the video below:
Keyword: Is the $66,805 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro a Ripoff?