Consumer Reports‘ full-size truck rankings are clear: the only 2022 pickup the publication wholeheartedly recommends is the Ram 1500, with the Ford F-150 coming in second, the Nissan Titan third, and the General Motors’ twins–the Sierra/Silverado–landing in last place. But there’s one truck Consumer Reports has yet to test and it’s likely to shake up this pecking order: the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra combines F-150 efficiency with Ram 1500 handling
Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition | Toyota
Its been fifteen years since Toyota last launched an all-new the Tundra. In that time, other automakers have rolled out several redesigns. But Toyota took the opportunity to study what is working and not working for its competitors. The third-generation Tundra aims to combine the best the world has to offer.
Toyota ditched its aging naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V8; every 2022 Tundra features some variation on Toyota 3.44-liter twin-turbocharged V6. In mid-2022, Toyota will begin offering an even more powerful hybrid version of the powertrain in its top-trim Tundras.
According to Consumer Reports, the new Tundra V6 surpasses the outgoing V8’s horsepower and torque, and its fuel efficiency is in another class altogether. In addition, the new i-FORCE MAX edges out the Ford F-150’s PowerBoost hybrid in every metric.
Toyota may have taken inspiration from the Ford EcoBoost with its new powertrain offerings. But the Tundra’s new suspension is more reminiscent of the Ram 1500. Just like Stellantis, Toyota ditched its truck’s rear leaf springs in favor of coils.
Will the 2022 Toyota Tundra be Consumer Reports’ new favorite truck?
2022 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit
Consumer Reports has not subjected a 2022 Toyota Tundra to its full battery of tests. But it did rent one of the third generation Tundras to develop some initial impressions.
The publication found the new truck delivers its power smoothly and with style. Consumer Reports pointed out that “the transmission produces nearly imperceptible upshifts that are smoother than in many luxury cars.” It also swooned over the exhaust note and added, “We love that you can hear the turbochargers whooshing and whistling.”
But with the all-new redesign, Consumer Reports was hesitant to give the 2022 Tundra the high expected reliability score past Tundra’s received. In this category, the Tundra only gets a 3/5. More tests are needed.
Toyota’s choice to swap to rear coil springs also benefits the new Tundra. Consumer Reports called it “one of the more composed full-sized trucks we’ve driven.” But at the same time, “The steering is rather slow and offers almost nothing to the driver in terms of feedback.” The responsive Ram 1500 will likely win in the handling category.
When will Consumer Reports test the new Tundra?
2022 Toyota Tundra | Toyota
Consumer Reports has bought a 2022 Toyota Tundra SR5 with 4WD but without the i-FORCE MAX hybrid. The publication has also taken delivery of the brand new truck. But it has yet to complete its rigorous testing process. We’ll just have to wait to find out if the 2022 Toyota Tundra will change Consumer Reports’ truck rankings.
Keyword: There’s 1 Full-Size 2022 Pickup Truck Consumer Reports Hasn’t Even Tested Yet