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The 2022 Toyota Tundra is an improved pickup truck with a lot to offer. That said, some things could make you think twice before buying it. The latest model of the Tundra is brand-new, which brings along many questions that we need to ask and then see if we can answer. Let’s dig in.

1. Is the 2022 Toyota Tundra reliable?

2022 Toyota Tundra posed
2022 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

We don’t have an answer to this question because the truck is brand new. While it was certainly past time for an upgraded Tundra with a new generation, we don’t know whether or not it’s reliable. According to Car Buying Strategies, this is a quality that’s yet to be proven. Only time will tell us this, and you might not have time to wait for the answer. You could take a chance, it is a Toyota, but you might also want to stick to proven models you already know.

2. This truck doesn’t offer a regular cab

Sure, the versatility of a double cab or crew cab is great, but they cost more. Many fleet operators look for a regular cab version of the Toyota Tundra when shopping for vehicles. Those with small businesses that rely on their trucks for work don’t want to spend more than they have to. Without a regular cab model, the Tundra doesn’t threaten the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500.

3. The V8 engine is gone from the Toyota Tundra

A gray 2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

Neither powertrain for the Tundra has a V8 engine. There are now two powertrains, both using a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but neither is a traditional V8. In fact, this is the only pickup truck in the segment without a V8 engine. You’ll find plenty of power with either V6, which offers 389 and 437 horsepower, respectively, but that doesn’t put a V8 engine under the hood of this Toyota truck.

4. Where did the under-seat storage go?

When you want the more powerful Toyota Tundra, you’ll opt for the hybrid version, but that comes at a slight disadvantage. You’ve got more power for towing and hauling, but the hybrid batteries take up some of the under-seat storage area. You’re out of luck if you need that space for your extra cargo.

5. Is the Toyota Tundra good for towing?

A blue Toyota Tundra pickup truck towing a trailer
Blue 2022 Toyota Tundra Towing a Trailer | Toyota

According to Kelley Blue Book, the maximum towing capacity for the Tundra is 12,000 pounds, with the maximum payload reaching 1,940 pounds. These numbers are for a truck with the Double Cab layout and hybrid i-Force Max powertrain. These numbers also fall short of the 14,000 pounds of towing for the Ford F-150.  If you’re looking at the Chevy Silverado 1500, it offers 13,300 pounds of towing. Do you want more or less when it comes to towing and payload?

6. What’s with the traditional tailgate on this Toyota truck?

Several new truck models give us specialized tailgates with various functions. The GM pair have a tailgate that offers six different functions and configurations to make things much easier in the Silverado and Sierra trucks. The Ram 1500 offers a split tailgate that both swings open and lowers. What does the Toyota Tundra offer? The tailgate is damped, which means it lowers slowly when needed. Compared to those other trucks you might say “big deal,” and it’s certainly not a big deal compared to the cool tailgates of the competition.

Is the 2022 Toyota Tundra worth buying?

The bottom line will bring you to comparisons of everything a truck offers. If you want any of the following, you’ll skip the Tundra.

  • Highest towing capacity
  • Option of a regular cab truck
  • Traditional V8 engine
  • Damped tailgate

On the other hand, if you like using a V6 engine, enjoy the updated styling, and aren’t bothered by some of the items we’ve mentioned, the Tundra could be the right truck for you.

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