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A white 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD parked in a desert

Wait for the 2022 Toyota Tundra Before Throwing Down on the Ancient 2021 Model

The 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro looks awesome with its lunar rock paint color. But did you know that this Toyota pickup truck is the oldest model among every other full-size pickup in the U.S.? You might want to wait for the 2022 Toyota Tundra before throwing down on the ancient 2021 model. “Despite a …

The 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro looks awesome with its lunar rock paint color. But did you know that this Toyota pickup truck is the oldest model among every other full-size pickup in the U.S.? You might want to wait for the 2022 Toyota Tundra before throwing down on the ancient 2021 model.

“Despite a freshening that brought improved controls and updates to the exterior and interior, the Tundra is long in the tooth and is outdated against newer, more refined competitors.”

Consumer Reports

When was the last full on Toyota Tundra redesign?

According to The Drive, the Toyota Tundra hasn’t been completely redesigned since 2007. That means the current Tundra generation is 14 years old. This is a reliable pickup truck with stellar off-road capability. However, there’s no denying this truck needs some modern improvements.

Two children stand next to a maroon 2016 Toyota Tundra towing a boat on a boat ramp overlooking a lake and mountains
2016 Toyota Tundra | Toyota USA

Consumer Reports calls the 2021 Toyota Tundra model “long in the tooth.” This full-size truck is certainly tempting for its great reputation in terms of durability and reliability. But the larger of the Toyota pickup truck options is just not cutting it next to others in its class. The 2021 Ram 1500, for example, offers a cutting-edge TRX model. Plus, it frequently receives accolades for its refined, luxurious upper trim cabins and smooth on-road driving experience.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offers a hybrid powertrain and an onboard generator. Furthermore, the famous Ford pickup will soon release an all-new F-150 Raptor model to compete with the Ram 1500 TRX. The 2021 Toyota Tundra just isn’t exciting enough. But that’s about to change.

When does the 2022 Toyota Tundra coming out?

Both The Drive and Car and Driver report that the 2022 Toyota Tundra will be here soon. Most likely, it will begin production later on this year and go on sale in time for the holidays. So why not pass up the 2021 Tundra for the 2022 model year?

The 2021 Toyota Tundra in the wild
2021 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

Right? That’s what we’re saying. We don’t really know what it’s going to look like. That said, it’s sure to retain its “Toyota-esque” style with a formidable and rugged presence. The powertrain options should be interesting too.

What engine is in the 2021 Toyota Tundra?

If you decide you can’t wait for the 2022 Toyota Tundra model, you’ll end up with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. This engine generates up to 381 horsepower and it can tow up to 10,200 pounds. That said, fuel economy is dismal. So how is Toyota going to spice things up for the upcoming generation?

An all-new Toyota pickup truck

After some words from Toyota spokespeople, and all the speculation that has ensued, we have to agree with most of the others in the industry. It’s highly likely that the 2022 Toyota Tundra will end up with a turbocharged V6 engine. In fact, it may get the same engine that’s found in the Lexus LS500.

This luxury sedan runs a V6 powerplant that makes 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. If we see this same engine in the Tundra, it will of course get a full truck tuning and prove to be a different beast once sunk into these full-size Toyota pickup trucks.

2021 TRD Pro Toyota Tundra pickup truck parked in the desert
2021 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

It’s also highly likely that the new Tundra will get a hybrid powertrain option. How else is it going to compete with domestics like the Ford F-150? And, of course, the 2022 TRD Pro paint color has yet to be revealed.

In short, we think that––in spite of its high reliability and loyal fanboys/fangirls––the 2022 Toyota Tundra is worth the wait. At the very least, the 2021 model will get a little price cut after the new-gen model hits production. So if we are wrong, we’ll just eat our words and you can go buy a 2021 Tundra for a bargain price.

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