The high price of Toyota’s 2022 Tundra may shock you. At $37,645, the base-model truck is over $3,000 more expensive than it was last year. The new Toyota Tundra price is thousands more than pickups from Chevrolet, Ram, and Ford. So why is the 2022 Tundra so expensive?

Why are the 2022 Toyota Tundra prices so expensive?

For the 2022 model year, Toyota completely re-engineered the Tundra. The third generation of the truck is very different.

First of all, Toyota is not jumping on the electric bandwagon. Instead, Toyota’s doubling down on internal combustion. The result is an all-new Toyota engine. This twin-turbo V6 makes more power (389 horsepower) and maintains better fuel mileage (20 MPG) than the outgoing 5.7-Liter V8. Every 2022 Toyota Tundra will have this engine, regardless of price.

Secondly, the Tundra rides on a coil-spring chassis first engineered for the Land Cruiser. The new off-road-ready chassis uses alloys, a fully-boxed frame, and a composite bed to save weight. These advanced technologies simply cost more money to produce. They are part of the reason for the high Toyota Tundra price.

In addition, some of Toyota’s competitors offer stripped-down two-door pickup intended for fleet use. This is one of the reasons the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD starts at $30,400 and the 2022 Ford F-150 starts at $29,640. Toyota is not interested in building such a truck. Its base model is the Tundra SR, only available with an extended or crew cab.

Is the iFORCE MAX Toyota Tundra worth waiting for?

Toyota will begin to deliver 2022 Tundras with the base engine to dealerships by the end of 2021. But in the spring of 2022, the automaker will launch a Tundra engine upgrade: the iFORCE MAX.

This deluxe drivetrain features an electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and automatic transmission. Toyota will also install a nickel battery under the rear seat. The result will be more power as well as improved fuel mileage due to regenerative braking.

A 2022 Toyota Tundra with the iFORCE MAX engine will make 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. That is more torque than a Ford Raptor, at a fraction of the price. The improved engine will give Tundras a 12,000 pound tow rating. Toyota has yet to release fuel mileage numbers for the iFORCE MAX Tundra. If it improves mileage, it is possible that the upgrade will be worth the higher Toyota Tundra price.

Is the 2022 Toyota Tundra worth the money? 

If you want a barebones, two-door truck with a V8 engine, don’t bother stopping at your Toyota dealership. But if you are searching for a mid-level or top-trim truck with advanced technology, the 2022 Tundra is worth a look.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra price includes several next-generation features. In addition to the advanced chassis and engine, the Tundra leads its class with an available 14.0-inch touchscreen. In some models, this screen even displays underbody trail cameras. The 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is shaping up to be a cost-effective Ford Raptor, ready for desert racing at a fraction of the price. For those looking for on-road speed, the Tundra SR5 with the TRD Sport package offers several racing upgrades: lowered suspension, Bilstein dampers, and larger rims.

The iFORCE MAX engine upgrade will add both power and efficiency to the Tundra. Remember, this hybrid drivetrain is engineered by the company that perfected the Prius. Depending on the cost of the upgrade, it will likely be a popular option.