Reviewing the Brand New 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Toyota has finally revealed the new 2022 Tundra and it has created a lot of stir online about their new full-size truck. Personally, I really love the look of the truck and think that Toyota has put the best features of all the previous generations in the new model as well as some cool new ones. As overlanders, we are always looking for awesome vehicles for our adventures, so here is an overlander’s review of the 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.
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The Features:
Built-in LED Light Bar
Adding lighting to your Overlanding rig is essential to help your visibility wherever you may be. Toyota has mounted the LED right behind the massive front grill and only activates when the high beams are turned on. If you aren’t a big fan of the location that the light bar is mounted, since it is already built-in, it has the wiring needed that you can tap into to simply move the light bar or replace it for a higher output one.
Aluminum Front Skid Plate
This feature isn’t new as it was featured on the previous year's TRD Pro model, but as the saying goes, if it isn’t broken then don’t fix it. This skid plate is made from lightweight but durable aluminum and stamped with the “TRD” logo. Skid plates are super helpful when you’re driving through different terrains so that debris doesn’t hit the important parts under your vehicle and it’s a nice addition that the new model already has one.
Fox Racing Shocks
Also, like the previous year's model, the new 2022 TRD Pro model comes with Fox Racing Shocks providing a 2.5in lift in the front and a 1in lift in the rear. The suspension provides a more comfortable and capable ride while going off-road. Although the shocks and suspension system do provide a lift, the ground clearance is still a little lower than the previous year as Toyota stated “to help with aerodynamics and fuel economy”. Like myself, overlanders are always looking for new ways to get more ground clearance so hearing that the ground clearance is less than the previous model is a little disheartening but can be easily fixed with some aftermarket modifications.
Behind Seat Storage
Another feature that Toyota has continued in the new Tundra is the storage behind the seats so you can store some of your smaller gear such as first aid kits, recovery, and much more.
3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Hybrid
Some may be shocked to hear, but for this new generation Toyota is no longer using a V8 engine like most competitors but has switched to the Twin Turbo V6, but it’s not your average V6. The motor is also an electric hybrid that provides 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. For Overlanding, I think that this motor provides enough power for any adventure as well as for towing in case you want to bring a trailer or camper.
Dynamic Front Spoiler
A super cool feature on the Tundra is the dynamic front spoiler. If you’re like me you instantly want to remove the front air dam to give your truck more front-end clearance, but with the new dynamic spoiler, you may not even need to remove it. The spoiler activates at 60kph, much more than you will usually be going when Overlanding or off-roading, and then retracts when under that speed. This is to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy while traveling. Another cool feature of the spoiler is that while towing, it only activates halfway so that it allows some air that is required to keep your truck and whatever you’re towing planted on the road.
12,000 lbs Towing Capacity
The TRD Pro trim level of the truck has a towing capacity of 12,000lbs compared to the 10,200lbs capacity of the previous year. This gives you some comfort room to be able to tow larger trailers or campers as well as more strength to be able to help in recovery if someone with you on your Overlanding trip is stuck.
Final Thoughts
I love the new tundra and think it is a great platform to start adding modifications to. It captures some of the best features from previous generations and even adds some brand-new ones as well as has a unique futuristic look that really shows off Toyota’s vehicle design capabilities.