Get up to speed on the latest lingo for the new-generation Toyota Tundra
The all-new Tundra has arrived, bringing Toyota’s latest pickup truck design and tech to the marketplace with a wide range of new features, technologies, and terminologies.
Below, let’s get you up to speed on the latest Toyota Tundra lingo, for a better understanding of its key terms and features — and what they mean for your pickup truck purchase decision.
This is the family marketing name given to Toyota’s most powerful pickup truck engines. The last-generation Tundra ran a 5.7-litre i-FORCE V8; the latest new-for-2022 Tundra runs a new i-FORCE engine range using a modernized twin-turbo V6 configuration instead.
All Tundra models have an i-FORCE engine — specifically, a 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 engine dubbed the V35A-FTS, which is part of the V35A engine family first introduced for the latest Lexus LS.
The V35A-FTS i-FORCE engine in the Tundra makes 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, though entry-grade SR models specifically are slightly detuned to 348 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. It’s a single engine configuration, with two power output levels.
The second engine configuration is called i-FORCE MAX, and it adds hybrid tech with self-recharging battery and integrated electric motor. There’s no need to plug in, and in i-FORCE MAX configuration, drivers get a beefed-up 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque from under 2,500 RPM. It’s a big improvement in power and torque, and you’ll even save a bit of fuel versus the standard i-FORCE engine, too.
Extensive thermal management efforts include multi-layer water jackets and integrated liquid-cooled exhaust manifolds with machined cross channels for additional combustion chamber cooling. It’s all about ensuring a twin turbo system that’s able to deliver reliable and consistent performance in all operating conditions.
By the way, the V35A-FTS engine, aka i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX, are part of a broader family of Toyota engines dubbed “Dynamic Force”, which you’ll find used in other models.
To recap, the Dynamic Force family of engines includes the V35A-FTS powerplant, which puts on an i-FORCE badge for use in the Tundra, and an i-FORCE MAX badge with added hybrid hardware.
For the latest Tundra, engineers ditched the leaf springs from the outgoing model and switched to a multi-link setup with coil-springs instead. Towing capacity climbs to 12,000 pounds, payload is up to 1,940 pounds, and ride comfort, straight-line stability, and overall handling are improved as a result.
With a multi-link setup suspending the Tundra’s solid rear axle, mounting points were optimized and located outside of the frame rails for improved towing performance and damping, and the rear lateral control arm provides increased structural rigidity, too.
A key benefit from the driver’s seat? A marked reduction in the tendency of the rear of the truck to slip or skip over uneven surfaces, contributing to a more refined and easily controlled ride.
Up front, the new Tundra uses a suspension setup called double wishbone. This suspension design is often favoured for use in high-performing vehicles, thanks to its ability to deliver a precise handling and steering feel, as well as an easily-controlled ride.
From the driver’s seat, expect a pickup truck that’s uncharacteristically comfortable, nimble, and precise at the tips of your fingers.
On a recent test drive report for Driving.ca, I concluded that the Tundra’s new suspension was one of its best assets, since it delivers a refined, controlled, and responsive drive that’s consistently easy to appreciate across a wide range of conditions.
Whether basic or fully-loaded, every Tundra model comes with TSS 2.5 — a networked array of safety features combined under the Toyota Safety Sense moniker.
Version 2.5 of this system includes enhancements to functions available on earlier versions of TSS. These enhancements give the new Tundra features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that can identify cyclists. An emergency steering assist function can help drivers stabilize the vehicle during evasive emergency maneuvers, too.
Elsewhere, it’s Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing working with your safe driving to keep the Tundra centred, distanced, and on course. Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and automatic high beams are also included.
The TSS 2.5 system can even recognize road signs to alert drivers of an upcoming stop or speed-limit change.
The TRD PRO is a Toyota trim grade that incorporates special equipment and feature upgrades intended for use in an off-road setting. It’s one of seven Tundra variants available.
Opting for the Tundra TRD PRO adds 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass shock absorbers and an elevated ride height, adding ground clearance while maximizing comfort and control when tackling rough surfaces — even at speed.
Other upgrades include a TRD PRO-specific stabilizer bar, aluminum skid plating, all-terrain tires, red painted suspension parts, unique styling touches, and an available Multi-Terrain Monitor which provides helpful on-screen camera angles to monitor for obstacles in an off-road setting.
The TRD PRO is its own fully-optimized Tundra model, though TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport packages can be added to other trim grades, allowing owners to capture some of that TRD magic by way of visual and hardware upgrades.
The TRD Off-Road Package is available on SR5 and Limited models, adding 18-inch TRD wheels (or unique 20-inch wheels on Limited and 1794 grades), a TRD grille, TRD off-road suspension, skid plates, mud guards, and TRD leather drive selector knob. On 4×4 models, the package adds an electronic rear differential lock, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), and Crawl Control.
The TRD Sport package is also available on 4×4 SR5 models in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations, adding 20-inch TRD wheels, TRD grille, TRD lowered sport suspension, and a TRD leather drive selector knob.
This feature is designed to help enhance confidence and reduce driver workload in a variety of challenging off-road settings.
Multi-Terrain Select lets drivers pre-configure the Tundra for specific off-road challenges by controlling wheelspin thresholds, power delivery, transmission operation and other attributes for maximum grip and forward progress in tricky situations.
With the correct mode engaged, the Multi Terrain Select system allows drivers to simply apply steady throttle, plan their steering maneuvers, and otherwise sit back and let the machine and electronics handle the work of extracting maximum grip from the surface beneath.
The 2022 Tundra’s Crawl Control system can be locked into one of five selectable speeds, allowing it to function as a low-speed, off-road cruise control system. Crawl Control calls on various powertrain and other systems to maintain the Tundra’s speed at a steady and consistent crawl, virtually regardless of traction, obstacles, or incline.
Using Crawl Control means drivers just sit back, forget about the pedals, and focus on their steering. Throttle, braking and shifting are controlled automatically to maintain a uniform speed at all times.
The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) family of vehicle platforms start with the basic architecture of the vehicle to enhance basic performance and appeal. Globally, about 70 per cent of Toyota models sold today are built on the TNGA platforms, which incorporate both the latest structural designs and powertrain technologies.
Remember the Dynamic Force engines from earlier? They’re designed specially for use in Toyota’s TNGA models — including the Tundra.
There are several TNGA platforms supporting numerous models, and in the case of the new Tundra, the underlying platform is called TNGA-F. This cutting-edge platform features widened rear frame members and high-strength steel, as well as weight-reducing aluminum components and targeted structural reinforcements that dial up rigidity. Frame cross-members are more than doubled in size, and a new front cross member fits the Tundra’s steering box integrally, furthering the goal.
This scalable platform can accommodate a wide range of wheelbases, and is currently used by the new Tundra, Lexus LX, Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Expect to see more 4×4 vehicles built on different versions of this platform in the coming years.
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