Car & Driver - 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro vs. 2021 Tundra TRD Pro?

Sharing a Car and Driver article that came into my inbox.
It has a poll at the end of it. Interesting results....
I am still waiting for a true off road test between the 2.5 and 3.0 Gen.

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a42356696/2022-toyota-tundra-vs-2021-tundra-compared/

 

I like the 2.5 gen exterior better, but the 3rd gen is growing on me. I really like the 3rd gen interior though

 

What they should have done is kept the 2.5 gen exterior and updated the interior to be 3rd gen like.

Honestly there are + and - to both but for off-road capability, I'd go 2.5 gen and throw a rear locker in. The side shot pic of the front ends clearly shows the approach angle differences and after driving a 3rd gen, visibility is much better in the 2.5. If you want the tech and comfy suspension then maybe the 3rd gen is for you.

Edit: Another weird thing on the new gen is how low the sway bar hangs down. Are 2.5 gens like this? Doesn't look like it in the Car & Driver article but pictures can be deceiving.

 

3rd gen automatically wins the off road tests because it has a locker.

 

Guy is discussing water bottle fitment, hood scoops, badges, 0-62? What a waste of reader's time.

 

I think I'd rather add a locker (that I don't need to be in 4Lo to use) to the truck that has better ground clearance, approach angles, turning radius, and visibility. It is so weird to me that Toyota took a step backward in these areas given their heritage.

 

That’s what I’m saying, the 3rd gen locker is so pointless only being usable in 4lo. It’s not even a selling point for me as long as this is the case, unless someone comes up with a mod to make it usable anytime like they did in the older tacomas. It’s not that big of an expense to add an aftermarket one on the 2nd gen that you can actually use whenever you want.

 

In the upcoming Gen3 refresh Toyota will address all the customers concerns and will work on a better water bottle placement in door panels, better turning radius for easier perpendicular parking, as well as reintroduce two faux hood scoops and "iForce MAX" and JBL badges.

 

“It's hard to tell with this truck that it's a TRD Pro”

He makes no sense and honestly his comments about not being able to tell it’s a pro by the badging are just so bad. He obviously ran out of reasons why the 2nd gen is better after “v8.”

 

I feel like the points in this article would be raised by my wife, not a magazine allegedly filled with "car guys".

 

Exactly. That article was ridiculous.

 

I value and appreciate those qualities in a truck too hence why I am always been so draw to Toyota trucks/4Runner in general.

However, I don’t believe it’s weird but actually quite calculated. The amount of buyers Toyota will lose by abandoning those qualities is far less than the buyers they can potentially gain IMHO.

There has been a buyer cultural shift…practically and reliably are less important to many as it was 10, 15, 20 years ago. There are many that still value that, including myself, but the segment is shrinking. I feel I have become a “niche” buyer because of my thinking. Disposability is the name of the game and I am not in.

Take this forum for example why doesn’t the Tundra “have auto 4WD/AWD (yes a great feature to have BUT I don’t believe it’s necessary) like Ram”, doesn’t it have “a heated steering wheel like a F150”, why doesn’t it have “a build in step like Chevy” and the complaints go on and on…. Yes they are complaints about the lack of tow hooks and such but I feel there are far more complaints about lack of AMENITIES vs functional items…

Toyota is smart (from a business perspective) for adjusting and placating those that want what the “other” manufacturers offer. The shiniest objects win these days and I also believe Toyota has NO interest with going toe to toe to Ford, GM, and Ram which will always limit the options.

I apologize @Terndrerrr these are more general statements and hoped they only came off as such.

 

I posted this in the 2.5 Gen forum because I think the article has more value to those that own a 2.5 or earlier and are considering.
3.0 Geners have moved on - haven't they. Why are you guys even looking at this thread ? 8^0

I also interpret the observations different.

i.e. 1 - re_ water bottle comment and longer doors on the 2.5 - means to me that the 2.5 Gen doors are bigger and the cubic space inside is bigger. that's important to me because my truck is always full of stuff.

i.e. 2 - The turning radius is important in tight trails.

Humor noted but as we know the 2.5 Gen was designed as an off roader by Speers.

From the horses mouth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6qlN-ayhDQ&t=43s

With the 2.5 Gen the locker was less important. They never introduced it. It became mandatory on the new Tundra.
And I agree it makes no sense it can't be used in 4 Hi ?
I look forward to seeing an offroad comparison.

and for the 3.0 Guys

from the article.
I feel like Toyota kept the old Tundra around for so long that its looks imprinted on owners as the definition of what a Tundra should look like, and the new one hasn't yet reset their expectations.

Bang on Buddy - JMO

Give it time.

 

I was gonna trade mine in for a 3rd gen until they released pricing and full specs. Its hard to justify another $25k over what I paid for my 2.5 gen pro.

 

Damn thats insane, thats a full half a truck more in cost. My uncle has an AT4 since last year and while he got a good rebate on his, i hear those are going for close to 80k!

 

In 2023 $80k is $55k of 2014.

 

That's what I thought about the 5th gen T4R. I was a face only a mother could love, until I kept looking at them and bought one. I love my 2.5g, but wish it had a 2g bed only for the taillight design; but the 3g is really growing on me.

 

Tacoma and 4Runner you couldn't do it in 4hi either. There has to be some engineering reason that is smarter than us for it.

 

Look up the “grey wire mod”. On the older ones you could make a wiring change and then use the locker anytime. You give the engineers too much credit, they’re just covering their ass due to liability for the select few dummies who don’t realize the potential risks of driving with the rear locked at high speeds and inclement weather. Most of us are smart enough to know when and when not to engage the locker.

 

But that's just it, how many people that own a Tundra are on this or any other type of forum that would find that out? Maybe 10%-20% of all owners? I'm pulling those numbers out of the air, but they have to build to a majority, not a minority enthusiast crowd.
When it comes down to it, Toyota is going to cover their ass.

Plus, if they did have that, then the aftermarket business would tank. /s

 

Point being, in my original reference to the locker I was saying I want to see someone come up with a way to skirt the safety similar to the “grey wire mod.” Until someone figures that out, it’s a stupid feature to advertise IMO. It sounds good on paper for a review article to say it has one, but it isn’t as useful in practice due to its rules of engagement. The lockers on the competitor brands let you engage the locker in 2Hi, 4Hi, and 4lo. Once again it’s just Toyota being lame and not giving people what they want.

 

I like the 3rd gen but I feel like Toyota wasn't trying to target an off-road audience with it.

Also, the comment about larger water bottle holder and door size leading to larger cubic space? I don't think those 3 cubed inches will be noticeable.

 

You brought back memories to my first gen Tacoma there.

 

The Cab and bed are smaller now. You cannot have 3 adults sitting in the back anymore.
The middle guy is pinched from reviews I have see. Have not sat back there with two other people.
You can go with the 6.5 bed option to make up some cubic space, but that is one long truck when not using that bed.
The other issue I came across.
I do not think anyone "really" cares about mileage with a pickup truck.
I mean sure its nice it gets a little better mileage but its not the main reason for buying it - for me.
And to get their numbers they had to put small tires on. Maybe its the body style but those tires on the OR version look tiny.
Seems alot of people need to change the tires out. the stock tires on my 2018 look fine.
Also that plastic bed is slick so there's another grand for LineX.
Just my findings.

 

tell my paycheck that please lol

 

Just added some comments. Not attacking you so don't take it personal. Just adding my opinion.

 

I know. I'm about to start brewing my own beer. Prices went up insanely in just like what, 3 years?

 

Convince me please.
I have started too many polls here already. lol
My 2018 gets 18 mpg the way i drive loaded down and 55 mph in hilly terrain.
From what I have researched the new one is the same mileage.
So its not a selling feature - for me
And I do not commute in a pickup truck - so i make that qualifier.

 

From what ive seen, towing fuel economy is nearly the same between the two but the 2.5 has a larger fuel tank. Normal fuel economy is maybe 1-2 mpg difference depending on mods and driving style.

Ive had the composite bed in tacomas for years. No need for a liner, just get the OEM bed mat.

 

Convince you on what? There's a million threads on here about fuel mileage so I won't go into that.
Sounds like the 2.5 gen is perfect for what you need and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.