The Toyota Tundra, the full-size pickup truck built in San Antonio, Texas, has been named the Truck of Texas for the second time by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). The award was announced at the Texas Truck Rodeo, an annual event where journalists test and evaluate the latest trucks and SUVs on various terrains and conditions. The Tundra beat out 40 other competitors, including the Ford F-150, the Ram 1500, and the Chevrolet Silverado, to claim the prestigious title.
What is the Truck of Texas Award?
The Truck of Texas Award is the highest honor given by the TAWA, a group of professional automotive journalists who cover the automotive industry in Texas and beyond. The award recognizes the best truck in the market that meets the needs and preferences of Texas consumers, who account for nearly 20% of all truck sales in the U.S. The award is based on several criteria: performance, design, innovation, value, and Texas appeal.
The Tundra first won the Truck of Texas award in 2008, when it was redesigned for the second generation. Since then, the Tundra has undergone several updates and enhancements but has not received a major overhaul until this year, when the third-generation model was unveiled. The 2022 Tundra features a new platform, a new suspension, a new hybrid powertrain, and a new design, among other improvements.
What Makes the 2022 Tundra Stand Out?
The 2022 Tundra is a significant leap forward for Toyota, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. The Tundra is the first Toyota vehicle to use the new Toyota New Global Architecture-F (TNGA-F) platform, which is designed to enhance the rigidity, strength, and durability of the truck. The Tundra also adopts a new coil-spring rear suspension, which replaces the traditional leaf springs and offers a smoother ride, better handling, and more payload capacity.
The Tundra also introduces a new hybrid powertrain called the i-FORCE MAX, which combines a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with an electric motor and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid system delivers 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful and efficient engine in the Tundra’s history. The hybrid Tundra has an estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined, which is a significant improvement over the previous V8 engine, which rated at 15 mpg combined. The hybrid Tundra also has a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, which is competitive with other trucks in its class.
The Tundra also boasts a new exterior and interior design, which reflects the truck’s ruggedness, sophistication, and functionality. The Tundra has a bold and aggressive front fascia, with a large grille, LED headlights, and a sculpted hood. The Tundra also has a sleek and aerodynamic profile, with a lower roofline, a tapered rear end, and a spoiler integrated into the tailgate. The Tundra offers several trim levels and packages, such as the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport, and TRD Pro, each with its own distinctive features and accents.
The Tundra also has a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials, advanced technology, and smart storage solutions. The Tundra offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch head-up display, and a 14-speaker JBL sound system, among other features. The Tundra also has a wireless charging pad, a panoramic sunroof, a power rear window, and a rear seat entertainment system, among other options. The Tundra also has a generous amount of legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for both front and rear passengers, as well as multiple cup holders, USB ports, and power outlets. The Tundra also has a versatile and durable cargo bed, with a composite material that resists rust and dents, a power tailgate, a deck rail system, and an available 120-volt outlet.
