We FINALLY get a chance to take on the “Super” Ike Gauntlet in the new Toyota Tundra Hybrid
As we finally get our hands on a 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid, it turns out the be the most luxurious Capstone model. Although the TRD Pro packs the same hybrid powertrain, we were pleased with the Capstone’s look and feel. I mean, it’s the closest thing to a Lexus pickup truck, right? Of course, that’s only one angle to this truck. The very first thing Andre did when the truck arrived was pitch it against the Ike Gauntlet, the World’s Toughest Towing Test.
Now, this is what we call a Super Ike Gauntlet, which means we load the truck up to its maximum rated capacity. Our Caterpillar-loaded trailer weighs in at 10,000 pounds, which is right near the max of what Toyota says you should haul with the new Tundra.
Many people don’t realize that there are actually three powertrain options available for the 2022 Toyota Tundra. The base SR5 model comes with the lowest-tuned version of Toyota’s new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 358 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. You do have to dig a bit to find that information, but it does not have the same output as other models. Step up to the mid-level Tundras (SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794), and you get the same engine, but the output increases to 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Technically its displacement is 3,445 cubic centimeters, so you may see it as a “3.4L” rather than 3.5).
This 2022 Capstone has the new “i-FORCE MAX” powerplant that mates the twin-turbo V6 to an electric motor. It produces 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. The battery is a 288V sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery with a 1.87-kWh capacity.
Andre has some gripes about the Toyota Tundra Hybrid
Every time he shuts the truck down, it resets to normal driving mode. That means that he has to set it back to tow mode and adds the Tow+ setting too. Other competing trucks remain in tow mode. While he’s pleased with the addition of gauges, Andre points out their biggest flaw. There are no numeric parts to these gauges, which means some information like boost pressure and hybrid battery level is a rough estimate.
The boys conclude that the Tundra is the smoothest hybrid pickup on the market, right now. It made it up the hill in 7:58 minutes — 8:00 is the benchmark. It maintained 3.5 mpg throughout the run, which is about average for this segment. The non-hybrid Tundra, towing 8,100 pounds by comparison, netted a more fuel-efficient result.
One final note on the 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone: it costs about $77,000. That is a lot of dough. However, it’s not too shabby when you compare it to other luxury half-ton pickup trucks. Andre and Mr. Truck cover a lot more in the video below:
