Toyota Teases the 2022 Tundra with a Headlight Slip

Automakers are already beginning to show off the new model year, and Toyota’s own 2022 Tundra is part of the picture. The Tundra headlights specifically are showcasing what the pickup truck could become.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra is likely to be the launch of a new generation

Insiders suggest that the upcoming Tundra will be a brand-new generation. It’s about time for the Tundra, considering this truck is still in its second generation. The most recent iteration of the Tundra came to light in 2014, and even that was seven years after the last total haul over. 

Of course, there have been plenty of upgrades since then, but the overall design and engineering of the passenger truck hasn’t been addressed in eight model years.

Sneaking a peek through the new Tundra headlights

Image source: @cars_secrets on Instagram

This image may be blurry, but it’s a solid depiction of the previously all-wrapped 2022 Tundra through the lens of its headlights.

The headlight housing for previous Tundra model years looks a lot different.

Toyota Tundra headlights

The new headlights really take innovation into consideration, ensuring the upgraded design reflects the increased efficiency and capability within.

Expect some other changes in the 2022 Tundra

Though they may be intriguing, leaked images can only tell us so much. Previously, the Tundra was equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, but that’s changing. Now, the truck will get a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. This could improve efficiency without sacrificing power and enthusiasm.

How do we know that? Well, the Lexus LS500 (a luxury sedan, believe it or not) actually uses the same engine. Lexus brand is owned by the Toyota Motor Company. In the sedan, the V6 delivers 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This won’t translate into quite the same metrics for the truck, but I’m eager to see how it pans out.

On that note, I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a hybrid variant to pluck from the lineup. After all,  big-name competitors are bringing hybrid trucks to the forefront. Plus, Toyota set a big sustainability goal for themselves: 40% of total vehicle sales must be hybrid, EV, plug-in hybrid, BEV, or hydrogen fuel-cell by 2025, and 70% by 2030.

In 2007, Toyota increased the full-size Tundra in size to appear more robust and capable next to its hearty competition. This includes automakers like Ford and Chevy, of course. It’ll be interesting to determine how much size played a factor in design decision-making for the 2022 Tundra.

Toyota must be hiding something special if they’re only revealing the new Tundra headlights

The leaked headlight photos of the pickup truck may or may not have been intentional. Whatever the case, spy photos of the wrapped vehicle riding around town sure do a solid job of hiding what’s going on underneath. Even the open wheels are a basic fit to avoid any and all spoilers.

Image Source: Car and Driver

Some suspect the fringe in the back to be hiding some sort of upgraded suspension system. I wouldn’t be surprised about this: some level of off-road adeptness is all but a necessity in the modern era of pickup trucks.

So, what are the details beyond the Tundra headlights?

Frankly, not much. We’re still waiting for Toyota to confirm the 2022 Tundra with drool-worthy details. However, people speculating on the matter say it could come by the end of 2021. So get your seatbelts ready because test drives will be crowding up the lots come winter.