BIG Toyota and Lexus Truck/SUV Updates!

Toyota's history as an automobile manufacturer started not just with passenger cars, they were invested in building trucks since the original G1 model in 1935. It's no surprise that to this day some of the most popular vehicles on showroom floors for both Toyota and their luxury brand Lexus; are indeed of the truck and SUV variety. The year 2021 brought so many new releases, model updates, and complete model make overs that it would take forever to list them all here so we will focus on the major selling points for these most durable vehicles.

2022 Toyota Tundra

Let's start with perhaps the biggest and baddest truck in the Toyota lineup, the all-new Tundra. Finally redesigned after over a decade of service as a workhorse, off-road traveler, and everyday driver; the Texas built full-size pickup has returned with less cylinders but more power. The powerplants available for the new Tundra come in two flavors, a 3.5 liter i-FORCE V6 with twin turbos that generate 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, and the i-FORCE MAX which adds an electric motor to dish out 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid Tundra model will not only get a slight bump in fuel economy over the 20 mpg combined efficiency in SR other grades, it will also help tow up to 12,000 lbs. The other major improvement over the outgoing model is the move to a multi-link rear suspension which will greatly improve handling over whatever terrain needed. Throughout the chassis changes were made to help create a more rigid vehicle while retaining a comfortable ride, even the bed is made of Sheet-Molded Compound that offers greater durability along with helping reduce weight by 20%. Inside the cabin are a plethora of creature comforts but the star is the optional 14 inch touchscreen for the all-new multimedia system which is being launched first on this vehicle. On the outside, the Tundra looks is chiseled and muscular, body lines help bring together a bold, yet sophisticated look that any truck owner will appreciate. The Tundra comes in both two-wheel and four-wheel models, this paired with different trims like SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro means that you'll be busy with the configurator especially when you can add TRD Off-Road option to various trims to cater to your needs. The latest Tundra is available now, with a crew cab, double cab, and three different bed lengths among the many choices new owners will need to make...along with color.

2022 Lexus LX600

The Toyota Landcruiser is no more... well that's not necessarily true, it is not available to North American customers in the guise you made have seen conquering roads around the rest of the world, but it is available as the all new Lexus LX600. Sharing the same platform since Lexus started producing a more luxurious yet equally capable SUV, the latest LX is the Swiss Army knife of the automotive world with a shinier handle. Like the Tundra, the LX ditches two cylinders yet gains two turbochargers with the same V35A-FTS 3.5 liter V6 under the hood producing 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. of torque. Riding on the all new GA-F platform, the latest LX600 loses 441 pounds along with increased rigidity that allows for greater comfort, control, and durability on all terrains. Famed as a performer both on and off-road, the suspension retains a similar four-link-axle type suspension as the outgoing model with a double wishbone and coil springs handling duty up front. The flagship Lexus SUV benefits from the Lexus Driving Signature with Electronically Controlled Brakes, Electric Power Steering, and Active Height Control providing both performance and comfort. The design of the LX600 is phenomenal with a massive front spindle grille that demands respect on the road, the A-pillars have a new rear-sloping angle for a cab-backward design, and that carries out back to the rear fascia with "L" shaped taillights, the new bold LEXUS logo, and accented exhaust tips. The latest LX also rides on the largest wheels available on any Lexus product with 22 inch forged aluminum wheels that are optional, other wheel options are 18 and 20 inches. The interior is standard Lexus luxury, supple leather and high-end textures drape the cabin but the biggest improvement is the all-new Lexus Interface with 19.3 inches of screen space to control media and controls related to both interior comfort, and driving dynamics. The Lexus LX600 introduces a new trim level called Ultra Luxury which is geared toward those who are rear-seat passengers; features like a rear controlled front seat, 48 degree reclining rear seat, rear display, 43 inches of rear leg room, and plenty of DC and USB jacks for various devices. The Ultra Luxury trim offers plenty of other options that make for the ultimate chauffer vehicle, but on the other end is the F-Sport model. The F-Sport trim provides a Torsen LSD for increased performance, performance dampers, the above mentioned 22 inch wheels, and custom front seats for better side bolstering which can also be had in the popular Circuit Red interior color. Overall, the latest and greatest Lexus LX600 proves to be everything we love about the Toyota Landcruiser with the opulence, design, and comfort we have come to expect from the L brand.

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport

The Toyota 4Runner is versatile, it seemingly has a trim level for every would-be customer, and now a 7th version is available with the TRD Sport. Slotted between the SR5 and TRD Off-Road/Pro trims, the TRD Sport 4Runner is meant to add on-road handling capabilities for a precise performance feel. With the sport, handling is enhanced with the use of the Limited's Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System (X-REAS) which automatically adjusts dampening over different surfaces and when cornering to stabilize the 4Runner keeping the ride comfortable. A center control absorber cross-links the shock absorbers at each corner to help reduce pitch and yaw. The TRD Sport is available with both 2WD and part-time 4WD systems, each providing a respective 9.0 inches and 9.6 inches of ground clearance while sitting on 20 inch machine faced wheels with dark gray accents. Stylistically, the TRD Sport gets color-keyed accents on the grill, rocker panels, and body molding; along with a TRD hood scoop, front spoiler, and black roof rails. Inside the standard SR5 cloth interior is replaced with black SofTex-trimmed seats, these seats come with grey contrast stitching, and TRD logos in the head rest. Like the rest of the 2022 4Runner lineup, the TRD Sport is packed with the latest Toyota safety features, new standard LED lighting, an 8 inch multimedia interface, and enormous amounts of space to seat 7 or carry all the supplies needed for an epic adventure.

All images are courtesy of Toyota and Lexus.