Toyota announced that its next generation powertrain dubbed ‘iForce MAX’ will debut in the 2022 Tundra. While the current truck has a stout but thirsty 5.7L aluminum block DOHC V8 good for 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft of torque, the iForce MAX powering the next generation Tundra is expected to be a forced induction V6.
This rumor is all but confirmed by the debut of the 2022 Land Cruiser 300 Series, powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 making 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Fans of the V8 engine configuration may be somewhat let down by the switch to a V6, but the initial horsepower and torque figures look promising.
It is expected that the twin-turbo V6 will improve on the current Tundra’s efficiency ratings, which are pretty dismal compared to the rest of the half ton pickup truck class. The current Tundra configured as a 4×2 with the 5.7L V8 is rated at 13/18/15 city/highway/combined. 4×4 models lose one mile per gallon on the highway and combined ratings.
Despite the thirsty nature of the current V8, it is a very likable powertrain which is remarkably smooth and reliable. While we are confident in Toyota’s engineering prowess, we have to say that the iForce MAX will have some big shoes to fill.
The 2022 Tundra is expected to be fully revealed in the coming weeks.
