Toyota Tundra Powertrain Receives 2022 Wards Award

Toyota announced its i-FORCE MAX powertrain, as featured on the all-new 2022 Tundra, has earned the 2022 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award.

The i-FORCE MAX is a hybrid powertrain that relies on a twin-turbo V6 engine that couples with a motor generator and 10-speed automatic transmission, according to Toyota.

“The i-FORCE MAX, also standard on the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia, is Toyota’s response to uncompromised performance, all while ushering in a new vision for future large electrified vehicles,” said Dante Boutell, VP of powertrain design at Toyota Motor North America R&D. “We are so grateful that our hard work is recognized by WardsAuto as it further validates the innovation and benefits this powertrain delivers to Toyota customers.”

The hybrid system sandwiches the 48-hp electric motor between a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 and a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission. Toyota said the motor is able to supplement the engine’s output, adding more torque as the driver demands it, or in the case of subtle accelerator inputs, drive the vehicle by motor only.

The result of the new powertrain is a truck that sports 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque at a quiet 2,400 rpm, with up to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway/22 mpg combined fuel economy ratings, depending on model grade and drivetrain. Payload is rated at 1,665 pounds and can tow up to 11,450 pounds.

Toyota said it is committed to offering an electrified version of each model it sells by 2025.