The all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone was named a 2022 Wards 10 Best Interiors and User Experience (UX) winner. Selected by the editors and automotive industry analysts of WardsAuto, the Tundra earned acclaim for its rugged yet functional design, with its interior featuring world-class infotainment and technology.
The annual Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX competition evaluates new or heavily redesigned vehicle interiors and user-experience technology, with scoring based on a variety of metrics including design and aesthetics, comfort, materials, fit-and-finish, connectivity and infotainment, displays and controls, as well as advanced driver assist systems and value.
The Toyota Tundra Capstone will be among the Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX winners featured during AutoTech: Detroit, co-located with WardsAuto Interiors & UX Conference, held June 8-9 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.
The 2022 Tundra offers two powertrain options: a twin-turbo V-6 engine and a hybrid twin-turbo V-6. Both engines include a standard 10-speed automatic transmission and a choice between 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines. The twin-turbo 3.5L V-6 engine produces up to 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. of torque. When paired with the i-FORCE MAX, it produces an output of 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. The V-8 engine is no longer available.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra can also tow up to 12,000 pounds and has a max payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. To accommodate the higher capacities and improve ride comfort and handling, Toyota switched from Tundra's traditional leaf-spring rear suspension to one that uses coil springs.
Award-Winning Features
Designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S., the 2022 Tundra Capstone features a host of advanced and connected technologies for drivers seeking intuitive features and controls.
The 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display comes standard on Capstone, controlling the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system that was designed and engineered by Toyota’s Plano, Texas-based Connected Technologies and Toyota Connected software innovation teams. The infotainment system offers a first-class user experience thanks to quick processing, clear visuals and intuitive touch and natural voice controls.
“From the outset, the team began development of solutions that would exceed customers’ needs and deliver amazing, personalized connected experiences,” said Connor Hill, global user experience designer, Toyota Connected. “With this system, we are jumping into the future with our largest-ever touchscreen and are already beginning to send customers over-the-air updates based on their feedback. At the end of the day, the driver’s needs and wants should always come first.”
The 2022 Toyota Tundra was the first Toyota model to include this all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It has started to grow to a handful of other models, with screen sizes ranging from 8.0 to 14.0 inches diagonally.
Helping Tundra Capstone earn its place on the “2022 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX list,” according to the automaker, are new features and creature comforts including a power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a two-tone white-and-black interior with dark American walnut wood-grain trim, a heated steering wheel, and more.
“Capstone is our answer to address customers who prefer an ultra-premium, highly crafted experience in their trucks,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research. “The interior features sophisticated materials and high-level craft, with unique to Capstone white and black select leather treatment along with custom seat perforation that is both modern and ultra-premium. The bold horizontal instrument panel beam features real open pore walnut, that contrasts, and compliments with a rich authentic wood tone.”
The Tundra Capstone is the first North American Toyota vehicle with semi-aniline leather, which is usually reserved for flagship luxury sedans.
“The luxurious Toyota Tundra Capstone makes our 2022 list by capably combining space, comfort and technology,” says WardsAuto editor and judge Jim Irwin. “We loved the black-and-white interior color scheme, plus blue ambient lighting and high-tech features including a 14-inch touchscreen running Toyota’s new multimedia system.”
Added Christie Schweinsberg, WardsAuto editor and judge: “Our judges found the new MMI system less overwhelming to use than similar systems by other OEMs, thanks to simplified menus and large icons, both making for easy operation. The 10-inch head-up display also was a tech standout in the Tundra.”
