2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone Debuts As A Luxury Pickup With Its Sights Set On The GMC Sierra Denali

Luxury pickups are big business and Toyota is throwing their hat into the ring with the all-new Tundra Capstone.

Designed to push the 2022 Tundra into the “upper echelon” of the full-size truck segment, the Capstone is billed as a new halo trim that will compete with rivals such as the GMC Sierra Denali.

As part of this effort, the Capstone brings the bling as the range-topper is distinguished by chrome mirror caps and 22-inch chrome wheels, which are the largest ever offered on the Tundra. They’re joined by a unique grille with chrome accents and chrome “Tundra” lettering on the tailgate.

There’s plenty of more chrome to talk about, but we’ll turn our attention to the power running boards and power bed step. The latter automatically deploys and provides easy access to the 5.5 foot composite bed.

Driven: The 2022 Toyota Tundra Is A Tougher, More Capable Pickup With Available Hybrid Power

While the Tundra Platinum and 1794 are already luxurious, the Capstone ups the ante with semi-aniline leather seats that feature an exclusive black and white design. They apparently come with heating and ventilation in both rows, and Toyota noted drivers will sit behind a heated leather steering wheel.

Since nothing says luxury quite like wood trim, the Tundra Capstone has been outfitted with Dark American Walnut that graces the dashboard, doors, and center console. Buyers will also find a panoramic moonroof, an illuminated Capstone logo on the dash, and acoustic side glass on the front doors which is another trim exclusive.

That’s just scratching the surface as the truck also comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 14-inch Audio Multimedia infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other tech features include a 10-inch color head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a Panoramic View Monitor that provides an assortment of views of the truck and its surroundings.

Given the Capstone’s range-topping status, it’s not surprising to learn the model will be offered exclusively with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. It features a 48 hp (36 kW / 49 PS) electric motor, which is effectively sandwiched between a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This gives the truck a combined output of 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque, which is enough to make it a hybrid for hooligans.

Sticking with the performance theme, the Tundra Capstone has a maximum payload of 1,485 lbs (674 kg) and a maximum towing capacity of 10,340 lbs (4,690 kg). You can find better numbers elsewhere, but Toyota’s range-topper comes equipped with a standard Towing Technology Package that includes Trailer Back Guidance and Straight Path Assist. Customers can also opt for an Adaptive Variable Suspension, which adjusts damping force based on road conditions.

Full details will be released closer to launch, but the Tundra Capstone will come with an assortment of driver assistance systems including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. Other highlights include Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Rear Seat Reminder, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Blind Spot Monitor. There’s also Parking Support Brake, which automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent when parking.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone will arrive at dealerships this spring and be available exclusively in a CrewMax configuration. There’s no word on pricing at this point, but the model will slot above the 1794 trim which begins at $57,690 before a $1,695 destination fee.