Can a full-size pickup have too much luxury? If that’s the case, we haven’t crossed that threshold yet. The combination of high profit potential and flush buyers looking to park a big wad of cash in a do-everything, leather-lined truck means that the freshly redesigned-for-2022 Tundra already has three premium trim levels: Limited, Platinum, and 1794—and that doesn’t count the add-on TRD packages for a little extra something something. But the range-topper is all-new, just announced today: Capstone.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone trim will offer a lot of additional amenities if you can stomach a limited menu of configurations. It is only available with the i-Force MAX twin-turbo V-6 hybrid powertrain, with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, and only in the CrewMax bodystyle with the 5.5-foot bed. A limited menu of colors includes Wind Chill Pearl, Magnetic Gray, Celestial Silver, Midnight Black, Supersonic Red, and Blueprint. Flashy 22-inch wheels are standard—the largest fitted to a Tundra ever, at least by the factory.
The Capstone distinguishes itself from lesser Tundras with a unique grille treatment with a body-colored grille frame. Chrome mirror caps echo the chrome treatment of the grille, and those 22-inch wheels have a striking multi-spoke design.
Inside, the semi-analine leather seat coverings feature a two-tone black-and-white scheme unique to this trim. Dark walnut open-pore trim is contrasted by the ambient lighting and light-up “CAPSTONE” emblem inside. A panoramic moonroof lets in natural ambient light during the day. Unlike other Tundras, the front door glass has sound-deadening properties for a quieter cabin experience. The cab rides on the hydraulic mounts to reduce cabin NVH, too.
Since the 22-inch wheels likely won’t help any with ride quality, Toyota offers the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension with rear load-leveling air suspension, which should help in towing and hauling scenarios. Speaking of which, towing capacity doesn’t suffer much from the extra glut of equipment; the Capstone can haul 10,340 pounds, which is about midpack in the Tundra i-Force MAX lineup. Payload is 1,485 pounds, which is the lowest rating for any Tundra hybrid, which seems to be the most significant trade-off for selecting the Capstone trim and its many baubles.
Like the Tundra TRD Pro, which is also limited to the hybrid drivetrain arrangement, the Capstone is a late-availability trim. It’ll show up this Spring. Pricing will be revealed closer to launch, but expect it to keep up with the Ford F-150 Platinum, Ram 1500 Limited, and Chevy Silverado High Country Joneses when it is.
Source: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-toyota-tundra-capstone-hybrid-first-look-review/
