One thing is for sure. The current Toyota Tundra was one of the BIGGEST MISSES Toyota has made in modern history.
It was billed as the F-150 killer when they made the audacious move at the time to try own Texas truck buyers, by building the truck factory there.
But in the end, the truck was pretty lame and never delivered on the hype.
Sure it sold, but in disappointing numbers compared to what they had hoped for. Even my Toyota contacts would tell you that if they weren't in fear of being fired for admitting the truth.
Fast forward to now and the redesigned 2022 Tundra.
IF you read many of the first impressions, the traditional F-150/Silverado?Ram lovers are dissing the new look.
But we ask are they missing the point and is this a REALLY GREAT redo for them?
Why do I say that?
Think about it. Their Tacoma (which I personally hate and is one of the MOST disappointing daily drivers you'll ever hit the start button on) has a following that the Tundra team DREAMS about. We'd venture to say it's got the MOST cred to the general public than ANY other thing they sell in volume. People are WACKO nuts about the Tacoma. ESPECIALLY, the youth. Just come to SoCal and drive down the coast if you don't believe us.
And the Tacoma's reputation is miles ahead of the reality of the actual vehicle. For a daily, it drives like crap, the bed is WAY too small and useless, the interior electronics are holy 1975 and for it's size the gas mileage could be the MOST MISERABLE on the market today. But NONE of that matters. In the minds of the people IT'S BIGGER THAN LIFE.
Now look at the new face of the 2022 Tundra...
REMIND you of anything? We'll spell it out for you if you haven't picked it up. IT'S A, BIGGER MORE BRASH AND BADASS LOOKING TACOMA! And WHY NOT?! We think it's a GENIUS move for them.
And to take it one step beyond that, for MOST it will be a more USEFUL and AFFORDABLE LAND CRUISER.
Hence like on the Tacoma TRD Pro the GRILL calls out the old school Land Cruiser heritage look.
We'll bet money the next Tacoma face update will bring in the bigger grill and those style lights.
And for those not happy with the interior thinking it looks more old school than say Ford or Ram, I see a new interpretation of the practicality synonymous with the vintage Toyota look and feel with some great modernity.
I mean how can you not love the 'TOYOTA' call out above the glove compartment or the whorehouse red?
Are we right? Are are WE missing the point?
We think this will the MOST successful Tundra EVER. Just you watch.
