There’s no getting around it, full-size pickup trucks are extremely popular in the United States. Although most drivers would be better served by a sedan or SUV, there’s something special about having a large truck with a commanding presence on the road. So when I got a chance to test drive the 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone, a vehicle that seems impractical on paper, I was eager to see how it would do with daily city driving.
The 2022 Tundra Capstone is expensive to buy and drive
A base 2022 Toyota Tundra SR has a starting MSRP of $35,950. But if you want true luxury and a superior driving experience, set your sights on the top-of-the-line Capstone trim. However, don’t expect it to be cheap. The Tundra Capstone starts at $74,230, making it one of the most expensive Toyota trucks.
At the same time, that price gets you some really convenient features. While driving around the city, I was pleasantly surprised by the functionality of the 360-degree camera.
With an overall length of 233.6 inches and a width of 80.2 inches, it seemed like parking this behemoth would be a chore. But, the plethora of camera angles and sensors made navigating a fairly simple task.
The other factor influencing the cost of the 2022 Tundra is fuel economy. If you really need to do truck stuff, it’s inevitable to hit the gas pump. But according to unitMost truck owners barely tow or haul with their full-size truck.
With the 2022 Tundra Capstone, the estimated mpg is 21. And during my testing, Toyota’s full-size pickup got about as good. Still, with some reporting to get 50 mpg out of smaller trucks like the Ford Maverick Hybrid, is that fuel economy hit worth it?
Why do Americans love full-size trucks?
You could probably write an essay on why full-size trucks are so popular in the United States. Simply put, these vehicles are just great. Driving something like the Tundra makes you feel like you could take on the world. And the Capstone finish just beefs it up with all your bells and whistles.
Although the Tundra Capstone is a true truck, it retains the capabilities of a full-size truck. It comes with a 5.5-foot bed and can tow up to 10,340 lbs. Toyota has also ditched the traditional V8 engine, opting for a more efficient hybrid V6.
At the end of the day, the 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone might look a bit ridiculous on paper. But, once you get behind the wheel of this full-size truck, there’s no doubt that Toyota has gone above and beyond.
The top version of the Tundra comes with almost all the standard features. Basically, rear air suspension and electric towing mirrors are the only options available.
Sure, maybe a Toyota Corolla would be more practical for everyday use. But a Corolla won’t give you the same experience as a fully loaded Tundra, and there’s something to be said for that.