Driven: 2022 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition
2022 | reviews | toyota | toyota tundra | trucks
The Tundra 1794 Edition is one of the most luxurious versions of Toyota’s full-size pickup. We spent a week with this tricked-out truck, enjoying its muscular looks, capable drivetrain, and upscale interior. Toyota did an excellent job modernizing this workhorse, and this model is a treat for buyers with deep pockets.
The fancy 1794 Edition features a large chrome grille and matching chrome on its door handles, side trim, and rear bumper accents. It rides on 20-inch machined-finish alloy wheels. This gives the truck a more sophisticated and premium look than even the well-equipped Limited and Platinum models. Under the hood, you'll find either Toyota's 3.5-liter i-FORCE V6 or i-FORCE Max V6 hybrid engine.
The truck we drove came equipped with the base power plant, which produces a more than ample 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. of torque. Upgrading to the i-FORCE Max gives you 437 horses and 583 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines are available in a 4x2 (RWD) or 4x4 configuration with an electronic transfer case and an automatic limited-slip differential. These features help provide optimal traction when off-road and in inclement weather conditions.
Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, we found the Tundra's base engine plenty powerful, with good passing power and enough grunt to tow up to 10,890 pounds. Fuel economy is better than the Tundra's prior V8 models, coming in at 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. The 1794's acoustically-laminated windshield helps keep the Tundra pretty quiet as trucks go, though there is some wind noise at highway speeds, most likely due to the truck's enormous mirrors. The even fancier Capstone model improves upon this by adding acoustic side windows.
The optional adaptive variable suspension provides a smooth and predictable ride regardless of the terrain. Combined with an air suspension system, it can automatically level the truck based on the cargo it carries. It can also lower the truck for easier access and increased fuel economy at highway speeds. Raising the air suspension increases ground clearance from 9.4 inches to 11 inches for clearing obstacles should you take the Tundra off-road. Underneath the 1794 Edition badging and chrome lower body trim, our truck came equipped with the optional power running boards, which automatically deploy when you unlock the truck, making it much easier to get in and out of the cabin.
Inside is where you'll find the most significant differences between the Tundra 1794 Edition and its lower-priced brethren. Large swaths of real walnut wood adorn the dashboard, center console, and doors. The genuine leather seats and stitched leather accents on the dashboard and armrests are grand luxe, though we think the saddle tan leather option would be a more practical choice than the cream-colored fabric shown here. The center console has excellent storage space, and Toyota offers an optional locking console safe for $395.
Front and center on the Tundra's dashboard is a 14" touchscreen running the latest Toyota Multimedia system. We found this system to be fast, intuitive, and a significant upgrade from prior Toyota infotainment systems. It's easy to switch between media, navigation, and vehicle settings and supports tablet-like gestures. It's also got a voice-based assistant that can respond to a "Hey, Toyota" wake-up phrase to ask for directions, to play specific music, tell you the time of day, and more. There's also a Qi-compatible wireless charger in the center console and support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The truck also comes loaded with safety and driver assistance features, including full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-tracing assist to keep you centered in the lane, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and more. A panoramic view monitor makes it a breeze to negotiate this 245.6-inch-long truck, even in tight spaces.
The Tundra 1794's seats are wide-bodied and comfortable on long drives, and the 10-way power driver's seat provides loads of adjustability. And no matter which seat you choose - front or rear, you'll enjoy heat or cooling for your backside. Legroom and headroom are excellent, and the dual-pane panoramic sunroof helps make the cabin feel even more open and airy.
The spacious CrewMax cabin seats five adults comfortably, and rear seat passengers enjoy similarly excellent headroom and legroom. The back seat can fold in a 60/40 configuration for cargo-carrying versatility. A big comfy center armrest with cupholders can be used if you're not carrying three passengers in the back. There are also dual USB charging ports and a 120-volt AC power outlet that can be used to provide up to 400 watts of power.
You can get the Tundra with either a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. The longer bed can fit 4x8 sheet goods without them extending past the end of the tailgate in the down position. The 1794 4x4 can carry up to a 1575-pound payload. Our truck came equipped with a bed rail tie-down system, a TUNDRA bed mat, and a power-retractable corner step for easier access to the contents of its 20.9-inch-deep bed.
Regardless of which model Toyota Tundra you drive, it's a substantial and capable truck with lots of capacity for cargo, people, and towing. But the Tundra 1794 Edition is a very special model for those who prefer an extra dose of luxury with our trucks. It's incredibly comfortable, easy to drive for its size and heft, and loaded with the latest safety and convenience technology. If you're looking for a more basic work truck, you might want to consider the SR, SR5, or Limited, but if you want a truck that makes you feel like a boss and is just as capable, the Tundra 1794 is it. The base price for the 2022 Tundra 1794 is $61,020. With options and fees, our truck's sticker price came to $66,395.
