Citing a heritage that includes the African savanna, Arctic tundra, Australian Outback or the asphalt of a NASCAR track, Toyota says its pickup trucks “have helped intrepid explorers truly go places for over 70 years.” It is on that heritage, it added, that it launches the all-new 2022 Tundra under the banner of “Born from Invincible.”
“‘Born from Invincible’ showcases an unparalleled international truck history in a wild ride down memory lane,” Toyota proclaimed. “Toyota’s rich history of building world-class body-on-frame vehicles is highlighted in an action-packed montage that culminates with the global debut of the star of the show, the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra.”
Toyota said the new and restyled Tundra will be available with a 437-horsepower engine with 583 pound-feet of torque or a 389-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 with 479 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity will be up to 12,00 pounds and maximum payload is rated at 1,940 pounds. The truck is available with 5.5, 6.5- and 8.1-foot beds.
“Improvements and enhancements abound, including its new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, aluminum-reinforced composite bed and fully redesigned multi-link rear suspension.”
Inside, “a new interior will offer creature comforts for driver and passenger alike, including an available panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, rear sunshade, heated steering wheel and more,” Toyota added.
“A host of new tech features are found throughout Tundra as well, such as towing aids, off-road enhancements, an all-new multimedia system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air updates.”
Honda shows Passport TrailSport
Honda not only has redesigned its Passport SUV for the 2022 model year, but will offer a new TrailSport version designed to showcase “the off-road capability, versatility and durability long engineered into Honda lights trucks,” the company said.
“Created for active buyers who thrive on adventure, the new Passport TrailSport combines Passport’s strong unibody construction, independent front and rear suspension, and available class-leading torque-vectoring AWD system with TrailSport exclusive exterior and interior styling,” Honda said, adding that the TrailSport “builds upon a more than 50-year legacy of off-road engineering and performance that includes Honda motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and light trucks.”
“Some may not realize the true rugged, off-road capabilities of our light trucks,” added Dave Gardner, executive vice president of American Honda Motor. “Now they’re getting tough, rugged looks to match, and the addition of TrailSport will further enhance the off-road capability of our vehicles in the future.”
Honda showcases new Civic Hatchback
Honda has introduced an all-new Civic Hatchback for 2022 with European-inspired styling, enhances driving dynamics and — hip-hip hurray — the availability of a 6-speed manual transmission. The company adds that for the first time, the Civic Hatchback will be produced in the US.
The vehicle is part of the 11th generation of Honda’s entry-level car and will have an MSRP of $22,900. It will be available with the buyer’s choice of two 4-cylinder engines, an 1800-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter or a normally aspirated 158-horsepower 2.0-liter.
At $24,100, the Civic Hatchback Sport rides on 18-inch wheels and pairs the 2.0-liter engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox
Ford exposes Expedition Timberline
More capable SUVs seem to be the rage. Ford has unveiled the 2022 Expedition Timberline, which is claims to be “the most off-road-capable Expedition ever with higher ground clearance to help clear obstacles, Bronco-developed Trail Turn Assist for making tight turns, plus an F-150 Raptor heavy-duty underbody skid plate for more rugged off-road ability.”
Timberline, for added, “elevates the Expedition above the Jeep Wagoneer,” and noted that the Timberline’s 3.5-liter V6 provides more horsepower and 106 more pound-feet of torque than the Jeep’s V8. Timberline features include Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires.
Ford also revealed the Stealth Edition Performance Package for its 2022 full-size SUV, saying the package provides 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque for “best-in-class power,” and adds sport-tuned suspension for “maximum on-road and driving confidence.”
Ford said the 2022 Expeditions can be equipped with drive-assist technology includes BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.
GM links OnStar with Alexa at home
‘Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up,” is just one of the at-home emergency situations for which you’ll be able to get help through a new partnership between General Motors’ OnStar Guardian and the Amazon Alexa.
“When the OnStar Guardian skill for Amazon Alexa is enabled on compatible, in-home Alexa devices, household members can reach OnStar Emergency-Certified Advisors by saying, “Alexa, call for help,” during crisis situations, such as house fires, medical emergencies, break-ins and more,” GM said in its announcement.
“Through our collaboration with Amazon, people can now have access to OnStar’s Emergency-Certified Advisors in a place where they spend so much of their time — their home,” added Pam Fletcher, GM Global Innovation vice president. “This is another great example of how we’re expanding the safety and security of OnStar beyond the vehicle to help more people, which demonstrates GM’s commitment to its growth strategy and innovating its software enabled services.”
Amazon’s director of Alexa, Beatrice Geoffrin, added, “We’re excited to work with General Motors to introduce the OnStar Guardian skill to customers. This hands-free Alexa skill makes it easy for customers to get help from OnStar’s Emergency-Certified Advisors when they need it. We hope this feature helps give families greater peace of mind throughout their day-to-day lives at home.”
At first, the system will be available to OnStar members, and will be offered to others in 2022.
