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When creating a next-generation vehicle, designers and engineers take into account emerging technology and powertrain options alongside fresh aesthetics and materials. They also listen to current and past model customers.
The third-generation Toyota Tundra's design and engineering process was no exception. One of the biggest complaints customers had about the second-generation Tundra was its lack of cargo space, the company's design team told Newsweek.
The cabin of the 2022 Toyota Tundra is smaller than it was in previous generations of the model, however Toyota's truck designers focused on maximizing interior space. That size was a tradeoff. The new truck's smaller cabin allowed Toyota to extend the number of bed offerings.
Toyota now sells the Tundra in double cab and CrewMax cabin varieties. Double cab models come with either a 6.5- or 8.1-foot bed. The CrewMax was previously only available with the 5.5-foot bed but now, a 6.5-foot bed is also available.
The truck industry is shifting away from traditional cabin storage.
With the absence of an engine, the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning features a Mega Power Frunk, where the powertrain components would typically sit. The under-hood cargo area has 14.1 cubic feet of storage that can hold up to 400 pounds.
The upcoming 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV has a similar setup.
Although the Tundra does not have the front space to spare, most of its variations come standard with hidden, divided storage space below the rear seats. The feature was previously an option. In the Ford Maverick, similar space is large enough to fit several basketballs side by side.
Similarities between the Maverick, Silverado and the Tundra extend to how the under-seat compartments are set up as well. The three trucks feature compartment dividers to limit shifting cargo. Tundra's dividers are removable and have rivets that can hold fishing poles or hunting equipment.
The under-seat compartment is not available in Tundras equipped with a hybrid engine as that's where the truck's battery pack is kept.
Tundra owners told Toyota that they were dissatisfied with the lever system that was used to lift the rear seats in previous Tundra generations. When their hands were full, they had a hard time accessing the storage compartments. The new seat can conveniently be raised via the use of an elbow.
In order to access the storage bench in the Tundra, operators simply have to lift up the 60/40 split-folding rear seat and it will automatically lock in place. Underneath is a waterproof lid that blocks contaminants from entering the compartment.
The seats retain a pull-to-release feature that returns them to a flat position.
Behind the rear seats, there is more storage. It is easily accessed via a pull on a cloth loop, set apart from the LATCH system, located above the seat belt attachment. This latch brings a portion of the back seat forward, respective of the 60/40 split, giving access to enough space to put a few bags of groceries. It comes complete with three bag hooks.
While the design solves a problem, it's hardly innovative in the cabin storage space. Automakers including Ram and Rivian offer storage options that flip the script like in-floor storage that is lined with rubber and a gear tunnel.
Aftermarket access can help Toyota buyers to further customize their truck's storage.
