The newly redesigned Toyota Tundra replaced its decade-old predecessor with capability and premium materials you'd otherwise find in an American pickup. As sales of this competitive truck finally begin, Toyota has revealed the most expensive Tundra you can get, and it's called the Tundra Capstone.

Mechanical running boards automatically pop out as the occupants approach the vehicle, helping smaller individuals step into the lavish cabin. Exclusive black and white semi-aniline leather seating complements the open-pore Dark American Walnut wood trim, which can be found on the center console and dashboard. The leather-wrapped heated steering wheel is yet another premium touch for the driver to enjoy, and the same enjoyment can be applied to the 12.3" digital instrument cluster and 10" head-up display. On the right passenger side of the dash, an illuminated Capstone emblem provides a bright welcome as you step into the vehicle. In the center, you won't miss the standard 14" touchscreen, which houses Toyota's latest and greatest infotainment system.

The software was developed in-house by Toyota in Texas, and it is based on Lexus's new Interface infotainment. Improved touch controls and voice activation elevate the user experience, and the latter can be used for navigation, points of interest, audio preferences, and climate controls. A cloud-based navigation system benefits from real-time OTA updates, and is similar to the one found in the new Lexus NX. For those who prefer to use their phones for navigation or music, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow for convenient smartphone mirroring. Dual Bluetooth smartphone connectivity is capable of connecting two phones at once, and a Wi-Fi Connect subscription unlocks 4G connectivity for up to five different devices. Toyota says it essentially "[turns] Tundra into an AT&T Hotspot," and can use Integrated Streaming to connect the user's Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions separately. Whether your favorite tunes are coming from the basic radio station or Apple Music, the sound will come from a 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio sound system.

For optimized access to the 5.5-foot bed, a power bed step comes as standard. Speaking of the Tundra's bed, a new Sheet-Molded architecture includes aluminum cross members under the bed, which is said to prevent dents and rust better compared to conventional beds. The Tundra also includes an Adaptive Variable Suspension, as well as a load-leveling rear-height control air suspension, to pair up with the multi-link rear suspension setup. Toyota's powerful new i-Force Max powertrain boasts a hybrid setup, and pairs a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor generator. This masterfully combines capability with efficiency. Along with the V6 and motor generator, the Tundra offers a 10-speed automatic transmission. Protecting the powertrain and occupants is a new high-strength steel frame, which is used in all 2022 Tundras. An impressive 10,340-pound towing capacity is credited in part to the extra torque provided by the hybrid power. For cargo that can fit in the Tundra Capstone's bed, there is a decent 1,485 max payload. When it's not handling hefty payloads or rough terrain, the Tundra Capstone is focused on a quiet, efficient ride. Most of the quietness inside is thanks to strong acoustic glass.

The 2022 Tundra Capstone features Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to manually choose a different mode that optimizes the performance for Eco, Normal, and Sport. There are also settings for the advanced Load-Leveling Rear Height Control suspension system, and the Capstone offers more modes than the less expensive Tundras. The four modes include Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom.

There are also convenience features for towing and payload, available through the 14" touchscreen. Several exterior cameras allow the driver to check their cargo or surroundings from multiple angles, either from the infotainment system or the digital rearview mirror. One such angle is called Panoramic View Monitor, which offers a computer-generated view from above the truck. This can be helpful when backing in or out of tight parking spaces. There is also a view from the truck bed, tow hitch, and a split-view mode that shows either side of the truck's rear. The included Towing Technology Package offers Trailer Back Guidance, to help the driver while pulling a trailer, Straight Path Assist, which ensures that both the truck and trailer back up in a straight line, and 360-degree areas to reveal tough blind spots. Connecting the Tundra Capstone's trailer brake controller allows the Blind Spot Monitor to recognize blind spots on the trailer, let alone the truck.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone will arrive this spring in CrewMax configuration with a 5.5' bed. The top-tier pickup will have six available exterior colors: Wind Chill Pearl, Blueprint, Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Supersonic Red. The Capstone will also have an extensive roster of active safety features with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistances. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but should be revealed soon.

Images: Toyota