4Runner
A new trim joins the other 7: TRD Sport. Nestled between the Trail Special Edition and the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Sport is the only TRD 4Runner that can be had in two-wheel drive. The TRD Sport includes X-REAS hydraulically linked shock absorbers that transfer pressure to the opposite corner under heavy loads, helping with traction under off-road conditions. The TRD Sport also shares the 4Runner Limited's 245/60R20 tires on twenty-inch rims.
The Nightshade and Venture special editions are discontinued. The Nightshade was a one year model.
A new Panoramic parking camera system can show views all around the vehicle; on TRD Off-Road Premium and Sport it's called the Multi Terrain Monitor and can continue being used above parking speeds. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are new features, optional on the new TRD Sport and standard on Premium models, TRD Pro and Limited. All models get standard Rear Occupancy Alert, which detects a rear door opening before or dring a trip and reminds the driver to check it when the ignition is turned off.
LED high beam headlights replace halogen, matching the LED low beams already used.
Avalon
This is the last year for the Avalon, which won't see a 2023 model. The 2022 Avalon is reduced in model count: the TRD, all-wheel drive and XSE V6 models are discontinued.
A rear seat reminder system is a new standard safety feature.
C-HR
The LE model is discontinued, leaving the XLE as the new entry-level model. This makes blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lighted visor vanity mirrors, sliding sun visors, power automatic folding mirrors, Smart Key System (hands-free key), and 18-inch wheels are all standard, now.
Camry
Dual-zone automatic climate control is now standard on all trims except TRD, where only single-zone automatic climate control is offered. LE models now offer a heated steering wheel.
Corolla
Heated mirrors are no longer standard on LE.
Heated seats and a power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment are now available on the Corolla Hybrid.
The hatchback gets USB-C ports to replace USB A.
Corolla Cross
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross at 2021 Chicago Auto Show
Toyota has done a crossover version of the Corolla Hatchback. While not the first Corolla to drive all four wheels, it is the first one in quite a while to offer all-wheel drive as an option in the United States. It shares a wheelbase, and a chassis with both the Corolla Hatchback and the C-HR. Unlike both, it offers a driveshaft to the rear wheels as an option, with full-time all-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross is 3.6 inches longer than the Corolla Hatchback. The Cross is 5.4 inches wider with a track width almost an inch-and-a-half greater. And finally, the Cross is 7.7 inches taller than the Corolla Hatchback and 3.2 inches taller than the C-HR.
The Cross uses the more powerful version of the Toyota 2.0 4-cylinder from the Corolla Hatchback, but only with the CVT automatic transaxle, no manual. #SavetheManuals The optional all-wheel drive system is similar to the one in the Rav4.
Full standard safety equipment includes Toyota Safety Sense (forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Trace Assist, Automatic High Beams, adaptive cruise control, and Road Sign Assist); Star Safety System (electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, and brake over accelerator override); nine airbags.
Blind spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert are standard on XLE.
GR 86
2022 Toyota GR 86 at 2021 Chicago Auto Show
Back after a one year break and with a new name, the GR (Gazoo Racing) 86 has a bigger, more powerful engine. Still with a 6-speed manual (Yay!) or (Booo!) automatic, the new engine is a Subaru-sourced 2.4 naturally aspirated (2X Boo!) making 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The extra 28 horsepower will not go to waste as curb weight is only up about 20 pounds.
New safety equipment includes a standard driver's side knee airbag, designed to protect the driver's legs in a frontal collision, and on automatic transmission models: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (Pre-Collision System), Adaptive Cruise Control, automatic high beams, Sway Warning (driver attention alert), and Lane Departure Warning.
Smart Key hands-free entry and push-button start are now standard.
Highlander
On Hybrid models, a new Bronze grade fits between XLE and Limited. It adds a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensitive front wipers, a rearview mirror rear camera monitor, household outlets (115-volt), puddle lamps in the side view mirrors, a memory driver's seat, and side mirrors. In addition, it comes with unique bronze painted wheels, bronze door sills, bronze-colored stitching thread in the seats, door trim and dash, and special bronze edition logos on the floor mats and cargo mat.
All Limited models now have a hands-free liftgate. The power front passenger seat standard on XLE and higher trims goes from 4-way adjustment in 2021 to 8-way for 2022.
Land Cruiser
Deceased. Replaced over at Lexus with the LX 600.
Mirai
No changes.
Prius
A rear seat reminder has been added, alerting the driver to check the back seat if a rear door had previously been opened, in order to reduce the possibility of a child being left in an unattended car.
A Prius Nightshade Edition (based on Prius XLE) brings a monochromatic blacked-out appearance. Available in black (natch), white or silver, and front or all-wheel drive. Headlights, side mirrors, door handles are all black. The rear spoiler is color matched to the body.
Prius Prime
No changes.
Rav4
New headlight designs debut for the XLE and higher models. A few new colors are offered.
Sequoia
The Platinum and TRD Pro versions are discontinued. Gone with them are the Fox shocks, higher ground clearance, power steering wheel, ventilated seats and more.
Memory driver's seat and mirrors are now standard.
Sienna
A new Woodland Edition is offered exclusively in all-wheel drive. It boasts an almost 7-inch ground clearance, over half-an-inch more than other AWD Sienna models.
New automatic diiming side view mirrors are standard on Limited and Platinum.
LE models no longer have a power liftgate, but they still have power sliding side doors.
Footrests are available for the Sienna Limited AWD and Platinum AWD in the second seating row.
Supra
2022 Toyota Supra A91 Edition courtesy Pressroom Toyota
A new special edition, the A91-CF Edition, builds on the 382-horsepower 3.0, adding various carbon fiber and aerodynamic aids. A unique red and black interior featuring Alcantara and leather rounds out the package. Only 600 will be made of this model which adds almost $12,000 over the price of a standard 3.0.
Heated seats are now standard on all 3.0 models.
Tacoma
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro courtesy Pressroom Toyota
A new Trail Edition give truck buyers one more choice.
The revised TRD Pro brings the most factory off-road capability to the Tacoma, yet. Its revised suspension used Fox off-road shocks and is lifted 1.5 inches in front and half-an-inch in the rear. It also has a performance exhaust system for its standard 3.5 V6.
Tundra
2022 Toyota Tundra at Detroit Moto Bella 2021
The Tundra is completely new, with a new chassis that will underpin the next generation 4Runner and Tacoma as well. The new frame is still separate, now all three sections are fully boxed, adding strength. On Limited and above, the cab is mounted to the frame with hydraulic mounts, designed to isolate vibration and road noise.
The suspension learns all sorts of new tricks. Primary is the switch from a simple leaf-spring rear axle to a multi-link rear axle with coil spring and outboard shock absorbers. The rear coils, first used by Ram on a full-size pickup, can be replaced with optional air springs in the rear, with load height adjustability. Another first, adaptable shocks are available, allowing changes to the stiffness for different conditions, from comfort to sport.
Under the hood, the old, fuel-thirsty 5.7 V8 is replaced with a 3.5 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6. In standard form the new engine will produce 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. An optional hybrid version will increase that to 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The base engine outperforms the old Tundra's 5.7 by 8 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid out-produces every half-ton full size, no matter which optional engine they pack, except the Ram TRX, which is not the intended competition for the new Tundra. The new engine is called a 3.5 by Toyota, but its displacement rounds to 3.4 liters, identical to the Lexus LS version of the engine, from where it's borrowed.
The 6-speed automatic is replaced with a new 10-speed. EPA figures are not finalized, but between the engine changes and the 10-speed, Toyota should at least jump from the bottom of the MPG pack into the upper tiers.
On the interior, bold, luxurious materials and designs replace the older materials in the 2021. Luxury features not offered before are available, such as a heated steering wheel. At the center is an all-new multimedia system, five times faster, with a standard 8-inch screen and an available 14-inch screen. An optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides similar high-resolution information directly to the driver, replacing analog gauges with a customizable instrument panel.
In safety, the Tundra already leads most manufacturers with standard forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, and even standard adaptive cruise control. For 2022 Tundra also gets a rear seat reminder and the forward collision system is improved and can detect pedestrians in low light and also helps prevent accidents when turning left if traffic is coming. Blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard on all models.
Venza
No changes.