ENGINEER EXPLAINS WHY THERE ARE NO TOW HOOKS IN 2022 TOYOTA TUNDRA
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- čas přidán 1. 08. 2024
- Automotive/MIT Engineer David Chao once again explains something that has been annoying 2022 Tundra buyers - missing tow or recovery hooks in the new Tundra. Many people have asked, "Why did Toyota omit this important component in the new Tundra?" David provides his own perspectives on this hot topic, and explains 3 key factors that he thinks contributed to this situation:
Reason why tow hooks were omitted
1) Improve Aerodynamics and Efficiency
2) Lower cost and improve economics
3) Improve safety factors
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, consulting, and strategy. David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean Thinking or Toyota Production System. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Thank you everyone for your comments and feedback! I think it's important to point out that I also do not agree with the omission of the tow hooks, but many of you asked me why Toyota removed them for 2022 - so I simply provided my professional opinion on the matter. So I am not defending Toyota on this subject, I'm simply providing my viewpoint on the decision making process that likely took place in regard to the tow hooks. You asked for my honest opinion and engineer's perspective, so that's what I did, recognizing how sensitive this topic is - along with the remote start issue. I will keep providing insights and my perspectives on variety of topics even if they are hotly debated. Thank you.
could have had a simple plastic cover like alot of the cars have to cover the hook area. my bmw had a plastic cover part that snapped in place to cover the recovery point. come on toyota!
David, In conceiving, planning and producing these videos, has it ever occurred to you that many people simply cannot handle the truth? Merry Christmas :D
@@kamal__6199 when the remote communicates directly to the vehicle, Toyota should not be removing that option. I can understand if there is a server connection needed for the service, but not if no server is involved,
yes, please do keep giving your opinion from eng. point of view. We appreciate it. And it serves to get people to talk about it, in hopes Toyota reads the comments and reverses some of their thinking that the current customers and the future customers do not agree with. If no one discusses things, Toyota will continue to take all they can.
Use your influence for us David and thanks again for all the videos. Keep Toyota on there tows.
I have a feeling most Tundra engineers aren’t truck owners.
i think the engineers are predominantly truck owners, but a lot of them just drive them around the city, they don't use them since they're not in construction or use them for recreation. toyota gives their engineers and staff loaner vehicles commonly for testing and evaluation. these test periods could be anywhere from days, months, years. and even so, most of them are probably not truck enthusiasts and look at the vehicle as their job. remember, not everyone loves their job, but they still do it regardless.
it's like you could be an electrician, but you hate the wiring plan for a project because the house sucks and the owners have budget constraints (read cheap) which are going to bite them in the ass, meaning they'll call you back out to fix things after you've buttoned things out when they realize their mistake not listening to your recommendations.
so you get disheartened but you are still going to do the type of job you always do, though it might not be as good as you would if you loved the project.
i know a lot of folks in construction, landscaping, real estate, and other small businesses that get the top of the line trim level trucks and suvs because they can write it off as a business expense for their adjustable gross income to bring their tax bracket down. so how does this matter? it's when toyota sends them a stupid survey asking them what they like about the truck, and they respond with:
"oh i don't use it for going offroad"
"oh i don't get stuck"
"oh i tow a lot of gardening gear"
these surveys are always the MBA's lazy method for so-called "feedback". they're not going to the forums, the facebook groups, the truck meets or other social events to meet the owners that actually use the trucks to their maximum capability. people who are actually attentive and know what their trucks are all about.
At the end of the day, it's a man or a woman in a suit that determines the outcome of the projects.
there's a recent interview with General Motors CEO Mary Barra, she argued why she gets 30 million a year vs other autoworkers.
She said it's because of her performance that she deserves the money. But when you remove a 5 dollar part out of 1.1 million GM trucks annually, you have a few bucks extra to pay the execs.
It all comes down to money and a lot less to the engineers designing the vehicle. I think that's mainly what this video is about. I mean the whole point of moving to TNGA-F globally was to save money on the platform and bring about more model variations. At the same time, it's too bad that CAFE emissions standards in the USA eliminated smaller footprint 4runners and pickup trucks like what we had in the 80s.
I think Toyota made this decision for 3 reasons only:
1. $
2. $
3. $
and the option for tow hooks will most probably include a subscription, why??????…..for aerodynamic reasons 👍🏻
Let’s be honest it’ll be for… Fuel Economy
but still the new tundra is very expensive
Missing tow hooks are quite often a problem for people living in remote areas in Canada during winter time .
Mountain areas in general, people get stuck regularly where i live.
I think a class action lawsuit should be brought against toyota for not including hooks, because THAT is what is dangerous! Meanwhile they include them in Toyotas built in Japan!? Wtf??
The biggest joke is that the trd pro, the top of the line “off-road” focused trim does not have tow hooks. I can overlook it on the other trims but trd pro? Cmon
Tires ain't much either
I couldn't over look something like that on all the trim levels. Damn truck cost to much money.
The 2022 Tundra Trd Pro will lose almost 5 degrees of approach angle versus the 2021 Tundra Trd Pro. Toyota has made the Tundra a glorified grocery getter.
@@user-pt6io2cq9n Nothing about the 2022 Tundra says sell your perfectly great Tundra V8 for this truck.
If you can't sell the current owners you'll never sell new owners either.
I 2nd that
If Ford, Ram, and GM can make it work; Then the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world can make it work too! C'mon Toyota!! Bring back the tow hooks!!
Agree
@@Wolf.88 safty?! Haha lol what a joke
Having tow/recovery hooks on a 4x4 truck is MANDATORY. Toyota needs to put them on the truck. Period.
We are dealing with the Corporate mind , It was a Top down decision to omit tow hooks and the key fob subscription thingy was top down too , Toyota forgot to involve the most important people the CUSTOMERS.
@@ronaldspins the question for me is will they listen to the customers and give us our tow hooks, and our remote start without a subscription. This is one more reason I’m cautious about buying a first year production model.
It’s cost they got cheap
This will lead to the quickest "refresh" in Toyota history. Watch for return of tow hooks in 2023!
It's really not a big deal. Probably not
@@Mycameron2323 get stuck in a snowbank and get back to us
people have power to reverse corporate stupidity, we all need to stick together and say , NO, we do not agree with toyota's corp stupidity and let them know how we feel. Are you listening Toyota? You better.... before your refresh truck becomes a garbage truck that no one wants.
@@Boobtube. The only thing that Toyota sees is sale numbers , Will we ever see a Tundra Raptor challenger any time soon?? No FORD Dominates now I would buy a FORD
@@Mycameron2323 If your a frequent off roader it is a big deal plus you need them just in case you have to be towed. I know its a Toyota and some think it will never break down but I've had my 2016 Towed once in the 5 years I've owned my Tacoma. Plus for Toyota to even think about charging for tow hooks on a already $65.000 plus truck is ridiculous. His explanation on why he thinks Toyota left them off the truck is not accepted in my opinion.
Any off road pkg should have tow hooks. No excuses for not including them in any off road pkg. Trucks are now crazy expensive, so cost and fuel economy do not apply to trucks that cost 55k+ msrp
What about people who want to use these trucks as work trucks. Will you be able to put a snow plow on this new truck. I love Toyota and have used there trucks for the last 35 years. But if they don’t give the customers what they want they are going to go elsewhere. They should offer a one ton truck also. Big mistake on there part. I know at least 6 people who bought one ton rams because Toyota won’t offer one. Thanks for the great videos. What is someone in a smart car would rest end a truck. The hitch in the back is gonna do as much damage as the tow hooks would one the front.
It should be on all trucks.
Maximizing profit on a vehicle by using lowest cost parts is the (losing) strategy of companies like General Motors.
People pay a premium for Toyotas, knowing that they cost more to build simply BECAUSE Toyota (presumably) doesn't use cheap parts - or in this case, by decontenting the truck.
Customers WANT and are willing to pay for the tow hooks. They are an essential piece of equipment for some buyers. To have cheapened out on something so obvious makes one start questioning where else they may have cut corners with the redesign.
You are 100% correct Jim when you start looking you can see a lot of places that they cheapened out on this new truck I would not buy this truck at all.
I’m an outdoorsman, I tow a boat and a side by side throughout the year. During hunt season I’m constantly off road. I understand Toyotas reasoning but I don’t agree with it. I know it’s small to most people but to a large group of us, it’s a big deal! Toyota, if your reading this, get this figured out quickly before it’s too late. I’m holding out for a hybrid TRD Pro but if this isn’t worked out by then I’ll have no choice but to give the Raptor a serious look.
Hello, Raptor has the worst towing capacity of the F-150 line
@@Duke93720 For me it’s not about capacity, there’s nothing I tow that would challenge its towing capacity. I would be open to other options like the tremor etc as well. Hopefully Toyota can provide options because to remove them all together is absolutely not worth the reasons David mentioned in my view.
Also for every one of you (and me) there are 10 buyers that will only use their truck for diving to the office to park in a garage and to soccer field for the kiddos on the weekend
@@SignalCorps1 That person needs to buy a Honda Ridgeline or Ford Electric, or a Tesla. My truck looks good driving to the office but damn sure gets used off road and I need it to step up when I go off road.
@@mclark2330 Same here. I’m an engineer and drive into a downtown office, but I live in a small town and get off road often. Nothing extreme, just dry riverbed, a few water washed access road and so on. On vacations and long weekends I tow an airstream which only weighs 7,500lbs fully loaded so that’s not an issue
If extra durable paint was a paid option, I think Toyota might be surprised how many people opt for it.
especially for just a dollar. LOL
Just like tow hooks, just add them to the damn cost of the truck!
Whatever the reason it was not having tow hooks on a supposed off-road truck, it was a dumb idea! My guess is they are going to have to add them eventually. The Tundra is no bargain value truck! Not having tow hooks was plainly a cost savings measure period! If nothing else they could have installed in the frame horns a provision to screw in a tow hook through a removable access cover or even added tow hooks in the rear possibly. The TRD pro is really a amateur off-road truck now! Clearly they did little off-road testing, or they managed to never get stuck. If you have ever been hopelessly stuck you know that is not the time to figure the the manufacturer did not provide a provision for your recovery. So what else did they leave out? No spare tire? No jack and lug wrench? Think how much weight and money they could have saved?
The 2022 Tundra Trd Pro will lose almost 5 degrees of approach angle compared to the 2021 Tundra Trd Pro. It's nothing more than a glorified grocery getter now.
no mud flaps came with mine
I am really starting to sour on the idea of getting the 2022, I have a limited in Wind chill pearl on order but for the same price, I can get a really nice F150 Tremor. Reasons I have soured on the new tundra.
1. Tow hooks - the reasons they have provided are nonsense, they should have kept it as an option.
2. Less inside cabin space
3. No flat floor in the rear like Ford and Ram, still has the driveshaft hump, try sitting in the middle for a long trip, it kind of sucks.
4. Remote start subscription after the trial period ends, what a rip off
5. Fuel economy is really not that great, I thought it would at least be combined around 22-23mpg
6. 4x4 doesn't have an auto mode, where I live we get a decent amount of snow, sometimes the road is pretty clear but has spots where it is totally snow covered, would be nice to have an auto mode.
7. Can't get body color match on off road trucks. I would love to have the same as the TRD Sport so that my mirrors, fender flares, door trim and from grill trim are all body color.
8. Lastly- no option for a V8, why couldn't they used the current engine with this new transmission, Ford found a way to get decent fuel economy with the 5.0 and a 10 speed, I'm sure Toyota could have found a way to get from the current 15 mpg to about 18 mpg.
Looking back at how Toyota marketed the all-new Tundra as a "world-beater" only to launch a middle-of-the-pack product may be one of the biggest automotive disappointments of 2021 😅
Auto Stop/Start is a deal killer for me. Other things: No flat portion on the back bumper when the tailgate is down, shorter bed than the current Tundra, and terrible tech in the head unit. I have an '18 Tundra and love it. I just don't see or feel anything in the '22 that makes me want to spend A LOT more $ for it.
Great list. 1 through 8 are all the reasons i have a problen with the Toyota. I think the Toyota engineers are practicing lazy engineering. I notice this with the refresh in 2014 when they totally got rid of the storage in the back where the flooring in the back was raised. This is a big issue when using a family vehicle. For the 2022, they have made some very head scratching decisions which make it hard to spend so much money with a lot of the conveniences missing.
The remote start thing was debunked, well, you can still remote start using your key fob. press and release lock twice then press and hold a third time. lights flash, and it starts a few seconds later. Will run for 10 mins like other Toyotas. Vehicle has to be locked first. If after starting you open door or unlock, it will shut off. This is a security measure to deter thieves.
@@AmJaxineer it’s because Toyota isn’t as smart when it comes to the remote start. That’s why it shuts off when u open the door. The key fob won’t work either after time. Stop making excuses for piss poor judgment…
Should be available on 4x4 and TRD models. Great analysis!
The fact that Toyota has engineered off-road functionality out of the Tundra that in turn requires approximately 8K in post-purchase modifications is the reason why I did not buy a tundra this year. When you spend $60K on new truck with an off-road package, you you should not have to dump an additional $8K into it to make it functional [tow hooks, bumper step, lift kit].
If saving $10 per truck is important, you could save one hell of a lot more than that with direct distribution. Right now most dealers have mandatory add-ons on the of about $2000. Additionally the SE region has there own add-ons such as Toyoguard for $700. It kind of ticks me off that we are loosing things that only cost a few dollars when regional distribution and dealers are trying to soak you for thousands of dollars.
I talked with a guy at the gas pump who had a new Tundra. I asked him how he liked it. He said, that he is regretting it. Issues with the infotainment system being very annoying. He doesn't like the seating position and seat comfort. He also said he's really annoyed because he doesn't see how to put tow hooks on it. That was something apparently he thought wouldn't be a big deal to add on himself aftermarket. On the positive side, he said it has tons of power and rides better than his old Tundra. I told him my story about choosing not to buy one after seeing the reviews and design. I also pointed out the back bumper body panels on the corners and how dumb I thought they were. I guess I just threw gas on the fire with that one because he shook his head and said "That's just great." It kinda sucks to see people in a hurry to get these new trucks and then being disappointed.
Easiest way to spot a 4x4 F-150 is by the tow-hooks. You would think the 21 packages available on the Limited trim of the new Tundra, there would be one that included tow-hooks.
That kind of financial thinking is why Toyota will never crack the top 3 in the truck market. Even though let's just say they have the most reliable truck hands down, but buying a truck is an emotional intelligence purchase. Just like buying a sports car. Toyota using your paint example, saved 1 million dollars over the life span, but I guarantee they lost more money because they didn't sell even more cars because they cheaped out in other areas, and the consumer notices this. Which is exactly why I have not bought 4 Runner or a Tundra in the past 11 years. 2010 was my last Toyota product, because I will not reward cheapness or laziness, even though I like those vehicles. I would rather lose money on resale then promote that kind of thinking. Not that I ever lose money. I just give away my vehicles away when I am done with them.
Not sure if I agree on your premise of truck buying being based on emotion. Majority of truck owners use them for practical reasons and not just as toys so choosing one to be reliable, and look good as well is what it's all about. That's why there's that saying " working man's truck". Toyota has never been about laziness or cheapness. If they were, they wouldn't be the most reliable brand out there, hands down. Have they always produced a great product? Of course not. But cracking the top 3 was never a priority for Toyota and I don't think it ever will. Compromising on quality is and always will be the number one. And other than Land Rover and the first Jeep Willy's, Toyota trucks and SUVs are world renown and a common sight in Africa, the Middle East and Asia for a reason (we had old Land Cruisers in Afghanistan still running well during my military deployment)
the more aerodynamic issue is really stretching for a reason, IMHO. Truck manufacturers seem to think people that buy trucks are really going to care about the little bit of more gas those tow hooks take. I would say over 80% of truck owners are not exclusively driving on turnpikes or highways for long distances anyway. Most are just driving around town getting the jobs done they need to do. As far as cost reduction, We are not seeing any savings on the MSRP of these trucks. I feel Toyota knows people will complain, so they will come up with a retro fit and charge people $500.00 for the hooks. It is all about greed and getting that extra buck from the people. Same reason why remote start is being taken away, so they can charge $80 a year just to have it. Your safety opinion is a far stretch as well... if your hit by a truck, a tow hook is not going to make much difference in the damage. Toyota, just like most companies, want to increase their bottom line and are very crafty in how they do such. I would think Toyota will lose more sales over their scheme of remote start charging and no tow hooks than they will ever know. There is no report that hits the CEO's desk that will tell him how many sales were lost due to their greed.
Amen to that brother. Anyone trying to justify this garbage is grasping at straws. It’s all about the $10/truck like he said. I’m pretty sure people would much rather just pay the $10 over the damn $60k price tag.
My father in law is in the market for a truck. He was looking at the new tundra, he realized it doesn’t include tow hooks. He is no longer considering one.
Al these excuses are grasping at straws.
*Toyota, are you listening? Wakeup, before all the glitz and glamour is over on the new Tundra and people start to remove their rose colored glasses and see Toyota Tundra for what it really is. It isn't good news.*
@@scottramirez9623 Hello Toyota ....... Are you listening???
Thanks for your reasons David , I definitely think they should at least make an option that can be added , or at least make it part of the off road packages , I mean truck prices in Canada are like 60-80k, for that price they should definitely include them . My biggest issue with the new Tundra is WHY IS THERE NO 4 AUTO?? I honestly dont get it , this alone is almost making me want to go with the Tremor instead of the Tundra
no auto 4x4 is because you will never hit a million miles without replacing the 4x4 a few times Toyota knows that and won’t use problematic parts (unlike Chevey)
How often have you actually needed 4WD in your last truck? Like the other reply above, computers are too stupid in 2021 to know when we actually need 4WD and will break things instead.
If you don’t know how to use 4WD then you shouldn’t own one. Flipping or dialing a switch is not to hard
@@kb9oak749 i had 2001 GMC 4X4 failed had to replace tranny twice 2 fuel pumps 2 water pumps 1 rear end fix the front end countless times the list goes on and on i currently own 2014 tundra and guess what NO break downs so far and i drive it like i stole it….
No V8
No Tow hocks
You pay for remote start access after 3 years on your key fob
To me these are deal breakers
i was really excited to see the new tundra having an option for a 6.5ft bed but no tow hooks really kind of ruined it. for all the people saying no tow hooks is no big deal, ya'll probably don't even use the 4x4 on your truck either. Tow hooks should be standard on any TRD off road, period!
tbf, i have to hooks on my bumpers. i removed the oem ones since they can't stand up to tugging on steep mountainsides.
If it cost $1 for tow hooks, I wouldn’t mind paying $50 per tow hook
I'm gonna be real as it gets.
People talk about tow hook this and tow hook that.
Talking and comparing second Gen Tundra to the third Gen Tundra.
Mean while I'm literally still driving my first Gen Tundra.
And over the long years of ownership.
I don't recall ever having to or use the tow hook on my first gen tundra ever now that I think about it.
Have my 00 Tundra since 2007 and maybe used mine a few times, and that wasnt for a tow or vehicle recovery.
Safety as the reason for no tow hooks? Naw seriously doubt that
Some people never had to use their spare tire either but it is good that it is there just in case.
Tow Hooks were an oversight. Aerodynamic is BS, just look at the grill
I replied about the same comment! That grill is gigantic
Thanks for the very informative video. The Subaru Forester comes with a tow hook that can be installed when needed under a cap on the bumper. Toyota could have used a similar method for the Tundra. This could solve the aerodynamics and safety concerns. After owning three Tundras, I just ordered a RAM and the lack of a front recovery points was what tipped the scales toward the RAM. If others make the same decision that I made, the savings might not turn out to be good for Toyota's business. Believe me, moving away from Toyota was a big decision for me. Besides the 3 Tundras, I've owned 2 RAV4s, a Sequoia, and a 4Runner.
Hey, Toyota, did you consider the opportunity costs of not including the tow hooks? How many potential buyers are now buying your competitor's trucks because of this omission?
I will be buying a 2022 F-150 Tremor for the same reasons. I also just read that the 2022 Tundra Trd Pro will now have 5 degrees less of approach angle than the 2021 version. I cannot continue to support a company that doesn't understand or seem to care about it's customers needs.
My biggest complaint about the truck is lack of inventory and dealer mark up. Sort of a temporary complaint but hey we are all complaining so I'll register mine.
Toyota lost me with the front end. I realize some love it but I don't It appears they have considered charging a monthly fee for remote starting. That's a cheap move. Now, they have no tow hooks to save a few dollars. That's another really cheap move. When I buy a new truck in 2023, it is my intention to buy a Ford F150 with a 5.0 V8 assuming the V8 is still available.
Junk Ford
The styling is bad someone would have to add a massive front bumper (with tow hooks) to fix the styling snafu. The 2021 Tundra look far better AND HAS TOW HOOKS
I'm not a v6 fan .. the new tundra has great lines ...looks great right up until I see the front...even if it still had a V8 option I wouldn't buy it because of how the front looks..
I don’t buy that reasons. Put the town hook on and see if you loose any mpg. I think Toyota plan to sell it as an accessory that way they can make more money from tundra owners.
Your explanation makes perfect sense, as usual. Thank you for offering your highly valued opinion.
If it's a 4X4, there should be tow hooks............
So I am riding along on my bike and get hit by a 2022 Tundra. I dust myself off and say "thank God it didnt come with tow hooks". Really?
Thanks for your analysis and perspective.
Not buying any of these reasons….except cost, and they are out of touch with American consumers.
I want BIGGER cargo capacity and a 7.2kw power output like the Powerboost F150
I find it wild they didn’t at least put tow hooks as an OPTION for the Off-Road models. The other models? Fine. But the people buying the OR specific models probably don’t give a damn about whatever small % the tow hooks save in efficiency etc.
Great video once again..Thank you..
The recovery points are a $3500 option . It’ll b called the Toyota Tundra TRD pro , tow hook edition.
too funny
Dave, great video. It is nothing but the “bottom line” it makes no sense. The same issue happened after 2014 when they decided to remove the grip handle on the driver side, now is back. When are they really going to start listening to what their costumers want??!!
I have a deposit on a 22 Tundra and was glad they brought back 4 doors and a 6.5' box. I have a 2006 Tundra still for this reason and have been holding out for the re-design. Although the 2007-21 5' Box is about the same cubic inch of space as the new 2022 however the extra length comes in handy. I'm glad they kept a straight tailgate (with snow and salt in my area you are just asking for premature rust in the all cracks and seams of a multi use tailgate). Power rear window a big score too - great feature and be sad to see that go.
All that being said I do use my truck as a truck and Toyota has missed out on key features that are basic truck necessities that I use constantly and would not go without. Tow Hooks, a bumper that lets you step up into the bed easily (a flat part of the corner of the bumper that a work boot can safely stand on), and glitchy pay to use tech/remote start as illustrated on youtube by current owners. I'm ok to have a subscription for live humans answering your sos calls 24/7 if that is something you like, but to pay to access remote start feature is crazy after dropping this kind of money, constantly typing in your PIN to see your screen etc. The dealerships do enough nickel and diming as it is, now to me is seams like the manufacturer wants a slice of the pie.
Its not clear if there is any way you can strap any load (ie a canoe, long lumber) down to the front area of the truck....tow hooks would solve this and many other issues owners face. With the front cowl air damn I'm suspecting any strapping point beyond the lower bumper cant be used without essentially strapping your air damn up, maybe causing damage/burning out the motor? I'm not sure on this so still have to learn more or see a truck in person. It would have been easy to put a couple covers on the bumper that had screw type recover hooks that could be inserted when needed (I think VW/BMD do this), not the prettiest but functional anything is better than nothing.
So for me I think its another year of waiting and holding on to the 2006, hoping Toyota does an immediate refresh of these key points everyone is having with the redesign and work on streamlining the technical features and pay per use services.
1million dollars saved. This is an excuse for big corporate and a downfall for not speaking to their target market sufficiently. I would rather pay an extra 500 dollars for a better paint job or tow hooks on a 50-60k truck than to hear excuses from the engineers. They should be asking themselves how much money they could make by not alienating the customer base.
We want tow hooks !! Especially on the off-road package
Hi David, Thank you for this perspective, everything you said makes sense. I think what Toyota missed is that while most of their customers don't do serious offroading and bury their trucks in mud there are times when we use our trucks to pull a shrub out of the ground out or help a stuck motorist especially in the snow belt. We buy trucks to have a capability even if we don't use that capability all the time.
Great opinion on the tow hooks...they seen very reasonable points...I just hope they will be available next year when I purchase my tundra and don't have to get after market product....thank you ..keep reporting
None of your reasons are good enough. This is just ridiculous. I'm trying so hard to get past some of the bone-headed decisions that Toyota made on this truck, but it honestly seems like they're secretly trying to push buyers away.
I think your on point on the safety issues and the impact on the insurance rating is well worth it. Offering it as an option would be best and not offer as standard offering. (I am a motorcyclist too!)
its bs. how about the bumpers? if it hits a pedestrian or cyclist do you think it will not cause damage?
Not a deal-breaker for 90% of folks and I’m sure there will be someone who will design something aftermarket. Well presented. Thank you.
Can you share your green screen setup? The combo your using / resolution is fantastic!
5 minutes of content in a 11 minute video. Gotta love CZcams.
In addition to the variable louvers in front of the radiator and there is a clunky mechanism for the retractable air dam that occupies the same piece of real estate needed to install tow hooks.
Some off-roaders will inevitably remove the retractable chin spoiler and its deployment mechanism to install either locally manufactured or soon to come aftermarket tow hooks.
Mr. Chao, thank you very much for this video, certainly very informative.
And please, if you find out that an aftermarket company will be selling tow hooks for the 2022 Tundra, please let your viewers know right away!
Thank you for your comment. Yes definitely I will find out who can provide the tow hooks and talk about that in future videos.
David, Again, very informative and helpful to hear your perspective on tow hooks. As mentioned, I have a 1794 on order. My dealer said that the build date is Jan 19th and he does not have an ETA when it will arrive at the Dealership but estimated Mid February. My question to you and on your specific order.... I think they build the Tundra is one day but what happens after it is built? Is there a test and quality evaluation period? I would assume that the truck is put with other trucks on a car carrier going to the dealership or in the same direction and then shipped. How long should it take to get to the dealership after the Production date? Thanks again.
Like many have said, at least include them in the off road package. The new Truck has a few misses, another one is the 20" wheels with the TRD Off Road package in some models. What are they thinking?
So if you hit the ditch in the winter make sure you come to a stop with the rear facing the road so you can be pulled out from the rear.
Seems to be the trend with Toyota the past few years. Removing things to cut cost while still raising prices.
David, do you have any idea what you are saying? Do you think if I'm going to buy a truck that cost me, let say $57,995.00, I would really give away the tow hooks to save one dollar in the price of the truck? Sure coming down to $57,994.00 will get me to sign in!! LOOOOOOL
Anyway, everything else you said makes total sense. Total sense to them, but not to me.
I love the brand, but I'm not going to contribute to their odd way to market the product just because they think they can. I'm not going to pay markups, and I'm not going to pay even more for a hybrid that is well behind the Ford F-150 in many ways.
You and other youtubers can keep creating all this marketing cloud about the Tundra (sure it is a good product), however, it is being offered at an abusive speculative price, it is not mind-blowing as they said it would be, and... it will soon become obsolete if compared with other incoming EV trucks.
All that in plain English: NOT WORTH IT.
I'll keep enjoying all your videos, but trust me, I won’t drive my own Tundra the way is being marketed right now.
Thanks for your videos and focusing on sometimes little but important things that matter to buyers 👍. I have a 2013 Sequoia and a 2013 Silverado and have used the tow hooks on both a few times each. I live in the South and feel very glad I have the security of having front tow hooks on both just in case. I was considering upgrading my Silverado to the new 2022 Tundra, but how would I feel about buying the only full size truck designed, manufactured, and sold without front tow hooks? Glad to hear this is important to many other owners of 4x4 trucks who have also expressed concerns about this. Also, my 2013 Silverado has auto start- no reason why Toyota should not make this standard on all 2022 trucks without having the owner pay a monthly fee.
They really dropped the ball on this.
Thanks David for the great video. I now own a 2019 Toyota Tundra Limited Crew Max and love it.
1) I am no longer in the market for a 2022 Tundra due to Toyota's alienation of the Loyal Toyota Tundra Customer Base.
2) If you buy a 1/2 ton Pick up, you are not concerned with a 1/2 MPG verses tow hooks. Its a TRUCK! You need the Tow Hooks.! I use mine often.
3) This crazy deal of taking the remote start from the owner after three years. This ticks the owner off!
4) Add the $10 to the price of the truck and pass it on the ME the buyer.
Toyota needs to go back to the "Total quality program" for design and building of the truck.
The feedback that Toyota received from the customers from the Late 1980-1995 MADE Toyota's quality reputation. When they went away from this program in 1996-2000, the engineers took away the insulation in the 1996 Camry to save a few $ and cheapened the paint and changed the fuel pumps, all to save a few $,
This made the 1996 Camry the worst Camry in 10 years. It was very noisy, the paint pealed off and the fuel pumps failed and would leave you on the side of the road.
Toyota needs to go back to this "Total Quality Program" program and use the feedback from the Loyal customers that have owned and still own Toyota vehicles.
As a Loyal Toyota owner, I am now looking at the GMC AT4X.
A Good friend of mine just bought a GMC AT4X and I LOVE it.
His GMC AT4X gets 23 MPG/Highway with a V8!!!
The best I have seen with the new 2022 Tundra is 19.1MPG/Highway..
My 2019 Tundra gets 18.1 MPG/Highway with the 5.7 V8.
In my opinion, Toyota needs a major 2023 Refresh and an apology for the "3 year limit remote start" stupidity before they totally alienate their loyal customer base.
On side note!
I have a family member that owns a Prius Prime.
The 2017 Prius Prime with Toyota Connect is no longer supported.
Not ANY Toyota Connect feature is supported Now!
You can't even buy the connect feature now.
So you are without remote Start or any Remote Connect features.
Toyota will not give any reason or fix for this discontinuation of service.
Toyota is going in the WRONG direction!!!
Thanks again for the great videos,
Nelson
Well said. Any company owner knows its better/cheaper/easier to keep a customer then to find new ones but I agree totally blew its loyal following out of the water with these clear and obvious misses
David your prospective on why Toyota did not include the tow hooks as part of the new Tundra lineup was interesting based upon the three points you mentioned. I have been anticipating the resign and the eventual release of the new Tundra particularly the TRD PRO. I have never owned a truck before and will be in the market for a truck in a few years, and so far the Toyota Tundra has gotten my attention. The tow hooks are something I am looking at to have in the truck I do eventually purchase.
If I was Ford, GM, or Dodge, the next set of commercials would emphasize for just three seconds, "...and our trucks come with tow hooks". Game...set...match.
Everyone is looking for tow hooks but I’m looking for a way into the bed with tailgate down.
Where do you get into the bed?
No step on bumper when it’s down and no step that pulls down
Yes another channel highlighted this. Another poor design. How do you not provide some standard way to step up into the bed? Its crazy basic but I'm walking in my bed several times a week. Add a muddy or snowy boot to the 2022 Tundra and you will be knocking out your teethe. Lets hope the 2023 model gets changes people are hoping for.
No tow hook on a truck stuck in the mud or simple snow storm is a disaster! Ridiculous! So glad I have a 2021 Platinum!
Even the Ford Maverick is available with tow hooks and it starts at 29K. I do agree with your resoning for not having them. I added them to my Ram for more crash protection for the truck plus if I ever get stuck will be easier to get pulled out and not rip off the bumper valance trying to hook up to the control arms.
A lot of cars with plastic bumpers come stock with a factory tow hook included with the car. These bumpers usually have a round knock out and a large screw in eyebolt as a tow hook in the spare tire compartment. Our old Corolla came with it.
I don’t think Toyota decided to omit the recovery hooks. I think they overlooked it or there would be an easy way to mount optional tow hooks. Toyota’s focus was on reliability, performance, aerodynamics and appearance, they forgot how important recovery hooks are to off-road enthusiasts and how “cool” they are to some. How cool would it be to have TRD red tow hooks on your TRD pro to match the red accents in your TRD Pro truck like the red stripe on the steering wheel and red start button. Not all TRD PRO or TRD Off Road owners off road their trucks.
Also I think because of their focus I mentioned above, they also overlooked the fact that when the tailgate is down the design of the bumper does not allow you to use it to step up into the bed. It was a lot cheaper to install that little drop down step on the driver’s side than redesign the bumper. I am just stating my opinion. I love Toyota’s. My first car when I was 19 was a brand new 1980 Celica ST 5 spd with no AC, which was an option. It only had a drivers side rear view mirror. To get a passenger side mirror I had to get the GT :). I’ve owned a new MR2, 3 new Camrys, 2 new Corolllas, new 2009 Lexus RX350, New 2018 RX350. I’ve owned trucks of every make but Toyota, so I am real excited about getting a 2022 Tundra as my first Toyota truck and have been following all the news and posts for months. I’ve been buying vehicles without haggling for 20 years now having some cars delivered to my house. Basically the internet sales manager sends me the window sticker and a price which is lower than msrp, I look up the dealer cost and if their profit seems fair I give them my credit union info and it is sold. I have never haggled down my local Toyota dealer on the price the quoted me on my last 4 purchases. Now, most Toyota dealers in my area are starting to annoy me. I could wait. How long could dealerships wait? :)
I don't plan to get stuck. Someone else can pull out those broken down jeeps
Does anyone know how Toyota approached this issue with overseas Land Cruisers? I see the new 300 series doesnt appear to have front recovery hooks either, but they are available as an accessory (Toyota AU says requires a front bullbar front bumper though). Are people in other markets also as up in arms?
When you reduced the cost of the paint did you reduce the quality of the paint? If you didn't INCREASE the quality then this is not kaizen, unless kaizen at Toyota means "continuous improvement in profits".
Some years back, my 2003 Chevy Silverado had a recall for the tail gate cables. Apparently, some genius at GM thought it would be cheaper to use galvanized cables over the stainless steel ones. Well, the galvanized cables began to corrode and break. So GM had to recall them and replace them with stainless ones.
David please ask Toyota to put a dedicated remote start button on the fob, I miss it more than recovery hooks. I didn’t purchase a Honda Ridgeline because for $45K the value falls slightly short and I also certainly see enough of this in the new 22Tundra to cause me to wait for more before spending $55-60K.
I ordered a 2022 Toyota Tundra SR5 w/ TRD package. I was surprised when it was delivered to find that it has no power seats. I just assumed it would. That is really annoying. Can I pay the dealer to put in a power driver seat? If so, approximately how much would that cost me?
Not having tow hooks is a joke for a 4 wheel drive truck I don't like that."come on Toyota " I have a 14 Toyota tundra with mud tires all the works . Bullshit
Nothing say truck like a nice pair of tow hooks.
This is the comment that will help the channel.
I just hope you can hook a plow up to it. On my 07 Tundra and pretty much every other truck brand, the push plates for the plow get bolted to where the tow hooks go. But if there is gonna be an option for tow hooks (fingers crossed) then maybe there's hope for bolt on points to put a plow on.
Good info
Yep. You cited the exact reason why Toyota deleted the transmission cooler in the '19 to '21 Tundra's. That was a huge cost savings (short term) in the hope that few transmissions will self destruct during the warranty period. They determined that few owners tow enough to make a difference. Similar analysis but with greater consequences. Toyota must have hired too many influential ex-GM employees. Very unfortunate that they are following the failed American business model.
These videos are coming more frequently. How could they not find all of these little issues before releasing it?
Dave, good video. Clearly there is a lot of excitement around the launch of the new Tundra which has led to some very strong positive and negative reactions from Toyota Tundra fans and truck community as a whole.
I would love to know what Toyota is saying internally about the reaction and whether they feel the need to adjust their strategy to the market or not. That said, I suspect that a change in strategy will not happen unless they are not able to meet their sales targets. This leads me to conclude that economics will be the priority here, not safety or fuel economy.
New to the truck world. Never realized that tow hooks were so so very important! I guess that folks that live in rural areas really need/use them? In learning mode here…. ‘hope I never miss them…
I agree with all of your input except the safety part of it. If you have vehicle impact of any kind that is never a good day. My 2WD Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD got stuck on the job site driving through a soft spot of dirt that was being prepped for pavement and I was able to be pulled out via included tow hooks. They could also just have plastic body painted covers over the tow hooks for aerodynamics? Either way Im sure owners of 4x4 will appreciate it on their vehicles with an optional off-road package. Thanks for the great content!
A lot of cars including Toyotas have a tow connection point at the front of the vehicle behind the plastic bumper cover, that can be accessed by removing a small piece of the bumper cover.
Safety: I think the 6000 pounds behind the bumper moving down the road would have a greater impact on something than the tow hooks
Thanks for the great video, but I don’t think that economical reason, as the 1$ can add in the bill,
I have question regarding return radius of new Tundra vs old one ?
The larger turning radius and less approach angle are freebies with the new design.
Should be on option - Money wise, air dynamics. Safety?
If you live in the flatlands and use the truck on asphalt you probably always have a cell signal on your phone, AAA is 10 minutes away, and you can walk across the street to 7-11 and get a big gulp while you wait 🤪. For people that live in remote areas, we need every advantage we can get for recovery from potentially dangerous situations. I have an 03 Tundra and an 07 Tundra. The very first thing I purchased for both these vehicles was recovery straps and all related hardware for extraction - and a 2nd spare for each truck!
Toyota is telling the public that these new tundra’s are mall crawlers and grocery-getters. Not meant for off-roading. And this is why I chose to purchase the 22 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X over the Tacoma.
@David Toyota is coming out so late with the Toyota tundra hybrid When do you think the 23 will come out
The mechanical air dam is stupid... its a truck, not a race car.
Tow hooks have always been an staple of a truck, not an air dam that moves up and down that will break anyways if you hit somthing.
How about the red leather with the Tundra TRD Pro - will they offer another color leather for that trim line? I really liked the black/gray with red accent stitching on the previous year(s)... Red is pretty bold statement - not sure I'm ready to embrace that!!! Thank you..
I would rather have the tow hooks and hopefully not use them, then not having them and hoping you never come across a situation where you need it.
I hope there is a class action lawsuit when people take these off-road and get stuck! When someone pulls you out and you damage the front bumper, then it will change.🤷🏽♂️
Thank you for addressing this controversial topic!
I understand why Toyota would leave them out, most people never use them. However, not having it as an option, especially with off road versions of the Truck is a big mistake. I know off roaders would take on the full cost of adding the tow hooks.
I plan to use my Tundra for off roading and have been waiting for a resolution to this! Knowing that you are looking into it for us gives me peace of mind!
Thank you for listening to the people!
Arigato I wanted a catalytic converter shield and front tow hooks.lol
Anyone gifted with modest intelligence understands the value of tow hooks on the front provide 2 benefits. Primarily when doing tree work, they offer visualizatiostarn for pulling the trunk in coordination with the fell cut. As opposed to rotating ones head 180° to observe the optimal time to apply tension. Thus negating what is in front of the vehicle. Also importantly the front axle is weighted significantly more for tugging.
The smart thing would have been to maje tow hooks part of a package. The 0.001 mpg savings is so minuscule that it wouldn’t matter when making a decision to buy a truck. And as some other viewers have mentioned, if Toyota really wanted to keep the MSRP cost down, they should build to order trucks making all options available.
Nonsense. The aerodynamic thing is goofy, while the safety thing doesn't even make sense - hook-style tow hooks curve rearwards, not forwards to hook pedestrians or whatever in an accident, while the round-style tow hooks don't even do that. As for cost, Toyota is charging premium prices (especially now with vehicle shortages), so cost cutting is not something I want to hear. They did it with the pillar handle in the previous gen (still gone), now tow hooks. At some point, one has to start wondering what other cost cutting they've hidden away.
Spot on!
I agree with you it is 100% cost motivated. But we will not be able to get them for a mere $12. If we have to pay for tow hooks I guarantee you it will be for around $300 or more. Toyota really screwed us on this one.
Same reason the Tacoma still has drum brakes in 2022