With the debut of the redesigned 2022 Tundra full-size, light-duty pickup truck, the automaker introduces its new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. According to Toyota, it features significantly faster processing speeds, over-the-air (OTA) update capability to keep it technologically fresh, and improved smartphone integration and voice-recognition systems.
Toyotas equipped with the Audio Multimedia infotainment system feature high-resolution touchscreen displays with crisp, modern graphics. The touchscreens also support smartphone-style operation, including fingertip swipe, scroll, pinch, and zoom.
As an added convenience, Toyota Audio Multimedia systems feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so there’s no need to use a cord to connect to the smartphone mirroring technology. Wireless smartphone charging is also available, and in the new 2022 Toyota Tundra, it is an angled dock to the right of the transmission selector.
Audio Multimedia also introduces a new Intelligent Assistant voice-recognition system. Using a wake-up phrase such as “OK, Toyota,” the driver or the front passenger can issue voice commands to the infotainment system. The experience is more like what consumers experience when using Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa.
For example, if you’re running low on gas, you can say: “OK Toyota, find the closest gas station.” If you’re getting cold, you can say: “Hey Toyota, change the temperature to 75 degrees.”
In the new 2022 Toyota Tundra, Audio Multimedia comes with a standard 8-inch display and an available 14-inch display. In other Toyota models, expect the 8-inch size as the standard offering. Depending on the model, the optional display is likely to be smaller than what you see in the Tundra.
Cloud-based navigation is available with the new infotainment system, and OTA software updates keep the maps and Google point-of-interest (POI) data current. Navigation is available to use with or without a live connection to the cloud, thanks to an offline mode.
Toyotas equipped with Audio Multimedia can also save user profiles via the Toyota App smartphone app. Profiles can include specific media and climate preferences and are transferrable to other Toyotas equipped with Audio Multimedia technology.
While the 2022 Tundra is the first Toyota to get the new infotainment system, other models will offer it in the future. The transferrable user profiles will allow you to switch from the Tundra to, say, one of Toyota’s SUVs and bring all of your favorite settings with you.
With Audio Multimedia, Toyota will continue to offer its connected services technology. Various service plans are available, some with complimentary trial periods.
For example, Safety Connect offers safety-related services such as automatic collision notification. Wi-Fi Connect turns a Toyota into a rolling internet hotspot with service provided through AT&T. With Wi-Fi Connect, owners can even stream Apple Music and Amazon Music through the vehicle’s stereo speakers.
When the complimentary trial periods end, you’ll need to pay a subscription fee to continue the services.
J.D. Power data shows that consumer confusion and dissatisfaction with infotainment systems can hurt their overall satisfaction with a vehicle’s quality, dependability, and overall appeal. With the new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems, the automaker hopes consumers will find improved responsiveness, a more intuitive user experience, a more natural voice-recognition system, and long-term satisfaction with navigation and POI software accuracy.