The Japanese mid-size pickup truck is the most popular model in the segment by a large margin and the recent update should help the company to retain that positions. However, there is a group of Tacoma lovers that feels a little bit disappointed with the latest changes. Not that they aren’t good, but enthusiasts simply expected more than just new interior features and tech goodies. Therefore, it’s no wonder that we can already find reports that suggest 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel.
Of course, there is no doubt that adding such engines would bring significant benefits, but the question is how likely is this to happen. We don’t believe in this scenario and we are pretty sure that a new engine of any kind is about to come before complete overhaul. Still, that doesn’t mean we won’t speculate about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel. The following articles are based on the latest reports that can be found on the network.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Engine
Of course, the engine is the most important thing we expect to see in the new version. The current model comes with two gasoline engines in the offer. They are good in terms of reliability and power, but also quite thirsty. Also, Tacoma isn’t particularly great when it comes to max towing capacity. The V6 model can tow around 6.800 pounds, which is almost 1.000 pounds away from the class leaders, Chevy Colorado Diesel.
All in all, it’s not hard to conclude that a diesel engine would be highly beneficial for Toyota. It would provide a much better towing capacity, as well as much higher mpg ratings. If you wonder which engine would be a logical choice, Toyota seems prepared for such an update.
Borrowing Oil-Burner From Hilux?
If Toyota eventually decides to introduce a diesel version, we have no doubt it would use the same oil-burner we can find in the famous Hilux. The iconic truck is popular all around the world, but Australia and Europe are some of the primary markets. Therefore, it’s no wonder it comes with several diesel engines in the offer. We presume that a familiar 2.8-liter turbodiesel would be a logical choice.
This engine is used for the Australian version of Hilux but can be found in some other markets as well. Moreover, you can find this engine under the hood of the Land Cruiser Prado as well. It’s not hard to conclude that this is a proven engine, which excellent reliability and durability. Moreover, it features quite competitive numbers. A max output goes around 177 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.
With such figures, the Hilux easily meets 7.700 pounds of max towing capacity. We presume that 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel would be able to do the same, so we probably won’t see modifications in terms of power and torque. Also, the engine should provide around 25/26 mpg in a combined ride, which are quite respectable numbers.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Design
Many wonder if there would be any other difference compared to the gasoline version, other than the powertrain. We don’t expect any particular change. This means you may count on the same design and styling, though we might see a couple of small details that indicate an oil-burner. The same thing goes to interior design. Other than a new instrument cluster, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel should feature pretty much the same cabin, which has been updated recently, with things like power-adjustable seats, new infotainment system with bigger touchscreen, smartphone integration and more.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel TRD Pro
This is another very interesting rumor about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel. Many believe that the new engine would be available in the off-road performance model TRD Pro. This version comes with various distinctive features, starting from serious mechanical upgrades. There is an off-road suspension setup, which has been updated recently with new Fox shocks, as well as things like skid plates, off-road tires, locking differentials and many other things. Also, the grille is a little bit different compared to the rest of the lineup, while there is also an exclusive, Army Green color option.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Release Date and Price
According to most reports, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel would arrive already in the next year. We presume that the base price would go around 35.000 dollars.
An Early Redesign
The previous generation of Tacoma was in production for a full decade. However, it looks like the current model won’t have such a long production cycle. It has been around since 2015 and many reports suggest a complete redesign already in a couple of years. A quite mild update is one of the reasons for such expectations. Also, the Japanese manufacturer has developed a new platform, F1, which is modular and will debut in the 2021 Tundra. Soon after, Tacoma should ride on it as well.