The most popular mid-size truck on the market has received a mid-cycle update recently, but that doesn’t mean Toyota is done with changes for this generation. According to the latest reports, there is much more to come in the following years, before the redesign. Of course, 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is definitely one of the most anticipated models in the eyes of truck enthusiasts. At this point, the popular truck comes in two gasoline versions and none of them is particularly efficient. Rivals are more fuel-efficient and, more importantly, rivals also have or are preparing diesel versions. The Colorado Diesel has been around for years, while new Gladiator and Ranger trucks will get oil burners soon.
Therefore, everyone expects to see something more efficient from Toyota. Many reports suggest a diesel Tacoma as well. After all, the famous HiLux uses diesel engines around the world, so this wouldn’t be a big problem to do. However, it looks like that the Japanese manufacturer is about to do something different. We are about to see 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, according to the latest reports, which makes perfect sense, considering that the Japanese manufacturer is famous for its amazing hybrid powertrains.
Which powertrain would 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid feature?
Of course, the first thing about 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid that comes to mind is the powertrain. At this point, there is a couple of possibilities. The company already has some pretty amazing hybrid systems in the offer, so we may presume that some of them could find the place in the new truck. Still, we wouldn’t exclude the possibility to see a completely new system either.
Four-Cylinder Hybrid Powertrain
The first thing that comes to mind is a four-cylinder engine-based system. Toyota already has a pretty impressive hybrid system of this kind, efficient and modern by all standards. Of course, we are talking about the same systems that power the new Camry, RAV4 and recently introduced Highlander. Depending on the version, this system delivers between 210 and 240 horsepower and in all cases, fuel economy is impressive. We presume that the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid would feature the most powerful version, the one that can be found in the new Highlander Hybrid. It delivers around 240 horsepower. The new mid-size crossover returns around 34 mpg combined and we presume that the new truck would be able to mark similar, just slightly lower numbers. These are impressive numbers for a pickup truck, much higher compared to any diesel truck around.
V6 Hybrid Powertrain
Impressive fuel economy sounds great, but trucks are primarily working machines, designed for hauling. The potential problem with this powertrain could be towing capacity. Although significantly more fuel-efficient, four-cylinder hybrid probably would be able to deliver some spectacular towing capacity. Moreover, diesel rivals would be in an advantage by a huge margin. Therefore, we could see a V6-based hybrid system. The one that comes to mind comes directly from Lexus and delivers a total output of 354 horsepower.
This system will be the basis for the new Tundra, with the significant power upgrade, of course. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid wouldn’t require any modifications, as 354 horsepower seems more than enough for a truck like this. With a couple of modifications, this version would be able to return around 27/28 mpg in the combined drive, which is still better than diesel rivals. On the other side, max towing capacity should be at the same level, if not even better.
New Hybrid System
Finally, there’s a possibility to see a completely new hybrid system, developed especially for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid. Still, this doesn’t seem very likely in our eyes, considering that the development would take too many resources, which doesn’t sound too rational, give the potential price tag. Therefore, we are more for two previous options, as they are proven and modern by all standards.
Diesel Tacoma Probably won’t come
Despite the competition and numerous reports, it looks like the Tacoma Diesel won’t happen. Simply, competitors are already pretty capable. Considering the specs of HiLux’s 2.8-liter turbodiesel aren’t something that can help Tacoma stand out, we presume that the Japanese manufacturer will focus on the things it does best, and that are hybrid powertrains. Other than a new powertrain, this version wouldn’t feature any particular difference compared to gasoline models, except for the instrument cluster and a couple of more details.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Release Date and Price
Despite the numerous reports about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, the fact is that the new version is still just a rumor. We are still waiting to hear something from the officials. Therefore, take all those reports with a reserve, because there’s a big change to see this powertrain only after the redesign, which won’t happen in the next couple of years. The price would definitely depend on the powertrain, though we may presume that base models would go around 35.000 dollars.