While everyone is talking about the upcoming redesign and hybrid powertrain, a diesel version remains under the radar. However, many experts suggest we could a diesel version as well. Simply, if the Japanese manufacturer want’s to keep pace with American rivals, which all offer oil-burner versions. Therefore, we could easily see such a version from Toyota. At this point, this is just speculation, so take the following paragraphs with a reserve.
Other than the engine, the 2021 Toyota Tundra Diesel shouldn’t be much different than the rest of the lineup. This redesign is about to bring a lot of improvements in all aspects and the new diesel option would definitely bring a lot of benefits in terms of fuel economy and towing capacity.
2021 Toyota Tundra Diesel Engine
At this point, we see two possibilities for the 2021 Toyota Tundra Diesel. If you look at the current lineup, Toyota doesn’t have a proper six-cylinder engine, which is the case with Ford, Chevy and Ram. Therefore, eight cylinders seem like a certain thing. We’ve been hearing a lot of talk about a familiar unit from Cummins. Of course, we are talking about a 5.0-liter V8. It is good for about 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. With such numbers, the 2021 Toyota Tundra Diesel would definitely feature pretty impressive towing capacity. However, if you look at what happened with Nissan Titan XD, which features this engine, we are pretty sure that Toyota won’t risk such fiasco.
Therefore, we could see something even more interesting, Toyota’s good-old VD turbodiesel. This engine has been used in Land Cruiser for decades and with certain updates, it could be a decent solution for the 2021 Toyota Tundra Diesel. It is a 4.5-liter V8 unit, which in the current Land Cruiser delivers around 290 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. With certain modifications, it could easily gain much more power. On the other side, it would be a little challenging to meet the latest emissions regulations.
One of the biggest benefits of such an engine would be a significantly better fuel economy. The current gasoline engine is the thirstiest in the class. This one returns pretty decent 23/24 mpg combined in the current Land Cruiser. Of course, we would also expect some pretty impressive towing ratings from this model.
2021 Toyota Tundra Diesel Design
Other than the engine, the 2021 Toyota Tundra Diesel wouldn’t be much different compared to its gasoline counterpart. The upcoming redesign is about to bring a lot of novelties and one of the first things that come to mind is a new platform. The new architecture has been named F1 and it will bring significant improvements in various aspects, starting from stiffer chassis, weight reduction, improved ride quality, etc. One of the things that come to mind is a new suspension setup, especially at the rear axle. The testing model has been spotted and it looks like it features new, air components, which would significantly improve the ride quality.
Of course, this redesign will also bring new aesthetics. Still, we don’t expect to see any radical changes. The new 2021 Tundra Diesel should come with evolutionary design, which could borrow some details from the latest crossovers, especially at the front. Also, some sources suggest Toyota might bring back the single-cab version. Naturally, we also count on a completely new interior, with a new layout and loads of new technologies.
Release Date
According to some reports, this version could come already in the next year. However, keep in mind that the 2021 Toyota Tundra Diesel is still nothing more than a rumor. So, take this article with a big reserve.