The next generation of the super-reliable full-size truck is on the way and we are getting ready for all kinds of novelties. Considering that the current generation has been around for almost 13 years, expectations are pretty big. We count on so many changes but without any doubt, the 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid is by far the most anticipated thing for this redesign. So far, we’ve been hearing tons of rumors but the company is still pretty quiet. However, most reports claim this is a certain thing.
There is no doubt that the 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid would bring improvements in all kinds of aspects. Of course, the first thing comes to mind is Tundra’s most critical point, fuel economy. Also, the new system is expected to feature plenty of power, which also promises great towing ratings. Add to this the company’s exceptional reliability reputation and there is no doubt that such a truck would be a quite popular choice.
2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Powertrain
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind about 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid is the powertrain. As we already mentioned, the company is still quiet on the powertrain of the new model, so we have to rely on unofficial reports. Pretty much each of these reports suggests the same thing and that would be a system similar to one that can be found under the hood of Lexus LS 500h.
This means you may count on a system that is based on a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which comes in pair with a couple of electric motors. The total output goes around 355 horsepower. Although that seems like a decent amount of power, it looks like that the Japanese manufacturer is about to offer something far more capable. Allegedly, we are about to see a significant upgrade of the system, which would provide a max output that goes between 450 and 500 horsepower and over 500 pound-feet of torque.
With such numbers, we may expect that the 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid will be both efficient and capable.
2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Fuel Economy
One of the biggest issues of the current model is fuel economy. It comes with a good-old 5.7-liter V8 engine, which is good for about 380 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. This engine is powerful and also extremely reliable. However, it is extremely thirsty, as it returns only 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Those are some of the lowest numbers in the class.
Therefore, a hybrid powertrain would bring significant improvements. At this point, it is still early to talk about some more precise, but some reports suggest this system would be able to return around 30 miles per gallon in a combined drive, which would be by far the best ratings in the class.
2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Towing Capacity
Another thing that bothers the current generation is towing capacity. The current model can tow up to 10.200 pounds, which aren’t very good numbers for the class these days when most competitors can tow more than 12.000. Therefore, a more powerful powertrain, along with new chassis design, should provide significant improvements in this aspect as well. Some reports suggest that the new 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid might be able to tow more than 13.000 pounds.
Does V8 Engine Have Future?
We are pretty sure that the new hybrid system won’t be the only powertrain option for the next-generation Tundra. We expect to see a common gasoline engine option in the offer as well. Of course, keeping the current 5.7-liter V8 engine seems like the most probable solution. Still, the Japanese manufacturer would have to make some significant modifications to it, in order to make it more competitive. This particularly refers to fuel economy, considering that the current version is extremely thirsty. If the company manages to make it less thirsty and add a little bit more power, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t find its place in the next-generation model as well. If not, we wouldn’t exclude the possibility to see some turbo V6 engine option instead. More details should be known soon.
2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Release Date At this point, it is still early to talk about the exact date. Initially, the new Tundra was planned for late 2020, as the 2021 year model. However, the latest reports claim the launch of the new generation has been delayed and that the new model won’t arrive before the second half of next year. We presume that the 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid would be ready for the initial launch. Whether rivals decide to offer similar powertrain options or not, the competition will remain the same. The new model will continue to compete with trucks like Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, Nissan Titan etc.