If you look at the current situation on the market, Tacoma dominates the segment of mid-size pickup trucks and that’s definitely for a reason. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is unparalleled reliability and durability, but there are many more things that come to mind, such as versatility, practicality, off-road performances etc. However, there is one thing that probably bothers many Tacoma enthusiasts. That would be towing capacity, and that’s the reason why many drivers would like to see 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel in the offer.
Rumors about this version have been circulating around for a long time. However, never saw it in production and the main reason is probably the difference in sales numbers between Tacoma and the rest of mid-size pickup trucks on the market. However, this could easily change in the future, considering that many rivals are preparing diesel versions of their trucks for the near future. Chevy Colorado offers such a version for years, while Ranger and Gladiator are about to come with such powertrain in the next year.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Specs
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is which engine would be a good choice for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel. Things are pretty clear here. In North America, Toyota is primarily known for its excellent gasoline engines and hybrid powertrains. However, this manufacturer makes some pretty great diesel engines as well and installs them in internationally-offered models. One of them can be found in the legendary Hilux, which is by far the most iconic pickup outside North America. It comes in various diesel versions but the engine that comes to our minds is a 2.8-liter unit, available in Australia and several more markets.
This engine seems like a perfect fit for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel. It features a max output of around 177 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque and it is characterized by excellent refinement and more than decent overall performances. Another novelty that would probably come with this engine is a manual gearbox.
Towing Capacity
Without any doubt, the biggest benefit from an engine like this would be a significantly improved towing capacity. The current Tacoma isn’t particularly impressive in this aspect. Moreover, the V6 model can tow up to 6.800 pounds, which is 900 pounds less compared to the class leader Chevy Colorado diesel, which can tow 7.700 pounds.
With a new diesel engine, we are pretty sure that Tacoma would be able to meet these numbers. The Hilux can easily tow 3.5 tons, which is equal to 7.700 pounds, so there is no reason why 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel wouldn’t be able to do the same.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Fuel Economy
Another huge benefit from a diesel engine would be in terms of fuel economy. Diesel engines are generally much more efficient, but this difference would be even bigger in the case of Tacoma, considering that the current gasoline engines are very thirsty. The base model returns around 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the V6 is good for about 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
On the other side, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel should be able to hit around 26/27 mpg combined, which is an obvious difference, especially if we consider that the highway economy would probably go over 30 mpg.
How big are the chances to see 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel?
It’s hard to say at this point, but we aren’t very optimistic. The thing is that the current Tacoma dominates the market and that there is no real need for additional costs just a couple of years before complete overhaul. Therefore, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Diesel probably won’t happen. The company will probably wait for a complete redesign and that offer alternative fuel options, though we are pretty sure that the focus, in that case, will be on a hybrid powertrain.
Tacoma Hybrid Would Be a Perfect Solution!?
Instead of 2021 Tacoma Diesel, a hybrid version would be a much better solution in the long run. If you look at Toyota’s latest hybrid systems, which are characterized by an impressive fuel economy. Therefore, we have no doubt that the future Tacoma would be able to mark some pretty impressive numbers as well. However, it looks like the company won’t touch anything under the hood before the redesign.
Once the time for an overhaul comes, we will probably see a new hybrid powertrain, probably based on a four-cylinder engine, similar to the new Highlander. We wouldn’t exclude a V6-based hybrid option either. More details should be known in the near future.
