The current generation of the most popular mid-size truck in North America is somewhere in the middle of its production cycle. After the recent update, various experts already started to speculate about the next-generation model. However, it looks like the all-new model won’t come that soon, at least not in the next couple of years. Therefore, the Japanese manufacturer already started to prepare some additional updates and besides those confirmed ones, there are also numerous rumors about the novelties for the next year. Among them, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid definitely takes the most important place.
At this point, a new powertrain is just a rumor. Therefore, keep the following paragraphs with a reserve.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Powertrain
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the powertrain. According to rumors, there are few options in the game, but one of them seems most likely. Of course, we are talking of one of the existing systems, which already proved itself as an efficient and reliable unit. The current gasoline models are extremely reliable, but pretty thirsty as well. That is one of Tacoma’s biggest drawbacks at the moment.
The first hybrid system that comes to mind is the one that debuted in the new Highlander. Practically, this system has been around for years and this is the most powerful version of it so far. It is based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and comes in pair with a couple of electric motors. Total output goes around 240 horsepower, which seems okay for a pickup truck.
Fuel Economy
Of course, the biggest benefit of this model would be an excellent fuel economy. If we look at the new Highlander hybrid, it returns pretty impressive 33 mpg in a combined ride. Considering that the mid-size truck features similar size and weight, mpg ratings should be similar as well. In any case, mpg ratings will definitely go over 30 miles per gallon, which would be the highest ratings in the class by a large margin. For comparison, Chevy Colorado Diesel returns around 25-26 mpg in a combined ride.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Towing Capacity
While this hybrid system looks pretty impressive in terms of fuel economy, predictions about towing ratings aren’t that great. With around 240 horsepower and the fact that hybrid models can’t tow as similarly-powerful gasoline counterparts, we don’t expect from this unit to match Tacoma’s V6 version, which is good for about 6.800 pounds. Therefore, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid wouldn’t be very competitive in these aspects, and most truckers would rather choose something more powerful with lower mpg ratings.
That’s the reason why many believe that this system could be only a temporary solution until we see a complete overhaul. After the redesign, the company will probably introduce a completely new system, which significantly more power, definitely over 300 horses, probably based on a six-cylinder engine.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Design
When it comes to the base design, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid wouldn’t be much different compared to gasoline models. Of course, it would be a little bit heavier, but most specs would remain the same. This includes the styling as well, though the hybrid could feature a couple of exclusive aesthetical details. On the other side, we don’t expect to see the TRD Pro model with this powertrain, at least not for the initial launch.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Release Date and Price
Although some reports suggest the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid could be ready already for the next year, the fact is that the new model is still just a rumor. Therefore, take these paragraphs with a big reserve. When it comes to the price, we presume it would go around 35.000 dollars, roughly.
