Big novelties are coming in the next year in the pickup truck segment and one of the most interesting is definitely the 2021 Tundra Hybrid. The next generation of Toyota’s full-size pickup truck is finally coming, after 13 years of waiting. The new model will come with significant improvements in all aspects, but the powertrain department seems particularly interesting. Of course, it’s because of the electrified powertrain, which will bring significant benefits, not just in terms of fuel economy, but also in terms of overall performances, as the latest reports suggest this system will be very powerful.
Other than the hybrid powertrain, the new Tundra will be better in many other aspects. The company has prepared a completely new platform, which will provide better ride quality, higher efficiency, better performances and more. Of course, we are also about to see a new styling, as well as a completely new cabin design. We expect to see it sometime in the last quarter of next year.
2021 Tundra Hybrid Powertrain
Without any doubt, this will be the most interesting novelty for the new generation of the full-size truck. The Hybrid Tundra 2021 is about to come with a new system, which has a lot of similarities with the Lexus LS 500h but comes significantly upgraded. You may count on a turbocharged V6 gasoline engine, but also on at least two powerful electric motors. According to several renowned sources, including Motor1, we may expect a max output of around 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Also, the new system would come in pair with a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Without any doubt, the new hybrid system would bring significant improvements in terms of fuel economy. The current gasoline version is extremely thirsty and returns just around 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. On the other side, this version will probably the most efficient truck in the class. The exact 2021 Tundra Hybrid ratings are still a secret, but experts suggest numbers like 30 mpg or more.
Towing Capacity
Another aspect where the Tundra definitely needs improvements is towing capacity. Thanks to more power and torque, but mostly thanks to a new chassis, the new model should be far more capable than the current one. The current model can tow up to 10.200 pounds, which is way below-average for the class. From the new model, we expect something like 13.000 pounds, which would put Toyota Tundra 2021 Hybrid on par with rivals like F-150 and Ram 1500.
2021 Tundra Hybrid Design
This will be a complete overhaul, so the 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid is about to come with significant novelties in many other aspects. Of course, one of the first things that come to mind is a new platform. The Japanese manufacturer has developed a completely new architecture. It is called TNGA-F and it will bring significant improvements in terms of ride quality, rigidity, weight reduction and more. Also, this platform will be modular and it will be used for the entire Toyota SUV&truck lineup.
Naturally, the upcoming redesign is also about to bring a new styling. At this point, the exact details are still unknown, but some rendering photos have already appeared. They clearly show a lot of influence from smaller crossovers, such as RAV4 and Highlander. We can’t say how likely it is to see such a design. Still we have no doubt that the new model will stick to conventional aesthetical solutions. Another thing we should mention is that there is a big chance to see a single cab version in the offer once again.
Naturally, the upcoming redesign is also about to bring a completely new interior design. This is where we expect to see pretty significant improvements, considering that the current model looks really outdated. We count on a new dashboard, with more attractive aesthetics and significantly improved quality of materials. Furthermore, we count on additions of all kinds of the latest tech goodies, including a large touchscreen, latest infotainment system and more. Bigger changes in terms of interior dimensions are not expected.
Gasoline Option Marches On
Despite we are all eagerly waiting to see the new 2021 Tundra Hybrid, it looks like that a pure gasoline option will remain in the offer too. The company works on a new engine, which will be called I-Force Max but we still don’t know if this is going to be an upgraded version of the current 5.7-liter unit, or we are about to see something new. In any case, we count on improvements, especially in terms of fuel economy.
2021 Tundra Hybrid Release Date and Price
The new generation of this full-size pickup truck, as well as its electrified version, is about to hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the next year. At this point, we don’t know the details about the price. Still, there is no doubt it will be notably higher compared to the standard gasoline model.
I am in the market next year for a new pickup I currently have a tundra and looking forward to the new body style and engine changes and hopefully greatly improved gas mileage and towing capacity. I have owned 2 tundras and found the vehicles to be very dependable. I hope the new version is even better.