With all eyes on half-ton truck segment in the upcoming season, there are few compact pickups that could draw some attention. Ford launched 2019 Ranger, GM will boost its off-road Chevy Colorado ZR2 package, and Toyota will add a hybrid drivetrain for its Tacoma. The last might be the most important change in the small class since no other vehicle has a similar type of engine. In the full-size segment, we will see Ram 1500 with the mild-hybrid setup. Now, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid will be first of its tier.
It seems like the Japanese company shifted its priorities from a diesel truck. We are listening for these rumors for a while, but neither do Tacoma or Tundra are getting such powertrain. Instead, the truckmaker is going to develop the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid. It is not so certain. Even if the new model appears, it will be a concept. The production will have to wait for a while.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Concept
All Toyota’s vehicles will get hybrid or electric drivetrain sooner or later. Not only cars, SUVs, and trucks from this company are coming with such engines. Ford is going to invest nearly $6 billion into the electrification of its models in next decade. But, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid could be remembered as the pioneer in the pickup segment.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Specs
The concept could be very similar to the one Highlander SUV is using. It is the largest vehicle in this segment with a hybrid engine. The new Tacoma could borrow the same unit. Well, it could suit perfectly for a compact truck. Two models are using a similar 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Highlander’s mill can make 20 horses more though. Since the SUV is lighter, its fuel economy is also better. Furthermore, the hybrid setup, that uses the same V-6, adds 10 hp more. With a total of 306 hp, this engine has a perfect output for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Four-Cylinder Hybrid
Again, Tacoma and Highlander are using the same entry-level four-cylinder engine. And yet again, the SUV has better outputs. However, a 2.7-liter powertrain has no electric motor’s support. Making a hybrid drivetrain of this unit is possible. However, we doubt fans would like it. Well, according to sales records, a V-6 engine is far more popular, both for pickup and SUV.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Release Date
The new 2019 Tacoma is out. We are still expecting updates for this edition. One of them could be the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid. However, the schedule is still in hands of bosses and we don’t know if it is happening any time soon. However, in foreseeable future, this kind of drivetrain will come. If not as the 2019 year model, then 2020 Tacoma will definitely get a hybrid drivetrain.
Future
Experts were skeptical when the first hybrid cars arrived. The same suspicion existed when larger crossovers started to use similar engines. Now, with hybrid trucks, opinions are the same. But, when 2019 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid appears we are sure all suspicious minds will be changed. Power and fuel economy boost for the small rise of the price are always welcome.