Rumors about the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel are back again. Well, the Japanese company has never dismissed those speculations, as they did for Tundra. We were hoping the hybrid might be here instead of an oil burner. A few options are exposed. However, it is most likely that Tacoma is getting a new diesel engine, rather than borrowing one of the drivetrains HiLux is already using.
The competition is not tough. Well, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel will face an old rival – Chevy Colorado. For some while, it was the only mid-size pickup with an oil burner. Now, Jeep Gladiator is there as well. One more competitor might be there as well – Tacoma Hybrid. Experts assumed the Japanese company is going to turn to a greener source of power.
2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Release Date and Price
The lack of info about the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel makes this still a long shot. Since there are no spy photos or anything that shows what to expect from the truck. Well, enhancement of the torque, gas mileage and towing capacity is a sure thing. But, the release date is a total mystery. We doubt the Tacoma Diesel is going to be here next season. The concept might present the truck, but the production is not starting any time soon.
Engines and Specification
A diesel engine should be there to improve towing capacity and boost the mileage. Toyota already has a few good options, but none of these drivetrains is available in the US. For example, a 2.8- D-4D is a reliable powerplant that makes Hilux one of the best trucks in the world. The output of 205 horsepower would be competitive. But, experts believe the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel needs more than 310 lb-ft of torque. For example, Chevy Colorado gets 370 pound-feet from a 2.8-liter diesel displacement. Another problem is emissions standards.
Not only for a 2.8 but also for a 3.0-liter motor. This oil burner is slightly more potent than its smaller sibling. Its codename is 1KD-FTV. Even if it meets emission requirements, a 3.0-liter V6 is not good enough compared to Jeep Gladiator. Its EcoDiesel of the same size delivers 260 hp and 440 lb-ft. Converted to the towing capacity, that will be a key difference.
So, the final option is to develop a new unit. Again, there are more cons than pros for this idea. It will cost a lot and Toyota will rather invest in a hybrid setup. The abovementioned Chevy and Jeep trucks are using the existing diesel powertrains.
Hybrid vs Diesel
Toyota is a leader in all hybrid segments. Rav4 is the most efficient crossover, while the Highlander was the only three-row SUV with such a configuration. Now, it is even fuel-friendlier than many smaller vehicles. It won’t be a surprise to see the Japanese company delivering the first hybrid pickup. But, truckers would rather like to see the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel with a higher towing capacity. Both configurations are going to provide better mileage, while it is still questionable if the hybrid can meet towing demands.