Toyota is going to invest more into hybrid models, rather than diesel units. Tundra truck is written off, while the smaller Tacoma is still rumored to be here at some point. Well, the speculations are based mostly on the moves by other companies. Jeep added an oil burner to Gladiator. Chevrolet Colorado is the best mid-size pickup for towing. Even without a diesel engine, Tacoma is the most popular model in the class. If the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid happens, it will cement the place.
Like with diesel, everything we know about the electrically-powered model is still speculations. On the other hand, things happening in the Japanese manufacturer’s yard are showing intentions to hybridize the entire lineup. We are not seeing only models that are joining the bandwagon. All vehicles Toyota delivers to the hybrid segment are class leaders. Highlander is a mid-size SUV with 35 mpg and the Rav4 Prime crossover that can crack 300 horsepower. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid will increase both power outputs and gas mileage. There are a few options we already see as possibilities for the upcoming pickup.
2022 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid V6 or Four-Cylinder?
There are two potential configurations we can plant under the hood of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid. The standard edition is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The same one was used for the Highlander and its hybrid setup. There, the power output was enhanced from 290 to 310 horsepower. Now, engineers retuned the configuration and used a four-cylinder powertrain. More than 60 horsepower is sacrificed, but the gas mileage jumped to 35 mpg, which is above all expectations for the mid-size three-row SUV.
Both of these setups are questionable for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid. A V6 is more likely, because of its extra power. On the other hand, engineers will have a tough task to make the truck capable of towing a lot of cargo. On the Highlander, the capacity was not so impressive. It is one of the key factors when buying a truck. So, a four-cylinder mill is even less likely. Still, the fuel economy is something we cannot overlook.
2022 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Release Date, Prices, Verdict
One thing is sure – Toyota is working on the hybrid configuration for the pickup truck. The bad news is that company is keeping all the details as secret. We will have to wait to hear an official story from Toyota. Meanwhile, we can only speculate. But, this is a race, since other companies are also thinking about a hybrid truck. Tesla already launched an all-electric pickup and Ford chiefs said their company will do the same in the foreseeable future.
We expect to learn more about the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid by the end of 2021. The price will depend on the configuration. With a V6, expect a push of $3,000-$5,000. However, fans could see a more powerful configuration, which will definitely make the Tacoma Hybrid more expensive. It is going to be interesting to see which trim levels the configuration is going to combine, especially if it becomes available with the TRD Pro.