After rumors about Silverado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, we found some sources claiming the new 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid is on the way. Well, it is not a big surprise. The Japanese company is one of the leaders in this segment. So, having a hybrid truck is not impossible. However, there are two more years ahead of us and we also need to wait for official updates about this model.
Currently, only Ram 1500 comes with a similar drivetrain. But, that is a mild-hybrid system which improves the fuel economy by 1 mpg. That is not exactly what we expect from a true hybrid truck. The question is – can 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid keep capabilities of its petrol sibling? Well, truckmakers could easily turn its pickups into such models. But, to keep up with SUVs that can tow a lot of cargo, Toyota must improve the practicality and functionality of its models.
What We Know About 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid?
The new 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid is definitely coming. But, nothing else is confirmed yet. First, the company doesn’t have a time frame. A 2021 year model could be just a prototype of the production model. When will Toyota start building Tundra Hybrid, we still don’t know. Also, chiefs say this is a big plan and one of the priorities, but they didn’t want to unveil any specs updates and development details.
V6 or V8?
Here is a major doubt. Toyota has a big engine lineup to use as the base for a hybrid system. Well, it is hard to pair a V8 with an electric motor. Outputs would suffer, but the fuel economy is going to jump. With less power, 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid will tow less than we expect. On the other hand, the current truck is using only V8s. Two displacements are available – 4.6-liter with 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 380 hp and 400 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission will remain the gearbox since we don’t hear any rumors about Toyota working on a new unit.
Another option is to harm the specs sheet of the 2021 Tundra Hybrid by pairing electric batteries with V6 engines. One of them is already available for some vehicles. Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander are using a 3.5-liter V6 unit. However, the same engine is under the hood of the much lighter Tacoma truck. So, this kind of hybrid would be more suitable for a mid-size pickup. The other solution is to bring back a 4.0-liter V6 engine. Under the hood of the 4Runner SUV, it produces 270 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. In 2015 was the last time we saw this V6 for Tundra. Now, it is time for a comeback with electric reinforcement.
How Much 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Will Cost?
Everything about the new 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid depends on its base engine. If it appears with a V6 unit, the price will be cheaper. Well, a V8 will bump the cost above $40,000 for sure. SR and SR5 will definitely offer this configuration, while TRD Pro is out of this story. Limited model brings the most features and the price over $60,000 for the hybrid drivetrain.