Diesel engines for Toyota trucks are still drawing a lot of interest. However, the company seems to be firm on developing hybrid and all-electric units instead. But, while they are refusing to jump on the bandwagon, the competition is taking advantage of the lack of options. Well, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel is not officially dismissed, so we can imagine it happen next season. Chevrolet Colorado and Jeep Gladiator are doing well, offering extra torque and the best towing capacity in the class. These are the reasons good enough to test the new market.
Tacoma is available outside the US as HiLux. It is one of the most popular trucks in the world and it exploits a diesel engine. Well, it won’t be as simple as that just to carry over the same unit to North America. Toyota will have to retune it, or develop a new powerplant. That is the biggest stumbling block for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel. Also, the question is how much longer oil burners are going to survive?
Possible Powertrains
The abovementioned HiLux truck is popular because of the special diesel configuration it offers. The famous D-4D powertrain is featuring a common rail system and produces enough power and torque. On the other hand, the main concern is gas emissions. So, it will be the #1 task for engineers if Toyota decides to install the same unit for the Tacoma. A 2.8-liter displacement seems to be the perfect match to the 2.8-liter turbodiesel, featured in Chevy Colorado. Nevertheless, Toyota won’t make it up to 200 hp and 370 lb-ft. Even boosted, the D-4D will come with less power and torque.
There are two key options the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel is going to improve compared to the V6 petrol configuration. First of all, oil burners are consuming less fuel. The truck is currently in the low 20s, and the diesel engine could make it over 25 mpg. Also, the towing capacity is getting a boost. Currently, Tacoma is at 7,000 lbs, 700 pounds under the Chevrolet Colorado. A diesel will help the pickup get it closer to the main rival.
2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel TRD Pro
Fans are not excited only about the new powerplant, but also pairing with the most impressive off-road package the mid-size truck world has ever seen. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel TRD Pro could be called a dream pickup, with unseen capabilities so far. Well, the Ford Ranger Raptor is also on the way. So, we see huge competition in the 4×4 segment, with Colorado ZR2 and the all-new Nissan Frontier with revisited Pro-4X bundle.
Fox shocks, 1-inch lift, and all-terrain tires are the upgrades that make the TRD Pro trucks so special. The bundle is also available for the Tundra. We can expect an update, but the key features will be back again. Also, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Diesel TRD Pro is going to use bedliner, tow hooks, and skidplates. You know you will take your truck into the wilderness and come back without a sweat.