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By Jeff Teague Feb 15 2021 - 11:06am

Potential for 2022 Toyota Tundra Prime. Plug-in Hybrid Could Happen

Explore the potential for Toyota announcing a next-gen 2022 Tundra plug-in.
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Toyota does like surprises.

Remember it was just last year that Toyota shocked many fans by revealing the creation of a RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Most people did not see that one coming.

An SUV that offers up 302 horsepower. Electric-only range of up to 42 miles. Estimated fuel ratings of 94MPGe. And it has low-end torque and acceleration power capable of reaching 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds.

Highlander XSE was another recent surprise in the automotive community for 2021 that caught us off-guard.

Yes, Toyota does enjoy a good blindside.

2022 Toyota Tundra

2021 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Super White profile view front end

Toyota announced just last week that they are launching two new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and one new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in 2021. I assume these will be 2022 models.

Not many Toyota fans saw this announcement coming. Frankly, it ramped up speculation from about a two to about a nine.

What will these new BEV and PHEV vehicles be?

I had guesses myself. A Camry electric perhaps. An all-electric Toyota Venza possibly. Maybe a new Corolla / SUV crossover. Or a Sienna.

But there was one vehicle I only flippantly mentioned. At face value, it really did not make a lot of sense.

Toyota Tundra. A Toyota Tundra plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

2022 Tundra Plug-in?

2020 Toyota Tundra Double Cab Cavalry Blue profile view front end

Again, this is just personal speculation. I know no specifics or details about the next-gen Toyota Tundra.

Rumors seem to point heavily toward a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine for 2022 Tundra. They also lean into the idea of an alternate option – a Tundra hybrid power plant.

It is good to have choices after all, right?

One of the main areas for improvement according to Tundra owners would be a nice increase in fuel economy.

Current posted estimates for 2021 Tundra are 13 in the city and 17 on the highway.

VIDEO YOU MAY ENJOY: Find out what is new for 2021 Tundra

The ability of a truck to plug-in, charge, and run for a short distance purely on electric power could be appealing to some truck owners.

RAV4 Prime gives drivers 40mpg city / 36mpg highway / 38mpg combined when operating solely in hybrid mode without any electric power assist. But remember, this jumps up significantly to 94MPGe when using a combination of electric and hybrid.

Plus, up to 42 miles on one full electric charge. And it produces 302 horsepower compared to 219 with traditional RAV4 Hybrid.

Potential of a 2022 Tundra PHEV

Since we are hoping and daydreaming here, what would a next-gen Tundra plug-in offer owners?

RELATED: Should you buy a 2021 Toyota Tundra now or wait for a 2021 Toyota Tundra?

Maybe it would give drivers around 20 miles on an electric charge before kicking into hybrid mode? Could it also provide more horsepower than a Tundra hybrid in similar fashion as RAV4 Prime?

This is all watch and wait and see for now. All will be revealed soon. When Toyota is ready.

Time for your Toyota Tundra thoughts

Are you waiting to hear a next-gen 2022 Tundra announcement? What types of features, specs are you hoping for?

This is just my opinion. I cannot wait until we learn all. This new Tundra is going to be a game changer I feel.

We should all find out sooner than later, though. Until then, enjoy your week.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I discuss Toyota Hybrid reliability from owner feedback.

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Comments

DeanMcManis wrote on February 15, 2021 - 3:14pm
Realistically, Toyota should offer plug-in hybrid versions for ALL of their car and truck models. Your take on them doing a Prime version of the Tundra makes perfect sense. But I'd expect to see a Highlander Prime next, and the 4-Runner, and Sequoia as well. And Toyota should extend their Prius Prime PHEV drivetrain to all of their smaller hybrid models as well. I think that is Toyota's long term plan, to make the Prius line all BEVs, and their hybrids PHEVs. But Toyota is conservative, so progress will be relatively slow.
Eric webb wrote on February 18, 2021 - 4:59pm
Just got a 2021 Highlander hybrid. Love it. Drove cross country. Averaged 34 mph. Looking forward to the Prime version in a year or two.
Dennis Dale wrote on February 15, 2021 - 9:29pm
I have had 2 taco's (Tacoma's), and my 2017 Tundra. No issues. My prediction for the new 2022 Tundra is: Yes the V6 turbo, and I hope it has the 10 speed (vs 8) transmission for improved internal noise reduction, more hp, more zip, better (much improved fuel mpg). I feel that the 6 lug wheels vs the 5 wheel lugs will benefit the truck to carry at least twice as much cargo (if not more I am sure), and the wheels maybe 1 inch larger with more heavy duty tires (maybe a D ratting), and I am sure the leaf springs will hopefully be introduced along with the new suspension. And yes, a hybrid system will work for this truck too -- though I feel it will be offered as an option only. The cab size dimensions will probably stay the same as well as the truck bed... though I wish the truck bed and bumper will offer more storage capabilities like the Tacoma's already do! I feel the dash will be the big improvement with a larger LED screen, with more quality like the other 3 big boy trucks already have. I feel the one big surprise that I am not aware of will be the sunroof option of having the "panoramic view type" as another option. However, I would question the extra cost and reliability for same for the first year of 2022. The wheel that I mentioned should be a bit bigger to also compensate for larger brakes that what the Tundra has now. I feel the truck will be lighter, and having better fuel economy along with some increased hp, and torque. I feel the price in general will go up, at least a few thousands dollars for the base truck too. The only thing I wish for is the truck having a "shark fin antennae" vs the standard stick that is prone to win noise & getting broken way too much using a truck for what it is. That's my thoughts for what it is.
Jeff E wrote on February 17, 2021 - 6:07pm
They've had the shark fin since 2020.
Daniel Raff wrote on February 16, 2021 - 10:15am
I already like the design (if the leaked images are true). All I need is a minimum 25 mpg, four doors, 4wd and a 6.5' bed. Increased power would be nice but the only thing I tow is about 7klbs.
David S wrote on February 16, 2021 - 12:35pm
EV’s on a large scale would require ramped up fossil fuel plants to power the batteries and mass mining including ocean mining to source the vast amounts of rare earth materials required to manufacture batteries. Has anyone thought this through...not really.
David S wrote on February 16, 2021 - 12:41pm
EV’s on a large scale would require ramped up fossil fuel plants to power the batteries and mass mining including ocean mining to source the vast amounts of rare earth materials required to manufacture batteries. Has anyone thought this through...not really.
lee archibald wrote on February 16, 2021 - 2:47pm
i love toyota and love my tundra. this one is my second.while tt3.5 vs is cool and all, please please do not take my trusty tried and true 5.7 v8 please.
Jeff E wrote on February 17, 2021 - 6:11pm
Talk to any of the F150 owners with the 3.5 Ecoboost. Unless they're using cruise control at the highway speed limit, they're not saving any gas over the V8 equivalent on city roads.
Kevin wrote on March 19, 2022 - 9:00am
I own both. False!
DeanMcManis wrote on February 16, 2021 - 9:49pm
You are misinformed about rare earth use in EVs. There is a tiny amount of rare earth materials used in battery production. There are some rare earth materials used in creating magnets used in electric motors, but this is far less than the rare earths used in petroleum refining for the gasoline that everyone uses today. Lithium and nickel are very common, and cobalt is also not rare, and being phased out of modern batteries. In California 44% of our electricity is already from renewable sources, and that percentage is growing. Industrial and commercial electricity use is already far greater than all of the EV power use would be if EVs started to replace fossil fueled vehicles. Norway, which leads the world in EV adoption (50% of all new car sales there are EVs today) has ramped up their electricity production to meet demand, and they run almost 100% on hydropower. So no fossil fueled power plants at all.
Jeff E wrote on February 17, 2021 - 6:06pm
Except in Norway they are limiting people's ability to charge due to electricity shortages and have raised the price of electricity 300%. So it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
Scott wrote on February 17, 2021 - 10:38am
A few years ago Toyota partnered with Ford on a Hybrid, that partnership fell apart and so far it looks like Ford is doing more for Truck Hybrids then Toyota . Anything short of a Plug-in From Toyota means they don't give a crap. I will be purchasing a Plug-in Truck this year. I prefer to go with the Tundra if it happens and I will be first in line with $ in hand but if it does not I will go with Tesla. I am just not willing to meet Toyota half way on a Truck which hasn't had a redesign in 14 years. Go big or Go home Yota
Yodrop wrote on February 28, 2021 - 4:45pm
My thoughts exactly. Plug in hybrid Tundra or Tesla. Which ever comes first. However my 2007 Tundra is still running strong.
john Williamson wrote on February 18, 2021 - 9:39am
Toyota is famous for its withholding of information until the last moment...but I wonder if it is doing both itself and its long-time fans a disservice in keeping matters under wraps so tenaciously? Ford has launched its F150 Powerboost - a compelling product that not only offers hybrid technology, but delivers a suite of features including tailgate power generation, military grade aluminum body, comprehensive towing capabilities and a host of software and cabin benefits that are very unique. Meanwhile, fans of the Tundra (and a huge potential market eager for a reason to buy hybrid or plug-in electric vehicles) are standing around with little or no information and little reason to wait. At this moment in time Toyota knows everything it needs to know about the new Tundra to give consumers information they need to plan... and fans a reason to cheer...
Brian wrote on February 21, 2021 - 2:03pm
Ive never been a fan of Toyota’s but I am interested in a PHEV truck. If it has at least 50km Electric range, 2000lbs+ payload and a crew cab with 6.5’ box, then I would seriously consider switching to Toyota. But they better do it quickly because in about 5 years all-electric trucks with 1000km range will have purchase price parity and kill demand for PHEVs