Tundra Fans Weigh in on Rumored 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid
Many people believe a redesigned 2021 Toyota Tundra is coming within the next year, bringing with it an incredibly massive amount of speculation over what this new truck will look like and how it will perform. I for one am very much intrigued by the possibilities The 2020 Tundra was just released with refreshing new updates, including Army Green TRD pro.
One rumor that seems to keep getting stronger every month is the potential for some form of Tundra hybrid truck. Whether or not this proves to be true, it does feed into Toyota’s aggressive philosophy of producing a much larger amount of alternative fuel vehicles within the next 5 to 6 years.
Tom Kretschmann, Product Subject Matter Expert with the Toyota Product & Sales Engagement team explained Toyota’s upcoming plans. “In the next few years we’re trying to increase the number of vehicles that we have with an alternate, electrified power plant to 25% (of total vehicle sales). Right now it’s about 9%. And give every vehicle we offer an electrified power plant option.”
Could a Toyota Tundra Hybrid happen?
Based on this well-publicized business strategy of moving more and more toward vehicles that have alternative fuel options, I tend to feel a Toyota Tundra with some form of hybrid synergy power makes sense.
Even if it does happen, will truck enthusiasts buy into the concept of a gasoline engine working in combination with electric motors? As we all know, truck owners are fiercely loyal to their brands and have high expectations for their trucks.
TundraCrew has over 40,000 members
I am a member of the 42,000-person online TundraCrew forum. Their mission statement says it all, “We at TundraCrew LOVE OUR TUNDRAS. Join us and let yours shine! Ask questions, share pictures, and as always show your passion for your inner Toyota!”
I am more curious to find out what Tundra owners and fans with much more truck knowledge than I ever will think about a possible Toyota Tundra hybrid in the near future. Also, if this were to happen, what would it need to have performance-wise in order for them to buy one?
Let’s see what members of TundraCrew had to say:
Joshua weighed in with his thoughts. “How much more would you love your Tundra if it just so happened to get 30mpg though?”
“I think that one the biggest reasons we love these trucks is the reliability of them. Yeah, more MPG would be nice but your typical Tundra driver doesn’t care about it. If I had to choose, I would want more power.” Said Adam.
Let’s see what Levi had to say. “450HP and torque for days. 200,000 mile battery warranty. Keep the sliding rear window. Bring back reclining rear seats. Better infotainment system. 30mpg Hwy. Under $50k.”
“I’d buy one if power was similar.” Added Jimmy.
Take a look at the 2020 Tundra TRD Pro in my video review. Click here to subscribe to Torque News YouTube channel for the latest Toyota news and automotive analysis.
Cole had a wild thought. “This truck is going to revolutionize the car industry if it’s at or near 30 mpg. Increases HP and Tow rating from the current Tundra.”
And of course there is a flip side to things. “Never. Not that I'm against better things for the planet. Hybrid is a scam. And a waste of money for the owner.” Debated Keith.
Mike had other ideas than hybrid on his mind. “You guys can keep the hybrids and diesels. I want a 450 hp gas motor, an actual trd off road package with a locker and about 2,500 lbs. of payload.”
Dosty laid it all out there. “Reliability. Hp and Torque in the 500s. Towing 13k minimum. All the creature comforts that come with newer trucks. I am currently supercharged and I’m not sure I could ever go back to a regular half ton with under 500hp. The towing is amazing. The towing MPGs isn't...”
Tee Mac had great insight. “My biggest problem with the truck isn't power it’s control. I tow about 8500 lbs and sway I get in that weight range (yes I have good wdh and it helps) is scary at times. I would love more power but you always want more power. What I wanna know is how are they gonna make it tow more and handle the load better while still improving the mpg.”
Gonzalo was on the side of waiting for proven results. “What I'm looking for in a new Tundra Hybrid is four or five years of proven reliability, then I might start looking at the numbers and features... lol”
Philip summed things up nicely I think. “There is no if there is only when. The hybrid Tundra is coming. LOOK OUT!!!!”
What do these comments about Tundra hybrid tell us?
Things will get very interesting in the full-size truck market if these rumors come to fruition. The degree to which these forum members’ comments were scattered all up and down the spectrum tells me there will be some consumer education required to convince truck owners to accept a potential 2021 Tundra with a hybrid power plant.
There are so many benefits to owning a hybrid. Most times you will have more horsepower on your vehicle if it is a hybrid as compared to a gasoline engine on its own. Also, the fuel efficiency often rises substantially. It will be interesting to see what mpg would end up being on a Tundra hybrid.
Take the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid as a crude example. Compared to its gasoline model the hybrid has more horsepower, much better gas mileage and is extremely reasonable in price.
Will we see these same performance results with a potential upcoming Toyota Tundra hybrid? Only time will tell.
Please weigh in with your thoughts on Tundra hybrid
Would you welcome a Tundra hybrid if it becomes available? What criteria does it need to have or meet for you to drive one? Also, what is your perception of a hybrid vehicle and would that influence your decision to buy a hybrid truck?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.
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