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By Jeff Teague Oct 21 2019 - 4:13pm

Tundra Fans Weigh in on Rumored 2021 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Rumors of a completely redesigned 2021 Toyota Tundra are swirling within Toyota fan circles, including talk of a hybrid Tundra as well. We asked the online Tundra forum “TundraCrew” about this possibility. Their answers may surprise you.
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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...”

2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro interior multimedia touch screen display

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.

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. Please subscribe to Jeff’s “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for Toyota news, reviews and how-to videos. Follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter him @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.

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Comments

Tracy wrote on October 21, 2019 - 8:15pm
Hauling capacity in the 3000 pound range as I'm much more likely to haul a yard of dirt than pull more than 7k pounds. Makes no sense to me that there trucks can pull 5-6 tons but can't haul 2k pounds. Mpg close to 30 as many of us use out vehicles for commuting and 6.5 foot bed with crew max as 5.5 is borderline useless.
Doug wrote on November 11, 2019 - 9:25pm
I agree that increased payload is critical. I will not sell my tundra until a hybrid comes available.
Steve Ozzello wrote on October 22, 2019 - 8:55am
The Tundra needs a change
Will wrote on October 22, 2019 - 10:56am
I just want to see what the damn thing will look like. I've been waiting on the next gen for a year now and am willing to wait another year IF she's good looking. Had a 2014 Crew Cab 5.7 and traded it in and REGRET it! But before I go back to current GEN I want to see what's coming.. so come on, someone leak that prototype that was shown to select dealers, I need to know if the wait will be worth it
SG wrote on October 22, 2019 - 2:30pm
Toyota needs to build a HD truck with a 8 or 10 speed Auto from Aisin. The frame needs to be fully boxed and latter to be able to tow better. It needs to tow at 12 or 13K. If Toyota built a HD, their sales would skyrocket just on their reputation alone. BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME!
Sam wrote on October 31, 2019 - 8:34pm
Nissan did with their Titan diesel. Look where that gotten them. Toyota is extremely careful
DeanMcManis wrote on October 23, 2019 - 1:50am
Toyota has a really solid plan to introduce the world to EVs by offering hybrid versions of most models moving forward. They are also taking a smarter approach in making the hybrid option as much about power gains as economy gains. They need to steer potential buyer's minds away from a Tundra with a Prius drivetrain, and more towards "quicker-than-gas" EVs like Tesla builds. Keep in mind that Rivian and Tesla are getting daily coverage for their upcoming EV pickups, and Tesla has not even revealed their pickup yet. When announcing the 2021 Rav4 plug-in hybrid Toyota first said that it would be the most powerful RAV4 built so far. The better fuel economy is already implied by being a hybrid model. And if they simply offered that powerful hybrid drivetrain in the Tundra it would likely be a sales success, especially seeing how little the hybrid option costs on other Toyota hybrid models today.
Johnny Brewer wrote on October 23, 2019 - 8:13am
I like the Toyota Tundra Crewmax SR5 myself I have no use for a 52000 dollar truck.i am Retired from JM Family SET Parts Distribution Center in Jacksonville Florida.so I am toyota for life.but there are issues I have with the tire senors not working from year to year.why can't one senior fit all tundra no matter the year. Thanks Johnny
Braydon Z wrote on October 24, 2019 - 1:21pm
I myself am not open yet to the idea of a hybrid tundra. Reliability in off-road and cold weather situations has to be proven first for a number of years. I would like to see the 5.0L V-8 come into fruition from the lexus side. De-tuned to 420 hp with a healthy low end torque band of 430 ft/lbs or more. Mated to a 8 or 10 speed transmission getting 25mpg. This can be achieved and the 5.0L is a proven motor. As for the truck itself, dont change much i love it as is. The tundra tows straighter already then an F-150, dont lose that. Keep the same philosophy thats has been working great. Increased rigidity and lighter weight definitely add in there. And the option to run 37” tires without having to do any cutting of plastic and a BMC.
KC wrote on October 24, 2019 - 10:51pm
We need a hybrid Tundra, hybrid Sequoia, and especially a hybrid 4Runner. Those who are against it are living in the past. We can still have gas-only as an option but the reality is that to get the power we want with the fuel efficiency we need, hybrids are the future. You’re a moron if you don’t want this.
David Treadway wrote on October 28, 2019 - 1:48pm
Move to a higher number of gears would help and electrification would be ok. Mentioned in another forum to use the LC motor/transmission gain HP and mileage. Hoping that is what Toyota has planned. The mild Hybrid would not hurt (More torque and some better mpg's).
BK wrote on November 12, 2019 - 4:40pm
I think keeping the current weight and improving on towing, hauling and power is better than going lighter weight to increase ratings. The F150 may have higher ratings but if you've towed anywhere 75% of it's rating, the truck starts to get pushed around. The weight heft of the towing vehicles makes a lot of difference to secure towing abilities. That's why HD's tow better than halftons when towing the same load. As for going HD tundra, they should do it. Nissan failed because they took a 3/4 ton and threw in a 10yr old under powered engine on it. That along with Nissan's lack luster reliability doesn't help them. Toyota builds quality vehicle and people know that. When the all-new 2nd gen tundra introduced, it sold like hot cakes. It stopped selling only because of the economy crash, not because of competition. I truly believe had the economy not crash the tundra would have sold near or at half a million per year. People know the tundra is a serious contender and succeeding and the competition and journalist take every chance they can get to slander it. Don't build a half-S truck like the titan XD and tundra will succeed.
David T wrote on November 19, 2019 - 1:46pm
Exterior: Body on frame, updated suspension, fox or bilstein 6112 shocks all around for PRO, at least one locker, 6' + bed, better headlights and fog lights, 33" all terrain tires, 8 speed transmission that is rock solid. Interior: USB connectors, at least 2 front 2 back, wireless charging front and back, heated and cooled driver and passenger seats, heated rear...seats must be comfortable! Make the interior quieter than current generation Engine: 3.5 liter v6 from the Tacoma but tune it to 310hp and 320 lb ft as a base engine. Bring back and revise the 4.7 liter v8 with a turbo or hybrid. Give it 360 hp/torque which combined with the 8 speed transmissions should do incredible. 5.7 with twin screws 470hp/500lb ft for those wanting max power/towing/payload...should be 2500 payload and 12k tow. Give it a 30-40 gallon tank. Trims could go SR - 3.5l v6 double cab, 8spd, or crew cab 6' bed or 6'6" $35,000 SR6 - 3.5l v6, 4.7l turbo 8spd, double or crew cab 6', 6'6", 8' $38000-$42000 Limited 4.7l turbo 8spd, double or crew cab 6',6'6",8' $45,000- $48,000 Platinum 4.7l turbo 5.7 twin turbo crew, 8spd, 6',6'6" $52,000 - $55,000 TRD PRO - 4.7turbo or 5.7 twin turbo, 8spd crew cab only 6',6'6" $55,000-space