Will Next-Gen 2022 Toyota Tundra Make a Good Hybrid?

Tough. Reliable. Strong. Dependable.

If I was a contestant on the game show “$100,000 Pyramid” I might answer, “Words used to describe a Toyota Tundra.”

And I would be right.

Toyota Tundra has definitely earned the reputation as a truck people can count on. It rarely breaks down, it does the work it is asked to do, and looks good as well.

But, like most good things, the Tundra is in need of change. There is nothing wrong with the current generation, but it has not been actually redesigned since 2007. Sure, it has had a few refresh years, but fans and enthusiasts are ready for the next great Tundra to roll off the assembly line.

2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Currently Toyota Tundra is powered by the combination of a 5.7-liter V8 engine and a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. This produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. torque.

Tundra carries with it fuel estimates of 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined for 4x2 trucks and 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined for 4x4.

Many insiders feel the V8 engine will be replaced with a V6 twin turbo engine. Also, there have been enough rumors swirling around automotive water coolers to know there will be a hybrid option available as well.

A hybrid would certainly increase the gas mileage in a next-gen Tundra. It will more than likely result in higher lower end torque as well.

This idea of combining a gasoline engine with electric motors scares some, while others are excited to see the potential advantages this can bring.

Fans comment on Tundra Hybrid

I have written previous stories on a potential Tundra hybrid alternative. To me what was even more interesting was the reaction from Tundra owners and fans.

Tracy has some specifics in mind. “Hauling capacity in the 3,000-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 their trucks can pull 5-6 tons but cannot haul 2k pounds. Mpg close to 30 as many of us use our vehicles for commuting and want 6.5-foot bed with crew max, as 5.5 is borderline useless.”

Doug is on board for a hybrid. “I agree that increased payload is critical. I will not sell my tundra until a hybrid comes available.”

“I just want to see what the 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.” Commented Will.

Dean M had some detailed thoughts. “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.”

Dean went on in more detail. “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.”

I could not agree with you more Dean.

“The Hybrid system for Toyota has been out since 1999 and sold in the states starting in 2001. The tech is there we just need it put in a truck.” Toyman chimed in.

How about a 4Runner Hybrid

KC wants hybrid use expanded. “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.”

David had this to say. “Move to a higher number of gears would help and electrification would be ok. Mentioned in another forum to use the Land Cruiser 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).”

VIDEO: Compare Tundra CrewMax vs Double Cab in my video review.

Charles wrote. “I think most truck buyers are scared of change. If the tundra becomes a v6 turbo with hybrid technology and gets 30 mpg, tows 13,000 lbs. plus has Toyota reliability it will be a smashing hit, a game changer.”

“One friend of mine who already owns a Tundra is waiting for the new model. However, he stated he would not purchase a hybrid because he doesn’t want it to break down when in the mountains when hunting. The Toyota hybrid technology is fantastic. I’ve never heard of their system simply failing. I heard Toyota now believes their batteries will last approximately 30 years, more recently they have increased their warranty on hybrid system to 10 years, at least with trucks sold in Canada.” Commented Dean.

This part about the new hybrid battery warranty is true.

Time for your thoughts on Next-Gen Toyota Tundra

Have you been waiting for the next big thing in a Toyota Tundra? If so, would you consider a Tundra Hybrid version? If so, what appeals to you about the idea?

PREVIOUS STORY: Toyota TRD Pro color: what do you think about Lunar Rock?

If you would never think about getting a hybrid truck, what reasons do you have for this? This might be a great topic for a future story.

Also, what do you hope the next-gen Tundra has as far as safety, technology, convenience, powertrain and styling?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.

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