Analysis paralysis - to hybrid or not???

I really like the extra power and torque that the hybrid models have, but I really hate the underseat location that Toyota chose for the hybrid battery. I like to have some level of preparedness: basic tools, air compressor, camp chair, blanket, jackets, etc in my truck because work and life can put me outdoors without much warning. This makes the rear seat storage compartment very valuable to me. I ended up going with a non-hybrid model for this reason. If the hybrid got significantly better fuel economy, then I probably would have picked the hybrid and figured out a different solution for storage. But 1 mpg didn't swing the needle for me.

 

Sounds like an SR is all you need. You might prefer an SR5, or an OR like you are pursuing to get the full 278 HP for towing, but I think the SR is all you need to get to the office.

 

I own a non-hybrid but drove a max for several hours over a few days recently. The money is of no variable to me, I prefer my non-hybrid. The max has more low-end torque however I am not an aggressive driver and the novelty wore off near immediately. I also did not like losing the storage under the rear seat. Additionally, I wouldn't want yet another extra part that could cost me more to maintain outside of warranty. Additionally, the nickel metal hydride battery lifespan will inevitably deteriorate over the years. A decade old hybrid may be looked at negatively one day. If I were an avid camper or enthusiast that could benefit from 2000 watt bed power I could be swayed a little more.

 

Really great feedback gents - for and against. Thank you. I stopped into the selling dealer to talk to a service advisor this AM and we went thru the service intervals and it was really no different. He said that they have only replaced one hybrid related component, can’t remember if it was the battery or motor, in the past several years and that was on a tundra. Overall, he felt like the Hybrids were overbuilt and likely to need less maintenance over time. Just his $.02.

Thanks!

 

An SR, or SR5 is all that I really NEED, but they in no way give me what I WANT and am willing to pay for. I’ve been driving a 2024 Tacoma SR5 rental now for almost a month and it did two things, 1) confirmed to me that I wanted a new Tacoma over another Frontier and, 2) that the truck would need to be a TRD Off-road.

 

I'm wondering if the hybrid Tacoma would be better for towing, or something with a larger displacement engine like the Tundra, or ecoboost twin turbo 6?

Personally I would skip over the HV Tacoma, if I was buying a truck with the intetions of towing.

I don't have anything to tow, I'd be fine with the non-hybrid Tacoma 4t.

 

No intrest in a twin turbo Tundra, or the 2.7 Ranger? Ram dealer was advertising 20k off all remaining 24s. I'm not intrested in a Ram so I understand that, it's the towing part that makes me want to consider larger trucks.

 

My towing needs are limited to a dirt bike trailer and a small tear drop to drag around the SE with my buddies to go mountain biking; we’re talking maybe 2000lbs. Not heavy towing at all.

 

I bought the hybrid for the 2400 AC outlet in the bed. I can run my camping trailer with the air conditioner running as well as keeping my lithiums topped off. When it's just me camping I can keep my cooler and electric blanket on as needed. I have no need to schlep around a generator. The torque is just a bonus...

 

Me too...no regrets with hybrid. My choice was the regular turbo with the 8k package or the 4k package and hybrid and cant say I miss the pushbutton tailgate! The power is already pushing a larger 33 inch tire too and does it without hesitation. I agree on the open road, as even packed down it still moves with ease. I have also been getting around 21 in the city for 2k miles now. I think I agree with cost...dont go overboard, but for me it was worth a little more. Good Luck deciding!

 

having had a 3rd gen i dont see why everyone says they are missing under seat storage.... yall act like you could fit a 27gallon tote under the seat on those things... really all you could fit was a tow strap and jumper cables and some gloves.. the storage behind the seat was a little better but not much.

 

Personally, for me I didn't want a hybrid. If I was getting a hybrid, I'd get a car/suv that got like 40mpg. I'm sure the powers probably nice but we'll get tunes for that, and for only a couple more mpg not worth it. If/when the hybrid components go bad it's going to be more expensive and like everyone else said the little storage you had is gone, especially since the JBL sub takes up one side of the back seat storage if you have it. I've never MTB but I'd assume you'd keep tools/air pumps, and some spare parts on hand in case you needed it. All that fits under and behind my rear seats no problem.

 

The battery on these are not like "remove the entire body to get under it" to replace...they are pretty straight forward under the rear seat! I am looking at the hybrid as well...

 

im still waiting for a video of a 4th gen with a "tune" beating a iforce maxx... everyone can dog on the hybrid taco all they want, but this is a tester for toyota. the 5th gen will prolly be only hybrid.

 

Especially if Toyota gets solid state batteries into commercial production. A lower weight, higher density, battery based plug-in hybrid truck with power, range, high MPG when *rarely* fueled, and quick charge capabilities is the vehicle that would break through the hesitancy of owning a full on EV. Toyota has been teasing this since 2019, but it seems like others are moving quicker into the necessary production tech.

 

Technically they have! You know that stupid little JBL center speaker that everyone hates? It's got a solid state battery in it.

I know thats not what you meant but the big challenge now is scaling up capacity and amp draw.

 

Did not realize Taco had an electric hybrid model. Very interesting.
After watching 0. The electric motor is just another foot kicking the gas engine drivetrain, not running it directly. Meh.
1. No alternator to replace
2. wet coolant circuit, hoses, extra radiator... flowing through/over your Electric Inverter. Sounds like a future maintenance risk.
3. Not a true electric drive like a prius. 2-3mpg increase only, disappointing.
4. 288v NiMH three-phase AC battery charging yowza. Break out the arc-fault protection!
5. that battery will be mega expensive to replace, on top of engine maintenance.
6. Gotta keep that battery cool when parked in hot weather. Also a fire hazard, not LiFePo.
7. Multi systems and physical crowding... much more complex to work on.
8. Who cares about the rear seats, its a truck with cap. Don't want extra cab period.

If I could write off for contracting business and depreciate in five years I'd consider it.
When Toyota comes up with a true electric drive truck with adequate range, reasonable cost (long long wait...) I'll bite.
Didn't they come up with a hybrid HiLux overseas already?

 

You can either increase power by putting in a bigger engine or add a bunch of unnecessarily complex computer systems and batteries with electric motors.

I refuse to buy a hybrid out of sheer principle at this point until they start bringing back bigger gasoline engines.

 

Where did you come up with number 6?

 

Might also note that Toyota warranties the batteries for 10 years, 150k miles. That, and a couple back to back test drives vs the 2.4T worked for me.

I do miss the under-seat storage, however, most of what goes under the seats for me are rare usage items.