Is the hybrid engine a bust?

What's the pricing difference between a hybrid Tacoma and non-hybrid Tundra? The Tundra has 2 more cylinders and an additional turbo. Tundra seems like a better option if additional power is what has a customer looking at the hybrid Tacoma.

 

Sales figures has everything to do with it. Of course it costs more. Taking cost out of the equation is asinine It is like saying of course the Wrangler 392 is more desirable because if it didn’t cost $15k more everyone would want one.

That is the whole point with a hybrid. Does the increased cost offset the better mpg and power gains.

As I stated sales will determine if it will stick around and if the actual consumer wants to pay the premium for it.

 

Is this satire? Have you DRIVEN one?

I’ve driven both and own the hybrid. There’s no comparison to the seat of the pants experience.

 

Yes. Absolute game changer.

 

For me I don’t want a tundra. Never even considered it. It’s to much to manage for parking and maneuvering city streets. So I didn’t cross shop these two models. For me it was Tacoma or ranger raptor. I chose the Tacoma for its reliability and appearance over the Raptor.

 

Yeah but how many people are are looking for a midsize that makes more power and aren't willing to cross shop a fullsize to get something that easily makes more power and might cost less. Many fullsize trucks get better milage than the hybrid. There aren't that many customers wouldn't you agree?

I saw a LC 250 lifted on big tires and thought it looked cool, but it's a hybrid. Not that thing will probably ever go off road, do you still want a hybrid as an OR vehicle? What kind of impact does lifting a truck and running big tires have on the electric motor and regenerative braking?

 

Remember way back to 2023 when you could get a Tacoma SR5 with a standard 4cyl and for only $3,700 more you could get a V6? That was for more power and less mpg. Seems like $3,700 (not even inflation adjusted) to get more power and more mpg (+ a 2400W inverter) is a good deal.

 

Exactly, I had no desire for any Full-size and considered the Ranger as well (also the ZR2). More than pleased with Hybrid and after living with it for a few months, Eco mode makes me smile getting 22-23 mpg on 33s and Perf mode makes me smile pulling out into traffic.

 

I couldn’t give a rats ass about 0 to 60 in a pickup, I have a sports car for that. What I wanted was the best looking truck on the road that still fits comfortably in my garage. I wanted the ability to overland and the suspension to handle the off-road trails and be able to tow a trailer over 12,000 feet. Toyota nailed it! No shit, they nailed it! Yeah, it’s damned expensive, but I’m worth it.

BTW, it rides like butter on hot glass on the highway.

 

I didn't want to get into a fullsize midsize debate as both categories exist. It was more of performance for your money debate for people who aren't only considering a midsize.

Short term with panic buying being the main factor keeping show rooms open the Ford dealership was empty last Saturday. Factor in budget deficits and funding cuts I can't imagine fleet sales doing well next fiscal year. Today I would say the Ranger Raptor won't make it and will be cut if auto manufacturing does not turn around. Eliminating the competition along with the market for the hybrid Tacoma.

Edit

February Tacoma sales are down from January #s I wouldn't even compare 25 to Feb 24 there was almost no inventory. 2005 Tacoma sales increased fron in Feb from Jan another all new lauch year that had time to build inventory in to Feb 05. What's the hybrid inventory on dealer lots compared to hybrid sales for any particular month? That will tell you if hybrids are selling.

 

I could have told you Tacoma sales were down last month. There is a stop sale on a good portion of them.

 

18,766/31 days = 605

17,110/28 days = 611

Sales are definitely plummeting.

 

Not the hybrid.

More trucks sold in Jan compared to Feb.

Those are the facts. What impact does the introduction of the hybrid have on over all Tacoma sales is what I'm wondering? Could be an increase or decrease in sales or no calculable impact at all.

I don't think the hybrid is a bad option. Who wouldn't want more gas pedal? Does the hybrid translate to a good product for overall Tacoma sales?

 

when I was shopping for my first tacoma, I drove a 2022 3rd gen and a 2024 4th gen hybrid, and ended up buying the hybrid. Acceleration at a green light feels night and day. I did not drive the non-hybrid 4th gen, but have no regrets on my own purchase.

$.02

 

The new hybrid power train IS a disappointment in the Tacoma and all BOF Toyota vehicles its being used in. The claimed ~2 MPG boost is not seen in real-world driving; the real-world HP boost is minimal; the truck weighs 500 lbs more; and has less storage. If Toyota had come to the table with a 25 MPG Tacoma hybrid long bed (this is not asking much), I would have already traded into it.

 

^ Bingo.
And all that extra initial cost and maintenance for a drill motor in the tranny.

 

If a drill motor gives 48hp and 150tq extra, it seems cool.

and not everyone wants the size of a tundra. I hate driving full size trucks and one wasn’t even a consideration for me on driving dynamics alone. Nevermind the other downsides of size I don’t need

 

Says the guy driving a 2019.

 

But seriously what’s deal with all the non-owners of 4G trucks in here moaning about their opinions anyway?

If you don’t own one, haven’t driven one more than a test drive at a dealer, your opinion on the hybrid drivetrain is pretty useless to anyone considering a new Tacoma.

I just drove 60 miles in SoCal traffic, flew in comfort with plenty of power for passing, and pulled 20 MPG doing it.

My second gen was lucky to get 12 on the same commute with a V6 1GR-FE so yeah, the T24A wins. Period.