Hybrid engine for 2020 Taco’s?Is there any

I am going to buy a new 2020 Pro when they come out since my 2017 Cement Pro got totaled recently (man...I’m gonna miss that color) I watched every vid online that I could find and they all just mentioned the new power seats, LED headlights, keyless on the passenger door, re-tuning of shocks, army green color, etc. today I ran into a few websites that indicate a hybrid taco has been confirmed for 2020 - and possibly a diesel too (or maybe the diesel next year). Here is a site:
https://2020besttrucks.com/toyota/2020-toyota-tacoma-hybrid/

1. Is this true?
2. If true, why wouldn’t Toyota highlight it at a car show?
3. If true, what does everyone think about it?

I feel like if it was true there would be more buzz about it. Sorry if I am being naive but this was my first Tacoma.

Other links if it interests anyone:
https://2020toyotatundra.com/2020-toyota-tacoma-hybrid/ (seems same as above)

https://www.thedrive.com/news/26443/heres-why-the-next-gen-toyota-tundra-and-tacoma-might-go-hybrid

 

There are no powertrain changes for 2020, diesel rumors have been going on for the past 20 years or so.

 

1. Vetting your sources, there’s no solid evidence it’s happening for 2020.
2. Yeah, it’s pretty likely Toyota would have spilled the beans by now, right?
3. I’m betting “not true,” but I think it’s a sound idea and would have bought a lower trim level hybrid because gas ain’t getting cheaper and the air isn’t getting cleaner.
Edit: and Toyota knows how to make long-lasting hybrids

 

But... it must be true. Somebody posted it on the internet.

 

2020besttrucks.com and 2020toyotatundra.com aren’t good sources for anything but viruses.

If you can’t find it in a press release from Toyota it’s not happening.

 

I say it’s not gonna happen. Buy a 2019 at a great deal and just enjoy it. Plus if you can get an OR or Sport and save money and get cement that’s even better.

Pros in green will be at a premium and the dealership will get ya. They’ll get ya damn good.

 

I'm all for a Hybrid Taco if they do it right, but that link is pretty much click bait.

I honestly think a Hybrid 4x4 system in lieu of a traditional mechanical system (especially on SR5/Sport/Limited trucks) would be a revolution. One or two electric motors powering the front wheels with the gas motor powering the rear. Full electric mode at speeds up to around 35mph. Electric assist on acceleration. Electric "locker" that sends power to the wheel that needs it. Ability to limp in the event of an issue with the gas motor on a trail... all while being able to be used daily/year round, rather than only when the road conditions are bad or you're off roading. Also helping to improve fuel economy rather than hinder it, and coming in at roughly the same or nominally higher price than the jump from RWD to 4x4 is now.

I think if Toyota is smart, they keep the Mechanical 4x4 available for SR/OR/Pro models until or unless they see a massive demand for the Hybrid system enough to spread it around.

EDIT: Although re-reading that, I think it'd make more sense if (in the event they split between Hybrid and Mechanical) it was divided like this:

Mechanical: SR (volume/low cost), TRD Sport (volume/traditional), TRD OR (volume/traditional)

Hybrid: SR5 (volume/experimental), Limited (premium/halo), TRD Pro (premium/halo/experimental)

This way they can leverage their bets the best by offering traditional Tacoma buyers (and boy do we like traditional stuff) repeat experiences should they desire, while also gauging Hybrid reception by offering it to premium customers of the Limited and Pro. In this theorhetical scenario, they're using the Pro to test reactions to off road enthusiast reception to the Hybrid while the TRD OR is a fall back in case buyers are not receptive. The SR5 being the volume offering for those shopping in the TRD Sport/OR price range but desiring the Hybrid's features. I also believe traditional SR5 buyers would be more receptive to the Hybrid's features. Meanwhile the TRD Sport is available to SR5 buyers in case they still desire a street-oriented truck with a mechanical system. Lastly the SR retains the mechanical system on a cost basis.

EDIT 2: But in all likelihood, the most plausible situation is that two or three new trims are created to distinguish between Hybrid and non/hybrid models.

 

Love it! Super helpful, all. I am new to the forum so... yeah, learning here. I was a little worried about resale of a PRO that was destined to be hybrid in a year or two but you make good points here - maybe there will, for the foreseeable future, always be people who would prefer a purely mechanical truck. Tradition!
Also, I am still learning how Toyota operates so it helps to get feedback on that. Just wish I could still get a PRO in cement - army green is cool but not for me. I guess I will get black and live with Scratches for the next 20 years!