Is the hybrid engine a bust?

We all know that the hybrid is targeted as a performance, not efficiency, upgrade. But looking at the performance, I'm not sure it makes a compelling case.

While the claim is 48hp and 148lbft, observed performance seems questionable. Zero to 60 times of hybrids are nearly a second behind the non-hybrid. The hybrid Tundra's zero to 60 meanwhile is 0.4 to 0.5 faster than the non-hybrid, and that's on an electric motor bump of a 48hp and 104lbft. If you look at the power/torque curves, electric hp/tq are most improved below 3k, so underwhelming high-rpm sprints makes some sense, but why is the Tundra different?

Ok, sure, the low-end torque is better for work, off-road, or maybe towing (500lbs less capacity), but the battery and engine also adds 480 pounds of heft. Of course, 2.4kW bed power is cool and back seat storage not-so cool. The +3/+1/+2 (cty/hwy/comb) are also cool, but it'll take 250k miles to break even on the $3,700 hybrid price bump.

I applaud Toyota for integrating new drivetrain technology, but the vast improvement to the base engine and AT seem to outshine any benefit of the MAX entirely. Incremental improvements could make the motor/batteries lighter, more efficient, or more powerful. It's possible a hybrid gen 5 will knock our socks off, but for now it seems like a novelty.

 

0-60 is notoriously inaccurate. For instance, motor trend lists both 6.0 and 7.1s for the 2024 pro:

6.0: https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-toyota-tacoma-trd-pro-first-drive-review/


7.1:
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-toyota-tacoma-trd-pro-first-test-review/



short answer: go drive both and decide which you like, ignoring magazine numbers to the tenth of a second

 

For the most part, the first 2 sentences of your 3rd paragraph sum up why they are liked.

 

It's intended to help at low rpms before the turbo shows up. I'd imagine it would be helpful if you stepped up in tire size..

Have you driven one or just reading about numbers?

 

I test drove first the standard trd off-road and then hybrid trd off-road for about 15 minutes each. Afterwards, I put in a deposit for the hybrid off-road. I’m willing to pay the extra $3700 for that extra muscle. When you break that amount into your monthly payments of 60 months it’s just $62 a month. Worth it to me.

 

The hybrid is there for 150lb feet of extra torque with zero extra rpm. The way its implemented on the tacoma is not really for effeciency.

You get the hybrid for the same reason you would get the top powerplant on any truck - it has the most torque and power. I do appreciate the bigger inverter though it has already come in handy.

If the non hybrid has enough power for you then don't spend the extra money.

 

.1, not 1 second difference.

Drive both back to back and make up your mind. That's what I did and how I ended up picking the Hybrid.

 

Which is negligible another run could make the hybrid faster by .1.

 

Drag racer who has done a metric shitload of slow car foot brake drag racing here: it’s wildly inconsistent to measure 0-60. Without a really rigorous set of conditions, two comparisons—especially to the tenth of a second— are not easily reproducible or reliable

Heck, fluid temps are worth half a tenth in my Camaro, and significantly more in slow cars. I once took a rental Chevy spark to the track and couldn’t reproduce the same ET within 4 tenths, and that’s the same car on the same day with the same driver at the same track

 

Someone really needs to measure/test 2 identical trims with same tires.

 

Wait till I install that TRD oil filter bro

 

Comparing 0-60 times for a truck?? I don't get it. Roll on performance for merging is much more relevant for most drivers. Drive them both and decide for yourself. Dealers are happy to let you do it. No regrets with my hybrid.

 

I am not sure what you are trying to say.

every engine is a hybrid. You have an alternator for electrical power. Except in my 2nd gen that electrical power is very low.

in a hybrid you have much more electrical power. That even aids in efficiency.

I lived in my truck. I could not power a microwave. If I had a hybrid with the significant electrical power it adds, I would be able to power a microwave. Meaning more capability.

camping self sustained in the middle of nowhere in these trucks is the entire point.

if a hybrid is 2000 watts that means I can run a 1000 watt microwave.

my truck has max 400 watts. Which is not enough to run a microwave.

 

I no longer bring propane stuff. Now portable induction cooktop, microwave, electric kettle, and next trip a recently gifted air fryer/oven.

 

Crispy tater tots for the win!

 

The people that bought the hybrid are going to say it is great. The people that didn’t are going to agree with you. Simple as that. So many different butts for every kind of seat. Sales will determine if it is a hit or a miss.

 

Ditto

 

hybrid is the answer. In general. As it has been.

I have neither a new non hybrid or new hybrid.

Sales figure is irrelevant.

glad to hear. I had a propane tank in my back seat, battery, detector alarm, and the thought of when I go to sleep in the truck bed is something going to happen

not to mention the space that all took

and plugging into walls. Idling. Trying to get solar when it was cloudy.

 

Sales figure is a bad way to tell which is more desirable because many buyers of Tacoma are on a budget and isn’t willing to pay the additional cost. I’m certain if there was no up charge on the hybrid sales will be a lot more for the hybrid. Because who doesn’t want that additional power!

 

Like OP, I had some doubts on paper.

Ignored posted 0-60 times and armchair opinions from folks, many clinging to prior gens, pimping Nissans & GM twins, etc...Instead, I drove both versions back to back, extensively, and on several occasions. Voted with money.

1500 miles, not a bust.