We may see Toyota Tacoma and Tundra Hybrids sooner than we think

Technological advances are happening all around us and every day we see new innovations that make life more convenient, more connected, and less harmful for the environment. New recycling, alternate fuel types, and cleaner technology are taking over industries everywhere and the automotive industry is no exception. Orlando Toyota manufacturers have been developing alternate fuel technology like hybrid engines and EVs for years, but mainly in smaller vehicles like sedans and compacts. But Toyota is taking its technology a step further and may soon incorporate its fuel-efficient technology into hybrid pickup trucks. Check out the details right here from Toyota of Orlando!

The road to hybrid pickup trucks

Hybrid technology has been part of Toyota’s mainstay engineering since 1997 with its inception in the Orlando Toyota Prius. Since then, this technology has been incorporated in vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, RAV4, Corolla, and Camry, but there’s never been a hybrid pickup truck. With several other auto manufacturers creating hybrid pickup trucks, it’s only a matter before we get Orlando Toyota Tacomas and Tundras on our lot.

But the term hybrid pickup truck may seem strange to many drivers. Typically, hybrid engines don’t sport as much power as a typical internal combustion or diesel engine and how would that translate to a truck. Surprisingly, it’s not unheard of for an Orlando Toyota vehicle’s hybrid counterpart to sport greater horsepower and capability than their internal combustion engine siblings. For example, the gasoline powered 2019 Toyota RAV4 can muscle out 203 horsepower, but the hybrid version can produce 219. Hybrid vehicles are also being engineered with more capability, like the new 2019 Orlando Toyota Prius that’s equipped with AWD-e.

Unfortunately, details for current hybrid pickup trucks are being kept under wraps by Toyota and we’re unsure when this technology will become available to Orlando Toyota drivers. However, Toyota has made indications in the past that they intend to pursue hybrid pickup trucks, but are developing the technology needed to maintain the Orlando Toyota Tundra and Tacoma’s towing capacities. One past concept that resembles this technology is the Toyota A-BAT concept. This vehicle Orlando Toyota hybrid pickup truck was introduced as a sub-compact truck in 2007. The concept was to use Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a four-cylinder engine to create a smaller vehicle with capability and added exterior cargo space. It was the first Toyota to sport a mid-gate that allowed for an extendable cargo bed. It could seat four passengers and used an all-wheel drive train.

Although the concept was claimed to be in production, we haven’t seen any further news since 2008 and it’s likely a concept that won’t come to fruition. But that doesn’t mean Orlando Toyota hybrid pickup truck versions of the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are too far away from being developed.

Shop fuel-efficient rides at Toyota of Orlando

While it’ll be some time before the arrival of hybrid pickup trucks to Toyota of Orlando, you can still shop our great inventory of hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Camry, and RAV4. Shop our inventory anytime online and seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road.