People Have Put Millions Of Miles on This Toyota Tundra Drivetrain and Disillusioned By Turbocharged Nightmare

Where have all good V8 trucks gone? This morning I saw a Toyota Tundra trucker lamenting in a world of EcoBoost and turbocharged V6 engines. 

Commenting under a video on whether Toyota can fix the issue with the new Tundra trucks and restore the brand, a user named Charles Fine says he doesn't want the turbocharged V6 engines and showed where to still find a V8 Tundra trucks.

"This is coming from someone who worked many years for a Toyota supplier and is very familiar with Toyota's engineering and manufacturing processes. I am a Toyota fan who has and continues to own Toyotas. I have many friends and family members who feed their families by supplying Toyota with components here in the US.

"I recently decided I wanted to buy a full size truck, so I went out and found me a good used 2020 Tundra 4x4 with the IForce 5.7 V8. People have literally put millions of miles on that drivetrain and it is well proven. I have no doubt that Toyota will get what is going on with the new Tundra figured out and fix it. Their investigation and countermeasure (PDCA) processes are very slow and methodical, but once they figure it out, it will be permanently resolved.  I Just really don't want a twin turbo six cylinder truck though. Fords have issues with cam phases and are cheaply made overall. Ram makes beautiful trucks, high class trucks, but are going to the Hurricane turbo six. The older V8 Rams have MDS/lifter issues. GM makes V8 trucks but I am not pleased with their quality whose AFM self-destructs. So if you want a good reliable V8 4x4 truck, get a previous generation 2014-2021 Tundra."

Charles has a point here. But don't forget the Nissan Titan, which is exclusively a V8, and will be discontinued after 2024. "Though it is pretty reliable too, it's definitely the underdog in its market for sure," said another user in the discussion referring to the Nissan Titan.

V8 Trucks: A Thing of The Past?

The historic rumble of a V8 engine might be fading into the sunset for full-size pickup trucks. I mean you can see how Fine echoes this sentiment lamenting the lack of reliable V8 options in the new Tundra trucks.

You know, Charles isn't alone. Many truck buyers prioritize the tried-and-true power and longevity of V8 engines, exemplified by the millions of miles logged on Toyota's 5.7L IForce. However, stricter fuel-efficiency regulations are pushing car manufacturers towards smaller, turbocharged engines.

This shift presents a challenge for truck buyers:

• Limited V8 Choices: While Charles suggests using 2014-2021 Tundras, other brands like Ram and GM are phasing out V8s entirely, with potential reliability concerns surrounding their turbocharged V6 alternatives. Nissan's Titan, the last V8 holdout, is slated for discontinuation.
• Turbocharged Uncertainty: I can understand Fine's concerns about the reliability of new turbocharged engines, in which he highlights potential issues with Ford's EcoBoost and GM's AFM system.

So, what are the solutions?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some possibilities:

• Manufacturers Offering V8 Options: Truck makers could cater to a segment of buyers who prioritize towing power and established reliability by offering V8s alongside turbocharged engines.
• Hybrid Powertrains: Hybrid trucks that combine a V8 with an electric motor could offer increased fuel efficiency without compromising on power. This approach is already being explored by some manufacturers, striking a balance between performance and regulations.
• Focus on Turbo Reliability: Manufacturers need to prioritize the long-term reliability of their turbocharged engines, addressing potential issues raised by Charles and others. This includes robust testing and warranty coverage to build trust with V8-skeptical buyers.

Friends, I think at the end of the day the future of V8 trucks remains uncertain. However, by acknowledging car-buyer preferences and exploring alternative solutions, manufacturers can ensure there's still a place for reliable power in the ever-evolving truck market.

If you are a truck lover, let me know please, how much is the V8 important for what you do with your truck? Please, join the discussion by clicking the red link below and writing your comment. What do you think, is it worth to buy a Toyota Tundra with around 200K miles?

By the way this V8 lover says "I admit I initially rejected Toyota Tundra because of V6, but TRD Pro turned me from sceptic to superfan."

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.