Expert Reveals Pros and Cons of Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Truck

As recently reported, the Hybrid Age is finally here with many experts stating that the hybrid ideal of combining the traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor (or two) is proving to be the best of both the fossil fuel and the electric vehicle worlds.

And what better vehicle to go hybrid that is not a sedan, but a truck to fit the needs of car shoppers looking for utility vehicles. Case in point, the ever-popular Toyota Tacoma that has proven itself repeatedly as one of the most sought-after truck models―both new and used.

The New Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Review

For an important review of the new Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, here is an informative review from the Car Help Corner YouTube channel on what you are getting buying any one of several Tacoma Hybrid models and the host's evaluation of each.

Related article: Toyota Tacoma Aftermarket Part Warning

Jus in case you do not have time to watch the entire video, a summary of the pros and cons is provided below the video.

5 Reasons Why The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Is THE BEST TRUCK To Buy (And 5 Why It's Not)

REASONS to BUY a HYBRID TACOMA

1. Possesses the most torque of any midsized truck: A turbocharged 2.4L 4-cyclinder engine with a strong electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the 8-speed transmission results in a combined 326 HP and 465 pound-feet of torque―which is more than the Ford Raptor with a twin-turbo V6 engine.

2. Reliability Roots: Although it has not been around long enough to earn its actual reliability street or off-road cred, it does come from the same Toyota stock that has proven to be both reliable and dependable compared to other popular models and is expected to provide its owners with the same level of excellence.

3. Improved Capabilities: Not only is the Hybrid version of the Tacoma equally up to the challenge of truck utility that owners want with a rated towing capacity of 6500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1700 pounds, but also the fact that it is a performance vehicle suited for off-road driving as well. Depending on the trim, you can have part-time 4-wheel drive or full-time AWD with heavy duty suspension; The Trailhunter model is especially awesome in both regards.

4. A Wide Range of Model Configurations: No other truck model comes with as many configurations to fit everyone’s needs, desires, and price point in buying a truck without having to go into truck debt.

5. The Resale Value: “There’s no other way to put it, the Tacoma is the class leader when it comes to resale value…it has the highest resale value of any vehicle you can buy―period!” states the host.

REASONS NOT to BUY a HYBRID TACOMA

Despite the new Tacoma Hybrid’s features and expected performance, there are other considerations that might not make this the Hybrid truck for you, that includes:

1. Small Interior Spacing: The back seat area is noticeably cramped with the hybrid battery lying just under the seating.

2. Fuel Economy is Just So-So: Despite being a hybrid, do not expect to get hybrid sedan mileage. Expected mileage in the Tacoma Hybrid is just a little better than the gasoline-only Tacoma models due to this is a high-performance hybrid.

3. Complexity: This is not a simple no-nonsense truck; rather, despite it has accessible design under the hood making it possible to work on the different systems without having to pull the engine out in many cases, it is very complex and it can be expected that more expensive maintenance and repairs will add to the cost of ownership of your new hybrid truck.

4. Availability: Due to the popularity of gas-only Tacoma models, you can expect the new hybrid version with the exact trim you want to be harder to get. Limited numbers manufactured, long waiting times, and dealership markups are to be expected.

5. Pricing: This is not a cheap truck to buy. Depending on the trim you are looking at an MSRP of $50,000 to $75,000.

What do you think of the Toyota Tacoma hybrid truck in general? Please, click on the red link below to add your comment.

For more hybrid-related news, here are three useful ones for your consideration:

• Are Toyota Hybrids More Reliable Than Regular Gasoline Toyota Models?
• 7 Hybrids That Save the Most Money on Gas and Those That Don't
• Best Hybrid Cars Under $35,000 Consumer Reports Update for the New Year

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

Image source: Deposit Photos