Scotty Kilmer Explains Why The 2022 Toyota Tundra's Hybrid System Isn't Really Hybrid

Hi Dean,
Very interesting thought on the Prime's drivetrain in the tundra. However, do you think it'll be enough to propel it? The tundra is a very heavy car.

The economy is there, it’s just not in a place that is immediately visible. But go tow a big trailer with it and check the mpg, then compare that to a standard non-hybrid petrol truck towing the same trailer. I imagine you’ll see a much, much better mpg with the hybrid in that scenario. The Tundra is a work truck and it’s economical impact will be most evident when the truck is under load.

As with any electric motor equipped car or truck, one thing is consistent and that's an almost instantaneous power/torque generated from the electric side of this V6 power plant. Most hybrid or all electric vehicles do seem to have high torque numbers and it's at basically peak numbers from the moment the accelerator is put down. With that and this twin turbo design and this hybrid system to me it's basically perfect for a full size half ton truck. The ONLY thing I'd have liked to see was a slightly larger battery and even more hp and tq. These hybrids are, if I'm understanding the technology correctly they're getting this extra power from an electric motor and battery that basically are receiving the power from the gasoline engine without taxing the gasoline engine but instead the design is to just gain the power to send to the battery during things like deceleration from highway speeds and power made while cruising and not needing the full amount of power being generated by the twin turbo six cylinder, it stores it in the battery (which I think should be even larger, if it would have been an easy fit then why not!) But much like a turbo charger is using exhaust gasses that would otherwise be expelled once it reaches the exhaust system but now it is being used to generate boost and allow for a much more dense air charge into the combustion chamber and that's met by bigger fuel injectors and a better, higher pressure fuel system. The point I guess was that this certainly seems to be an ultra efficient way to make power from a very small displacement engine. The boost that's responsible for much of the power is for lack of a better term "free energy that would otherwise be lost, waisted but instead spins an impeller that's able to generate positive air pressure on the intake manifold rather than naturally aspirated." On top of that free power or boost from the turbos it's also capable of creating and storing more power and torque in electric power and those electric motors have some interesting and impressive features. Like the instant, on command response and how fast this power reaches it's peak.
Sure, any truck owner would love to have more "Prius" like fuel efficiency from the hybrid engine. Especially at this time where fuel prices aren't exactly where they were when it was still pre-Joe Biden administration. *I love these hybrid trucks and am a fan of big power and torque. My older 5.7 V8 Tundra has the old option added to it in the form of a 2.2 liter roots type of Supercharger that was installed at a dealership in 2011 to the 2008 model 4wd Crewmax. Then I guess I wasn't satisfied with 504hp/550lb/ft with the TRD Supercharger mated to the 5.7 liter V8. After much research I eventually added performance parts and tried to gain more power as well as getting maximum traction and power to the ground since it's used as a 4x4 truck often is used. So after owning it for over a decade with the Supercharger and later adding a full custom exhaust system, from longtube headers to true dual mufflers (no cats, no resonators, no restrictions except the external x-pipe, mandrel bent 2.5" stainless piping, and finally twin single chamber magnaflow mufflers turned down before the rear axle. Sounds great and flows amazingly, I gained almost 100 horse power from only this exhaust system. In addition I added a custom air intake system to allow more free flowing air to enter, then it had the ECU/PCM custom tuned for the most efficient air/fuel mixture and better fuel economy, more power, and an overall better running and functioning engine. Then it really needed more height and grip for this estimated 750+ horsepower (at the flywheel/crankshaft) and only added a level kit that lifted the front end about 3" and the rear only 1" but the 35" tires (aggressive/MT's) on 20" rims helped her move in off-road conditions. My favorite modification that didn't add power is the 4.88 gears with Auburn limited slip rear differential that I added at the time of the factory 4.30 gears getting replaced with 4.88's and that was the best modification or improvement that didn't boost my horsepower just because it now drives like it's not lifted or on bigger tires, the power is crazy but the correct gearing is vital. Unfortunately my Supercharger is belt driven and delivers 7lbs of boost in a different way than a turbocharger does. I must always run 93 octane gasoline and with 4.88 ring and pinion gears, 35 inch mud grips on 20 inch aftermarket rims and the 6,300lbs it weighs as it sits really can amaze a person by how much fuel my thirsty girl actually consumes! Yes it's probably the baddest thing on four tires and street legal on the road, it's a blast! When it's time to crunch numbers and face the facts, I'm getting about 11-12mpg of 93/super/supreme unleaded (I tow 3,500lbs often. The truck will even do a mid to low 12 second quarter mile in 4hi at a drag strip as I described it.) It makes more power and torque than the new Tundra but the new truck isn't just NEW and much improved from every detail but is making CRAZY POWER/TORQUE without sacrificing at the gas pump. It's basically making a little less power but I'm burning twice the fuel, basically DOUBLE the fuel and requires 93 octane. This alone makes the new hybrid Tundra a unique but refined truck, I've owned a 2008 model for 11 years so I know the kind of quality that Toyota is known for. I see a better engine/power plant, better transmission and instead of a 6-speed it's a 10-speed, the option to select a "true locking rear differential" is a major improvement from the prior models. The suspension, not using leaf springs is a creative and neat change from the old, the aluminum body panels are only helpful to get a 6,000lb truck as light as possible. The overall attention to detail and the changes made were necessary! I could buy the same trim, a 4x4 Crewmax with the hybrid and lift it mildly and add some aggressive 35" tires and good looking rims, tint my windows, put some sound in it, and probably would need to re-gear it just because I do not want to hurt that 10-speed transmission turning 35" O.D. tires that each weigh around 110lbs with rims included. Some slightly lower gears would help it so much its worth the $3,000 or so it would cost to do both front and rear ring and pinion gears with some quality aftermarket parts. That's pretty much it, these trucks already look great, the grille and headlights are sharp as heck and a gentle lift (just enough lift to clear the 35's from turning the wheel all the way right then left without any rubbing whatsoever, any additional lifting of the body or suspension isn't worth the trouble, doesn't generate enough additional ground clearance, isn't necessary and doesn't look as sharp as a mild lift on 35's and 20's in my opinion.
THE NEW HYBRID VERSION OF THE TOYOTA TUNDRA 4X4 CREWMAX IS EASILY THE FINEST PICKUP TRUCK AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. It just is. There are sooo many small improvements and upgrades, this was 15 years in the making! The 2007 is the same truck "basically" as a 2021 model Tundra. In 2007 Toyota climbed to the top of the half ton pickup truck mountain, it hasn't been back since but this new Tundra just took the world by storm! I'm a gearhead and admitted horsepower junkie but I would sell my crazy fun truck and buy the new Tundra if it was in my financial interest today! That is how nice they are, to pry me away from my old 2008 for another similar truck, it would have to be the 4x4 Crewmax, hybrid TT 3.5l V6 engine, I'd probably get the trim that's a little bit nicer and refined than my current SR5 trim. I would definitely want the big screen, sunroof/moonroof, electric drop down step-bars that drop down when the truck is unlocked or remote started and retract underneath the body panels when all 4 doors have been closed. That's a nice feature that I'd have to have. These trucks are finally back in the discussion with the best of the best. In a few years I'll hopefully be behind the wheel of one and my old girl might get a nice retirement and not have to go on pavement again! Haha that would be awesome!

HI,
I'd only buy it if I really needed the extra torque for say hauling or something. Good point though.

Hi Zac,
When I first heard that Toyota made the Tundra a hybrid, I was actually very open. However I think they should've used a different word than hybrid because we have seen hybrids as "gas saving" and not as "better performance."

Hi Brian,
I agree and as far as dependability goes, Toyota trucks are top tier. wastegate aside, these trucks are really built to stand just about everything. Same with the Tundra too.

Hi Ryan,
I really liked how you explained the mpg compared to towing and weight. Do you feel that the trans struggles on up hill tows?