Regarding if it should have a
Regarding if it should have a proper hybrid system - i think the problem is that this is a full sized truck, weighs a ton, and should be able to handle heavy loads. I have a '21 hybrid highlander and while it gets great gas mileage, the MPGs drop sharply once you fill the car to capacity. With two adults, two kids, and minimal gear it gets around 35mpg. One driver up and down hills all day, it gets like 24mpg. Fully loaded with adults or 2 adults, 2 kids, and tons of gear and it gets 24-28mpg. I think the problem is that the proper hybrid just isn't optimized for a max load. Lastly the eCVT likely isn't strong enough for towing/carrying lots of stuff. Might make sense in a 2wd tacoma on smallish tires. For utility applications - likely not.