2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Will Get Hybrid – Tundra and Sequoia Next?
Tim Esterdahl | Nov 11, 2013 | Comments 14
Japanese media reports say that Toyota has developed a hybrid powertrain for use in large Land Cruiser SUVs, replacing the 5.7L, engine used in the Tundra and Sequoia. This is all in response to tougher mpg targets and changing environmental regulations.
Reports have it that the Land Cruiser will get a hybrid powertrain. This means their will be powertrain on the horizon for Toyota’s other large vehicles.
Hybrids in full-size pickup trucks has largely failed due to not meeting customer’s needs. The criticism has largely been that hybrids can’t generate the power needed to tow/haul nor are they very profitable for automakers.
If, though, this new hybrid powertrain can tow/haul just as well as the gas version, then great. EXCEPT, this just further strains Toyota’s capacity to build more trucks since a hybrid truck would be a huge sales hit.
If, the answer is no that tow/haul capacity would be severely diminished, then it will be a sales dud like the hybrids before them.
This news seems to mesh with the timing of the powertrain development for Toyota and could be part of the reason why Ford and Toyota decided to stop collaborating. Maybe Ford is developing their own hybrid system.
In the end, this news could be right on and the precursor to a new Toyota hybrid system. It isn’t likely we will see it anytime soon (2018 or so).
What do you think? If a hybrid is done right, would you be more interested in trading in and/or buying new?
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Filed Under: Tundra News
No, nope, and no way man. My goal is to keep my Tundra till Toyota produces a Jetson’s like ride; preferably a 4×4 dbl cab with a 6 1/2 foot bed and hopefully eLockers 😀
Hybrids require rare earth metals mainly supplied by China. If you haven’t noticed, China and Japan are not exactly “best buds”. Also, China is tightening it’s grip on its natural resources and is stock piling a supply of oil.
My stance on hybrids remains the same, which is “they’re an intermediate solution to fueling vechicles”.
Well said!! I’m inclined to agree.
Well if any truck maker can pull this off it would be Toyota; still I am skeptical. It is clear that the other three truck makers cannot do this stuff. I have become intensely QDR focused, because of my last 15 years with Ford trucks and to a lesser degree with GM.
China has been making huge power plays in West Texas. There has been some speculations some of the world’s largest reserves are still un tapped in the state. Time will tell if that turns out to be true.
I think I had rather see CNG in a Tundra; there is a station less than one mile from my house AND it is open to the public.
Randy,
You are exactly what Toyota wants in a customer. “I have become intensely QDR focused …” you are speaking their language! Nice to see you recognize the importance of this over fancy gadgets.
-Tim
Randy,
What was your experience with Ford and GM trucks? I have been driving a 94 Toyota compact truck since 1994, and now consider buying a Ford F-250 or GMC Sierra 2500 because Toyota doesn’t have a Tundra HD.
Joe
Since they are getting out of the 5.7 for the hybrid I would be inclined to buy. As long as AIP’s are in the Tundra I will buy a Chevy before another Tundra. I’m sure by that time of 2016-17 models Toyota will have that 107mpg Prius out. This will make the wife buy one. If Toyota drops Cardone as the supplier of AIP’s then I will buy a Tundra. Not until then.
Not interested in a hybrid since I want to buy this year. I would not trust a hybrid until it had been out for several years. I don’t even want the new 8 speed transmission until it has been tested in a truck towing and hauling for several model years. Like Randy, I am intensely interested in QDR – and comfort for my 65 year old back. This is why we have two Avalons right now. There is a LOT to be said for a proven power train: 5.7 L V-8 and 6 speed automatic. Well proven over millions of miles and 8 years.
FWIW: Hino has tremendous experience with diesel hybrids. On their fifth generation now. If any manufacturer can make a light truck hybrid work well, it will be Toyota. In the present light truck market, however, I stand by my previous comments above, re: QRD.
Brad,
You are right about Hino and we learned last week that Hino supplies the rear end for the Tundra. I’m sure they have had discussions on how to do a diesel hybrid in the Tundra, although, Toyota has many other diesel engines to choose from. I’m sure everybody is working on a diesel hybrid combination with the CAFE regulations coming in 2016.
-Tim
Brad 8 speed transmissions been out on Lexus SUV for a few years now.
Mickey, I know they have been. It is just that I am very conservative and would like to see history of the transmission when puling near the Tundra’s full rated towing capacity for several years. I know the six speed has been thoroughly abused in towing many times (sen it in the various forums) and it still refuses to die. I will let others abuse the 8 speed. I want to buy the truck for the next 15+ years and I know I will be putting a lot of miles towing a TT of about 7500 lbs in my retirement. I don’t want to be the old guy calling for a tow to the nearest dealership, 1500+ miles from home. This is just my preference.
Brad,
Rest assured with Toyota that when they release something new, they have beaten the crud out of it. That is the Toyota way.
I can guarantee you that Toyota has an 8-speed transmission in their Tundra test fleet. They are probably beating the crud out of it as we speak, yet they won’t release it until they are thoroughly happy with its long-term reliability.
-Tim
OK guys. I stand corrected. Any idea when it will be available. Any hope of a post 1/1/2014 refresh? Probably not, huh?
Brad,
It will most likely be after 2016 with the CAFE regulations. Right now, EVERYBODY is developing new powertrains, but they won’t release anything until they have to meet the new MPG requirements.
-Tim