There’s no getting around it. The Toyota Tacoma is a popular truck. In fact, when it comes to the pickup segment, the Toyota Tacoma is basically an icon. But as iconic as the Toyota Tacoma may be, you might find yourself questioning whether or not this year’s model can be had with a diesel engine. Fortunately, we’ve got the answer for you right here. 

What kind of engine does the Toyota Tacoma have?

Before we jump into whether or not the Toyota Tacoma is available with a diesel engine, let’s talk about what engine this year’s model actually comes standard with. Pop the hood on this year’s new Toyota Tacoma, and you can expect to find a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine as standard. Unfortunately, according to Car and Driver, the Toyota Tacoma’s base engine isn’t particularly powerful and should be avoided.

Fortunately, the Toyota Tacoma is available with a V6 engine. Teamed with your choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission, the Tacoma boasts a full 278-hp to its name when outfitted with its available V6 engine. It’s also able to tow up to 6,700-pounds with this particular engine under the hood.  

Is the Toyota Tacoma available with a diesel engine?

To put it simply, no. Unfortunately, the Toyota Tacoma isn’t available with a diesel engine under its hood. That doesn’t tell the full story, though. Because, as it turns out, the Toyota Tacoma may be getting a diesel engine in the future. Don’t just take our word for it, though.

According to The Drive, Toyota filed a patent in late 2019 that describes a high-compression engine that could potentially run on diesel fuel. The Fast Lane Truck reports that the patent was originally filed in December 2019 but was made available to the public on July 2nd, 2020. As The Fast Lane Truck explains, the patent explains the inherent benefits of the high-compression tech while also referencing things like smoke mitigation, which could point to diesel exhaust gases. Seeing as exhaust fumes are a common problem among diesel trucks, Toyota addressing smoke mitigation isn’t all that surprising.

Here’s the thing, though. While the patent may point to the introduction of a diesel engine, there’s no saying if the engine will be made available on the Toyota Tacoma. According to The Fast Lane Truck, this particular engine patent could also relate to the Toyota Tundra. 

For a diesel truck, consider these Toyota Tacoma alternatives

While the current iteration of the Toyota Tacoma may not be available with a diesel engine under its hood, there are several other alternatives to this year’s model that do offer a diesel engine as an option. Take, for instance, the Chevy Silverado, which is available with a diesel engine. The Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and the Jeep Gladiator all offer a diesel engine as an option too.

Is buying a diesel truck worth it?

When it comes down to it, there are plenty of reasons to buy a diesel truck. They’re often more fuel-efficient and, in many cases, can tow more than their gas-powered counterparts. But if it’s a diesel Toyota Tacoma that you’re after? You may want to consider other options.