The Toyota Tundra Hybrid Actually Has a Gas-Guzzling Problem
Usually, when a new truck like the Toyota Tundra Hybrid comes alone, it’s expected to save a little fuel. However, hybrid systems sometimes enhance a truck’s performance without boosting fuel economy. Evidence shows that the robust 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid brings the heat while guzzling gas.
How many MPG does the 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid get?
The 2023 Toyota Tundra should get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. Adding four-wheel drive and other off-roading equipment may reduce these figures.
For example, the heavier Tundra TRD Pro gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 20 mpg on the highway. The gas-powered Tundra gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and up to 22 mpg on the highway.
So ideally, upgrading to the hybrid engine should provide a little savings at the pump along with extra power. However, tons of critics are discovering that the Tundra is thirstier than expected. We got about 15.7 mpg in the city and never got above 20 mpg on the highway.
MotorTrend hovered between 14 to 16 mpg in the city and on the highway, Car and Driver is averaging 14 mpg after long-term testing, and Fuelly reports an average of 17.3 miles per gallon.
Each test is coming up about four miles short of the estimate, which seems small at first. But that could heavily impact Tundra’s estimated 750 miles of range between fill-ups.
Plus, the Ford F-150 Hybrid has been spot on with its EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. Also, the 2021 Tundra gets an EPA-estimated 13 mpg in the city and up to 17 mpg on the highway, so some improvements have been made.
How much power does the 2023 Tundra Hybrid have?
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid uses the i-FORCE Max powertrain. It pairs a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor to generate 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine cranks out 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
Both options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and are available with 4×4 and low-range gearing. The Tundra Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.7 seconds.
When properly equipped, the Tundra Hybrid Max can tow up to 12,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,940 lbs. It tows 17.6% more than the outgoing generation.
The Ford F-150 Hybrid pairs a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor and a battery pack to provide 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. It can tow 12,300 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,120 lbs.
How reliable is the Tundra Hybrid?
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid has a reliability rating of 70 out of 100 from J.D.Power. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while those between 60 and 69 are below average. So, it’s only one point away from falling into the below-average category.
Plus, the 2021 Tundra earned a score of 86 out of 100, putting it in the above-average category. The hybrid engine might not be as durable as the outgoing V8 engine.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid is known for struggling with premature battery failure, but that doesn’t seem to impact its reliability score. Overall, the 2023 F-150 has a score of 86.
While the 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid does provide a better fuel economy and more power than the outgoing model, it seems to be falling short. It’s not living up to its expected fuel economy ratings or reliability reputation.
