Is Upgrading to the Toyota Tundra Hybrid Engine Worth It?
When it comes to the 2023 Toyota Tundra, you currently have two engine options available. You can stick to traditional gas power or add a powerful spark with the i-Force Max Hybrid setup. But is upgrading to the Toyota Tundra Hybrid the right move? There are a few things to consider.
What are the 2023 Toyota Tundra engines?
There are two Tundra engines available, but only one 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid engine, and it’s not standard. The basic trim levels, like the Tundra SR, start with the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. But it only has 405 lb-ft of torque with the SR configuration.
The Limited, Platinum, and 1974 Edition models are available with the hybrid engine, and it’s standard with the TRD Pro and Capstone trims.
With the i-Force Max powertrain, you get the same twin turbo 3.5-liter engine, but it’s paired with an electric motor to generate 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. So upgrading adds 48 hp and 104 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The SR trim has an MSRP of $38,965, and the Limited starts at $50,990. You have to upgrade to the CrewCab configuration, which starts at $52,615, to access the Tundra Hybrid powertrain. Then adding it takes the price up to $56,415.
If you ignore other upgrades, then the cost to switch engines is roughly $4,000. Then adding 4×4 is another $2,245 lbs.
How far can the Tundra Hybrid go on a single tank?
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid can travel between 644 to 772 miles on a single tank of gas. The Tundra Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. During our week with the TRD PRO Hybrid, we averaged about 19 mpg while off-roading, running errands, and road-tripping on the interstate.
With the regular Tundra, you can travel roughly 405 to 540 miles on a single tank. It gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. With the gas-powered 1794 Edition, we got about 17 mpg.
So the fuel savings might be minor, but you don’t have to fill up as often with the Tundra Hybrid. Also, the gas-powered Tundra can tow up to 12,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,940 lbs. The Hybrid can tow up to 11,450 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,680 lbs.
The regular Tundra can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds, while the Tundra Hybrid reaches 60 mph in nearly 5.7 seconds. The faster acceleration is noticeable and a bit smoother.
Is the Tundra Hybrid more reliable than the gas-powered truck?
It’s still a little early to tell how reliable the 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid is. But at least Toyota has an excellent track record with hybrid vehicles and components. The Ford F-150 Hybrid is the least reliable option due to battery problems.
The Toyota Tundra Hybrid covers its batteries for 10 years or 150,000 miles, based on what happens first. The basic powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles.
Because hybrid powertrains don’t require using the gas engine as much, they may experience less wear and tear. The Tundra Hybrid may become the more reliable option. Currently, the Tundra has an average predicted reliability rating.
So, while the hybrid powertrain is more expensive and can’t tow as much, it’s faster and smoother. The extra power is beneficial for merging into traffic and dominating off-roading challenges. Plus, it can save a little gas and might be the more reliable choice.
