When Toyota released the new Tacoma a while ago everyone was left wondering why they decided to skip on a diesel offering. Some of their competitors such as GM and quite soon Nissan are or will be offering a diesel which despite the current low fuel prices still is preferred by many. This is because a diesel offers more torque at lower RPM and it is usually better suited for off-road or towing. Even though they said a while ago that a 2017 Toyota Tacoma Diesel is likely not going to happen, some strong suggestions point otherwise.
PRICE
In many other markets Toyota is offering the Hilux with diesel or only diesel engines and they said that a diesel would not make in the US. Why? They suggested that the US market would not like to pay $3,000 more for a diesel. However, GM proved that this is not true with their more expensive Colorado and soon Nissan will prove this as well. Because of that we are pretty certain that the updated Tacoma will hit the market with a diesel. We expect an entry level price of roughly $29,000 for the most basic diesel version which would still be cheaper than its competitors.
Unlike its competitors though, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma Diesel is likely going to be less equipped because it will be a basic model. One of the best equipped diesels is going to be the TRD Pro version which has just been showcased a few months ago. Over the regular model this is going to feature 2.5 inch Fox racing shocks with external oil reservoirs, a one inch lift, 16 inch TRD alloy wheels wrapped in all terrain tires as well as beefier underside protections.
2017 TOYOTA TACOMA DIESEL ENGINE REVIEW
This model will be available not only with the regular 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine but it should also receive a new diesel. At this point Toyota hasn’t said what diesel they are going to install but our best bet would be the new 2.8 liter turbocharged inline 4 unit installed in the Hilux. This doesn’t have anything in common with the Cummins but it should be of a similar output. On the International Hilux this engine makes close to 180 horsepower. However, because the US market required tighter emissions, the engine will likely lose a few horsepower and lb-ft of torque in the process.
In order to compete with the GM and Nissan products, this engine should make close to 170 horsepower and over 350 lb-ft of torque which would be slightly less than its competitors but still plenty. Thanks to the fact it will offer all of its torque at less than 2,000 rpm the engine should be capable of allowing the truck to tow close to 7,500 pounds, more than enough for its class.
Helping it put all that power to the ground, rumors suggest that a manual is not going to be offered. Instead, Tacoma’s usual 6 speed automatic is going to be offered as a standard feature. Also, it is worth mentioning that when equipped to the all wheel drive system the truck will tow slightly less than the regular two-wheel drive model.
DESIGN
Toyota, like many other manufacturers out there, is certainly not going to change the design of the new 2017 Toyota Tacoma Diesel all that much if at all. This is to be expected considering that the truck is quite new on the market and a diesel would be just that, a new engine. However, the newly released TRD Pro model will look slightly more aggressive and it should also feature more equipment as standard. Xenon headlamps, a new grille, blacked out exterior trims and new rims are all going to be added to the truck.
2016 Toyota Tacoma video: