Toyota Tacoma Diesel Not Worth It Says Chief Engineer
Despite the fact that GM’s new midsize pickup trucks are about to get a diesel engine option, Toyota‘s all-new Tacoma will not.
Speaking during a live chat, Tacoma and Tundra chief engineer Mike Sweers was unequivocal. “We will not be offering a diesel engine,” he said. “We’ve looked at diesels, and diesel is a difficult topic right now because of the new Tier 3 emission regulations.”
Those Tier 3 regulations, set in place by the Environmental Protection Agency, are set to take effect in 2017, further reducing tailpipe emissions and, as a result, making diesel-powered light vehicles harder to pass, not to mention more expensive to build.
Sweers is aware of the obvious advantages of a diesel engine. “Diesel, from a fuel economy standpoint, is about a 30 percent improvement right out of the box,” he said.
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However, that’s not enough to offset the negative aspects of diesel engines.
“The downside to diesel is the emissions has to be certified at the same level as a gas engine,” said Sweers. “So the way to do that is you have to put on an after-treatment system.” That system, he claims, would add as much as $3,000 to the cost of a vehicle.
“So if we consider that cost, versus the fuel economy improvement, and the fact that diesel is $1 more per gallon more than gasoline, is there a return on the investment,” asks Sweers rhetorically.
Even if the answer is yes, Sweers wouldn’t bet on diesel tech for the future, pointing to further emissions regulations taking effect in 2019 that could then shelve certain engines. “Can you make that diesel survive? Is it a two-year engine? Is it a four-year engine? That’s the question,” said Sweers. “It’s very difficult to show a return on that investment.”
Instead, Toyota will continue to focus on gasoline engine options for the Tacoma, with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder as well as a new 3.5-liter V6.
VIDEO: 2016 Toyota Tacoma First Look
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With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Since diesel engines use compression ignition, which can quickly ruin a gas engine, they must be made very tough. And because they come from a workhorse heritage, they tend to be very reliable and need a minimum of care. Also, a diesel engine is more simple than a gas engine since it has no spark plugs and the associated electrical system needed for them. In general, a diesel engine will outlast a gas engine in terms of how many miles or hours it can run before it needs major service, so repair bills are smaller and typically further apart for a diesel engine. We want a diesel for the same reason we want a Tacoma, tough reliability. I don't think think of it through fuel savings, I think of it in hassle and repair savings. The same reason we buy and love this truck.
I would have used the v8 toyota land cruiser japanese turbodiesel intercooler engine, instead of cummins. Cummins is well known for its power, but as well, is also well known for it excessive comsumption, low miles per gallon. Another chance for motorization is the former toyota megacruiser turbodiesel intercooler 4 cylinder engine, and why not, 4wd and 4ws.