Is the Tundra Hybrid worth it?

I hated the gasser for the stop start bs. I know it can be turned off or a harness can disable, but that bothered me. Toyota really did a good job having the gas/electric handoff be so smooth. I don't even notice unless I really look for it. I can cruise at 40mph for a number of miles all on hybrid.

I test drove both and both were great, but the stop start turned me away, and got a crazy deep discount on a TRD Pro from my friends dealership, and while they all depreciate a lot, it may hold up a bit better. Or maybe that is just a hope.

My only regret is if my engine grenades and I get stuck with a short block, but that likely would have been the case anyway as the builds I was looking at were all past the recall range anyway.

 

Really? The gas/electric handoff was very noticeable to me. I didn't care for it at all. I suppose one might get used to it, perhaps, but it wasn't for me.

Pushing the button to disable auto stop/start every time I start my engine has become so routine for me, I don't even consciously think about it.

Hope you continue to enjoy your truck.

 

Same here, cannot tell when under hybrid power or back to ICE. Wife drove it for a few weeks, I'm confident if it was noticeable she would have shared.

 

The switch back and forth may not be noticeable but it for sure is on the dashboard as RPMs and Oil Pressure drop to ZERO.

 

For sure if you watch the dash. First few times I observed the rpm to zero, needed fast decision if engine siezed or not-

 

I honestly can't believe some claim that they don't notice the hybrid/ ICE transitions.

In fairness, they are relatively smooth, but still very noticeable to me.

 

It's 100ft-lbs more torque!!! And better gas mileage. I average about 20mpg. 10-year 150,000 mile warranty on the battery.

I tow a lot, but even if I didn't I would have a hybrid.

 

Agreed
One of the reasons I gave the keys back after a test drive.

 

And ironically that extra torque doesn't translate into higher towing capacity or payload. It just gets the load rolling a bit quicker.

According to EPA estimates, the hybrid gets 19 city/22 highway, the non-hybrid 18 city/24 highway. Seems like a wash to me.

 

Why is it so hard to accept that people have different drive habits and each vehicle is different?

The change over to electric is during light load, very light throttle on a mostly flat surface. During acceleration it transitions smooth. Perhaps I'm too light on the pedal.

If I felt the transition, yes, it would be annoying. Seems I have a good one with respect to hybrid transitions.

 

Can’t tell you how many times I look down at the dash and had no idea it turned on or off and I’m cruising in all electric. It really is the smoothest start/stop I’ve experienced.

 

Fair enough. I suppose the hybrid I drove could have been abnormal, but I doubt it.

I posted this video a few pages back, but perhaps you missed it. I think the guy did a honest review. Towards the end he mentions the main reason he went with the non-hybrid. I had the same experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFXYWZIif2c&t=229s

 

I don't think the transition would bother me. What does bother is the fuel savings doesn't pay its own way, not now, not ever. On the other hand, if it was like the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid with a 44 mile electric-only range, that would have some actual appeal, or a Ramcharger if Stellantis is able to make that concept work, still uncertain for now. Of course what works for the Prius Prime may not be practical for the Tundra, household elec-current limitations imposed.

 

I did watch it. His main complaint - Irrelevant to me as the transitions are not noticeable while driving. Visible on the dash, but not by feel in the truck, as least my Tundra and my driving style. End of the day, you are happy with your choice and I'm content with mine.

 

Can not believe this is still a thing.

 

I notice it if I try to look for it. A gear shifting gives as much or more feedback on the road. I also appreciate I can sit for 30 minutes with the A/C running and the engine off. I often arrive early for kid sports pickup and work from the car. I only test drove two Tundras, one hybrid and one not. So no idea if some have more feedback on transition.

The engine stop start with starter noise is much more pronounced. When I bought I was unable too see a harness to turn it off. They are readily available now. If I had a non-hybrid that would be my first purchase.

 

Honestly, I’d say no. The MPGs are about the same and it’s one more thing that can fail long term even if the power is nice.

 

Uh yeah, I am on 34s and I average 16-18 mpgs this would be 12-14 with the gas burner. So, I save thousands a year more than enough to offset the hybrid at my time it was a $2800 option.

 

The regular engine is only rated for 1 less mpg. Not sure how you’re getting 4 less. I know this is also a Toyota forum but the fords get way better gas mileage on just their v6 twin turbos. I’m just saying I’m highly disappointed in my mpg with the hybrid.

 

I’m on 34.5s with same mpg average and 2” level still love at times drivin with speed and engine shutting off and just on hybrid system.

 

Geez, well sorry keep the passenger car tires and get 20-22 then. Ford truck depreciates into nothing- ness so I would not compare the Tundra to the F150. The parts in the Toyota are way better.

 

My F150 Platinum 4x4 had the Ecoboost but 15-16 mpg on a good day was all I got. My new 4x4 CM Tundra Limited (non-hybrid) gets 19-21, and has given 22 hwy. I couldn't be happier. Yes, I do drive conservatively on stock street radials, but it has a go-pedal when necessary.

 

Over the last 2500-3000 miles I’m averaging 19.1 with lots of highway. I don’t drive as conservatively as I did when I first got it and fuel economy is about the same. I switch to tow/haul once in a while. Maybe it’s because I’m older, I think the power is more than enough on the non hybrid. Granted, I don’t seem to have the throttle lag or other issues some experience. I have no need for hybrid. I haven’t towed with it yet, and only have the need occasionally for a pretty light load, 3000lbs or less.

I’m glad there is a hybrid version. I’m also glad there is a non hybrid version.

 

and so is Toyota since they are not making many Hybrids at this current time. Being able to change directions quickly is one reason why Toyota does the Hybrid.

 

The transition between battery/engine power was something to get used to, but at almost 20K miles now, I don't notice it at all any more. I truthfully got used to it within the first 1000 miles. The benefits greatly outweighed the downside from the beginning anyway - I felt more lag off the line with the non-hybrid.

I don't think anyone mentioned it yet, but while there are additional costs involved with the hybrid, there are also some maintenance/repair savings to be had as well versus the non-hybrid. For example, alternator, starter (hybrid has one, but is used so infrequently, I'm sure it'll outlast the truck), brakes, etc.

My prediction is that we are in a transition period right now, and in the next generations, they will only sell the hybrid engine (just like the Sequoia, and of course cars now like Camry).

 

This debate will go on endlessly but the gas savings will require 300,000+ miles of driving to break even on the up-front cost. I don't think the maint/repair savings for alternator/starter/brakes will accrue either. If you keep it long enough to need a battery replacement, or trade/sell a vehicle needing a battery replacement, those items too will affect the resale equity just as worn tires, pocked windshield or anything else needing unfinished maintenance will. I don't think there is anything bad about living with hybrid except expecting it to pay its own way, it will not.

 

Not debating, just sharing my experiences and preferences.

I didn't talk about gas savings, I don't think that is even worth mentioning based on my experience between the two. I'm actually surprised that it will break even with 300,000+ miles. I'd have thought it would've been even more! Lol

Many have mentioned the added costs of the hybrid; there are a bunch of them! I think it is also worth considering some of the cost savings with the hybrid as well for a more full perspective when doing the calculus. There are both additions and subtractions, not just additions.

I agree that the hybrid will not pay for itself. I bought it over the non-hybrid, first and foremost, because I prefer the driving experience and was willing to pay the additional cost.

 

I agree. At that point people will try to find good used vehicles without the hybrid system but that will dry up eventually. It may take 10 to 15 years to get to this point and who knows maybe even engines that use hydrogen fuels may become part of the equation.

 

They already have companies out there right now replacing the old tech hybrid batteries in the Pirius and ch200 lexus and doing well. They will have the same tech for our trucks and it will be better and cheaper than what is out there today.

 

That’s an optimistic view of the situation. I don’t disagree.

I bet most still just trade in after a few years though.