The Toyota Tacoma leads the game in the mid-size segment for more than the decade. The model earns the trust with Toyota’s proved durability and toughness while also provides good resale value. Buyers also love the off-road ready versions and Toyota offers a few levels of the capability on that front.
Actually, Toyota already announced the updated TRD Pro trim for the 2019 model year and it brings the upgraded suspension, new Desert Air Intake, few cosmetic touches and modern tech inside. Toyota wasn’t specific about other upgrades and there shouldn’t be many as this model was heavily updated in 2016.
However, based on the talks in the industry Toyota might have more in a plan for the upcoming version. The speculations are circulating that the firm could offer the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel version. This hasn’t been commented from Toyota but reports suggesting that with the diesel option the Tacoma would give an alternative for the GM’s Duramax diesel-powered twins and with that improve its sales further. With that Toyota would also steal some attention from the returned Ford Ranger which should also introduce the Raptor version.
The diesel engine also appears with the redesigned full-size models while Ford also announced the F-150 hybrid version.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel: What could be under the hood?
The current Toyota Tacoma relies on the two petrol power mills. Toyota already presented the upgraded top-of-range TRD Pro trim which is announced with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It can be paired with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox and makes 278 hp and torque of 265 pound-feet. This Atkinson cycle, direct and port injection engine arrived with the 2016 update. The base models come, however, with the 2.7-liter 159 horsepower four-cylinder engine. We will surely see the return of both engines for the 2019 model year. But what could be the diesel engine?
Well, according to the industry talks, Toyota would not bring something all-new if this turns out to be true. The reports suggest that version of the diesel engine that powers the global Hilux model would come in the reworked variant under the hood of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel. This engine the Hilux added when the new generation arrived in 2015. This modern design 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine makes 174 hp and 331 pound-feet of torque at low 1, 400 rpm when paired with the six-speed automatic. GM’s 2.8-liter Duramax diesel in the Chevy Colorado is slightly better with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It wouldn’t be a challenge for Toyota to meet or beat these numbers with few upgrades. However, this is still a speculation.
Good matching?
In any case, the diesel option would also perfectly match with the upgraded TRD Pro trim and other as well. The new TRD Pro receives the new 2.5-inch Fox Internal Bypass Shocks and the new Desert Air Intake. The all-terrain tires and underbody protection also boost the off-road capability and the diesel engine would fit nicely to this combination. Ford also offers the global Ranger Raptor with the bi-turbo diesel engine.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel: Design
If the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel actually arrives, it would not bring notable exterior changes. Toyota promised the upcoming TRD Pro version with snorkel, new fog lights, 16-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and dark hues on some elements. The diesel version would adopt familiar design from the current version and few details like the diesel badge would distinguish it from the gas-powered equivalents. The updated version of the global Hilux model which diesel engine is rumored to be used in the Tacoma version actually adopted some styling cues from the Tacoma model like the grille version.
Interior:
Interior of the Tacoma Diesel would not also be a departure from the current design in this model. Few details would be different. Toyota hasn’t promised many upgrades for the new version actually. We should expect some updated features of the Entune infotainment system and the TRD Pro offers the navigation, premium JBL sound system, wireless charging, etc. by default. All Tacomas will also be equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of active safety systems. The package includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel: Arrival, Price
Toyota hasn’t mentioned the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel is any context so far. If reports are in line with the truth the version should arrive by the end of the year. The current Tacoma ranges from $25, 400 to $43, 720. The diesel engine would add few thousands over the gas-powered equivalent.
Toyota diesel… wow…. saw an FJ 45 pickup decades ago wit ha 5 cyl diesel, kicked myself ever since for not buying it.