Diesel Toyota Tundra Info

Here’s the latest info on the diesel version of the Toyota Tundra:

When we talk about a “diesel Tundra” we are speaking about two different vehicles.

• One is a half-ton Tundra (the current model) with a diesel engine. This is the “light-duty diesel.”
• The other is a Heavy Duty (HD) Tundra with a much larger diesel engine. This is the HD diesel Tundra.

As of December, 2009, here is where things stand:

1. Originally, Toyota planned to release a diesel version of the half-ton Tundra in 2009 as a 2010 model. However, a slow-down in the truck market in 2008 caused Toyota to delay the Tundra diesel indefinitely.

2. The slow-down in the truck market in 2008 also caused Toyota to delay the Heavy Duty Tundra diesel, originally planned for 2011 or 2012 and now delayed indefinitely.

3. Toyota sources have stated to us that a light duty diesel Tundra will not be considered until the 2012 or 2013 model years (if at all).

Here’s a chronology of events:

August, 2006 – At a dealer meeting in San Antonio, Toyota tells dealers that the next-generation Tundra will be offered in a 3/4 ton (HD) version. Toyota also tells dealers to expect a diesel version of the truck.

September, 2007 – Toyota VP Kazuo Okamoto indicates that the Tundra will be the first US vehicle Toyota offers to receive a diesel engine (link). We predict a diesel Tundra featuring the 4.5L Australian diesel is likely.

October, 2007 – Toyota debuts a dually version of the Tundra (shown below) with a 8.1L HINO diesel at SEMA. Rumors of both a Heavy Duty (HD) diesel Tundra and a light duty diesel Tundra continue.

Tundra Diesel Dually shown at 2007 SEMA show.

December, 2007 – Based on comments from Toyota execs, the amount of evidence, and comments from sources, we predict that Toyota will release a light-duty diesel in 2009. Sadly, we were mistaken. (link)

January, 2008 – Jim Lentz, at the time President of Sales for Toyota USA, announces that Toyota will not build a hybrid Tundra. Instead, they will focus on building an efficient diesel version of the Tundra. (link) This further confirms the likelihood of a light duty diesel Tundra.

May, 2008 – Edmunds.com reports that Toyota will release the light-duty diesel Tundra in 2009 as a 2010 model, echoing our earlier prediction (link). Edmunds.com further reports the diesel will be an Americanized version of Toyota’s 4.5L diesel currently in use in Australia.

4.5L Toyota Diesel

July, 2008 – Facing slumping sales, Toyota consolidates all Tundra production in San Antonio. As a result, we predict the HD Tundra is tabled indefinitely. (link)

September, 2008 – In a shocking about-face, Toyota indefinitely delays the light duty 4.5L Tundra diesel. We are stunned (and disappointed). (link)

November, 2008 – Despite the fact that Toyota does not have any plans to produce an HD Tundra at any point in the immediate future, Toyota continues to show off the dually Tundra concept truck.

September, 2009 – At Texas State Fair, Toyota executives confirm that a diesel version of the Tundra is at least 3 years away.

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