Reader Question: Tacoma Diesel?

Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!

TJ writes: Have you heard about Toyota possibly offering a diesel engine the Tundra and/or Tacoma pickups? Perhaps some good news?

My reply: Not specifically – but they probably will do so given that all the current half-tons offer a diesel option and also some smaller trucks, such as the GM Canyon/Colorado. But the cost is almost certainly going to be high – the diesel engines are generally expensive as such due to all the federal rigmarole, including DEF and particulate traps, etc. – and because these engines are almost always restricted to the high-cost/high-trim versions. For example, GM only offers the diesel in the top-of-the-line Canyon/Colorado; you cant buy it in the work truck/base trim versions.

The other thing is that unless you really need the grunt for towing, the diesel hasn’t got the appeal of the past. They aren’t much more economical to operate, for instance – a function of their high cost (as well as the high cost of the fuel) – and also because they are no longer as long-lived and low-maintenance.

Still, I’m glad they are trying. It holds down the fort, so to speak. Maybe if they can hold it long enough, they – and we – can outlast the burgeoning insanity.

Fingers crossed!