Diesel Tacoma?

stingray · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 03:30 PM

I cannot figure out why Toyota does not offer a diesel option in North America as they do in other parts of the world. The Hilux they sell with a 3.0 4 diesel gets 30 mpg combined and can tow 5000 pounds. If they sold the Tacoma here with a diesel I would buy it, as I am sure many others would. Even with diesel costing more than gas, 30 mpg compared to what the v6 gets is well worth it.

WilsonTheDog · #2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2008, 12:14 AM

They may eventually but there hasn't been much of a market for diesels here in the US, not like in Europe. People still remember those VW Rabbits and Mercedes of the 70's/80's with their exhaust stench and loud clattering. And it isn't just a matter of dropping the the D4D into the Tacoma. US emissions standards are quite high and I'm sure Canada is similar. I would buy it, too, but it just hasn't been viable until recently. In the next couple years, there are many diesels coming here to the US so hopefully it will be an option at some point.

friday · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2008, 07:21 PM

The biggest problem with diesels in North America is the USA. Up until this year, the US has allowed a much higher concentration of sulphur in diesel, which had made it impossible for diesels to meet emission standards for the whole of North America. Jeep had released a CRD diesel for Canada but axed it last year. Now, you've got the issue of the horse power sensitive market in North America - people don't want 150hp diesels with 300ft/lbs of torque. They want 300hp diesels and don't understand how a good tranny can turn torque into zip. What you end up with is the few diesels in North America not delivering much economy at all after you price in the cost of the motor and the higher price of diesel.

Hybrids are killing a lot of motivation for the light-duty diesel as well. Right now I would not trade the 28mpg I am getting in my Taco for 30mpg in a diesel. 3-4 years ago? Probably. Or, if I was towing a lot, as diesels tend to keep their ratings higher even when they are working...

My other issue with diesels where I live (Canada)... Winter. The marginal benefits in warm weather are lost in the cold. Diesels have poor efficiency until they warm up. If I was commuting 300 miles? Perfect. 15 miles? Not good for them.

The latest Duramax and Powerstrokes in the big trucks are amazing. Super quiet, big power. Hey, and only $15,000 more than their 1/2 ton gas burning brothers. All people use them for around here are to spin 35 inch tires on 12 inch lift kits. Hillbillies...