Report: Will the New Toyota Tundra Come as a 2021 Truck with 30 MPG?

One of the most popular questions that we get at TFLtruck is: “when is the new Toyota Tundra coming?” There is still no official word on this, but there are two reports that suggest that Toyota has something very interesting brewing for their next full-size pickup. As they should, since the all of the competitors have recently been updated.

2018 toyota tundra
2018 Toyota Tundra (photo: Toyota)

We recently tested a 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and came away impressed with the latest 2.5-inch FOX off-road shocks that Toyota and FOX worked on together. You can get the complete TRD Pro Gold Mine Hill off-road review on our site.

The first report comes from AutoNews.com that has direct quotes from Toyota executives. Toyota is currently prioritizing Tacoma sales, but there is a “plan underway”, according to this report, to update the Tundra and increase its sales capacity. Although Toyota clearly said that the company does not have a plan to challenge the “big three” on truck volume with over 500,000 half-ton trucks sold per year.

The second report comes from TundraDude34 citing an anonymous source in the know. The report states that the current Tundra will continue mostly unchanged for the 2020 model year, and the new generation truck will come as a 2021 model with capability to reach 30 MPG efficiency. There is are no more details beyond this. It’s not mentioned if this is a combined number of a highway number. 30 MPG on the highway was impressive for a half-ton truck a few years ago, but a 2018 Ford F-150 Diesel base truck is rated at 30 MPG on the highway.

If the 30 MPG number comes true – it will most likely be 30 MPG-equivalent with a some gas/electric hybrid or a completely electric fuel-cell hydrogen-powered truck.

toyota tundra pie pro concept truck sema pizza electric truck
Toyota Tundra Pie Pro concept truck (2018 SEMA)

If there is any other confirmation of the electric / fuel-cell powertrain – it was Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Tundra concept truck that could also make a pizza.

Toyota is also testing hydrogen fuel-cell powered semi truck cargo carriers at the LA port.