Toyota Says They Will Not Consider A Diesel Option For The Tacoma

Speaking during a live chat, Tacoma and Tundra chief engineer Mike Sweers was unequivocal. “We will not be offering a diesel engine,” he said. “We’ve looked at diesels, and diesel is a difficult topic right now because of the new Tier 3 emission regulations.”

Those Tier 3 regulations, set in place by the Environmental Protection Agency, are set to take effect in 2017, further reducing tailpipe emissions and, as a result, making diesel-powered light vehicles harder to pass, not to mention more expensive to build.

Sweers is aware of the obvious advantages of a diesel engine. “Diesel, from a fuel economy standpoint, is about a 30 percent improvement right out of the box,” he said.

skytop - 2/19/2015 7:36:06 PM

-2 Boost

A diesel would shake the Taco apart. Toyota knows it and wisely will not offer it.

800over - 2/19/2015 8:15:03 PM

+2 Boost

Give your head a shake. They sell a diesel elsewhere (hilux). They know it isn't viable here in terms of price.

trmckin - 2/19/2015 9:12:49 PM

+1 Boost

That's a shame. I will be downsizing in about 5 years as the kids will be able to get themselves to and from. Taco diesel would have been first on my list. Not sure why Toyota doesn't implement their tech from other countries. The Hilux is wildly popular in diesel variants.

MDarringer - 2/22/2015 1:56:39 PM

+2 Boost

Tailpipe emissions are clean enough now. Enough of the global warming, the sky is falling mentality.