The all new Tacoma has been launched back in 2015 and since then it quickly became a favorite for those looking at a rugged yet comfortable medium sized truck. Unfortunately though, there are still a lot of people holding from buying one and it seems that Toyota’s sales are not as good as we first thought. This is mostly because they are not offering a diesel while their major competitor, the Colorado, has one. Thanks to that it managed to snatch a lot of the customers that wanted a diesel truck. While Toyota said that a diesel would not make sense in the Tacoma in the near future because the cost would become prohibitive, we are almost certain that the mid-life face-lift of the truck will get one with the 2018 Toyota Tacoma Diesel.
2018 Diesel Tacoma Price
This is because Toyota would lose too many customers for not offering a diesel. That would be a shame especially since they have plenty of diesel engines developed for the International market. Our best bet would be that the Tacoma will get a new generation diesel, smaller than that of its competitors but more efficient and probably more powerful. The price is still unknown considering it is more than two full years away but because its rivals are priced around $31,000, we expect the base diesel Tacoma to cost around the same.
Exterior and Interior of 2018 Toyota Tacoma Diesel
Just like with the older model of the truck, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma Diesel is not going to change all that much when it comes to its design or even interior. This is mostly because the truck is still in its early years and it still looks a lot better than many others. However, because the diesel will likely require more cooling than the petrol engines, we expect it to receive either a hood scoop and a top mounted intercooler or a larger grille in the front bumper for a front inter-cooler. These would also make the diesel version of the truck a lot more aggressive in design. Together with a few small upgrades such as the off-road wheels or the slightly better suspension system, the truck should quickly become a favorite.
Its back to basics rugged interior is also likely going to be carried over pretty much unchanged. The only real upgrades here are going to be the addition of a new infotainment system. Also there would be a new base trim level that would include a more rugged upholstery and standard rubber floor mats. This would make it a steal for those looking to use the truck in off-road alone and thanks to its engine, it should also be very capable as well.
2018 Toyota Tacoma Diesel Engine and Transmission
Regular model of the Tacoma Toyota truck is currently being powered by either a 2.7 liter or a larger 3.5 liter V6 engine. The upcoming 2018 Toyota Tacoma Diesel is expected to feature one of Toyota’s new power-trains but modified for the US market. The best contender for this would be their new 2.8 liter turbocharged inline 4 diesel which is currently being used on the Hilux in its 177 horsepower guise.
However, because the US market demands a very specific type of emissions, the engine will likely be modified for the Tacoma. This means it will make closer to 170 horsepower but more torque with an estimated of 350 lb-ft of it, more than 20 lb-ft more than the regular engine. The end result should be a truck similar in performance to the Colorado but a bit more efficient. This is thanks to its lower weight and newer generation engine. The diesel is expected to be offered only with a 6 speed automatic despite the fact the Hilux is also available with a manual but with a lower torque rating.
Release date of 2018 Tacoma Toyota Diesel
As we mentioned it earlier there is still two years until official presentation. Because of that there is not much information about release date of 2018 Toyota Tacoma Diesel. According to some rumors, it is possible that they present the car in the summer months of 2017. This would mean that the car is going to hit the market in the first few months of 2018. Another possibility is that car will be presented at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, so it would be available for purchase somewhere during 2017 as 2018 model.
Here is a video of 2016 Tacoma going ‘head to head’ with it’s main competitor – The Colorado:
This is why I am waiting and not buying the current Tacoma. I want a diesel. Come on Toyota. You can do it! A girl who loves trucks (omg!) in CA.
This is why I won’t buy the current Tacoma. Diesel all the way. Come on Toyota. You can do this. A girl in California.
waiting for the diesel tacoma. I wanted it in the FJ Cruiser, but they dropped the FJ. So now it is Tacoma all the way.
Bring the diesel in with the 6 speed manual transmission
$24K? Are you high? How on EARTH can you responsibly quote that?? The 2017 basic model Tacoma is close to $38k!!!