Australia's diesel-loving heartland driving hybrid Tundra sales

Regional Australia is warming to electrification… in the form of a 2.8-tonne American pickup.

The Toyota Tundrais finally arriving in showrooms after six years of right-hand drive conversion work, and rural buyers have seized upon the opportunity to get their hands on a full-sized hybrid ute.

Diesel engines are still the preferred powertrain of motorists in regional areas, given the widespread availability of diesel fuel and engine parts, efficiency benefits for long-distance driving, and strong power/torque outputs.

However, that hasn’t stopped new ute buyers from making the switch to the hybrid petrol Tundra, according to Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

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“Regional areas are strong, one regional dealer in WA has got 14 orders already,” said Mr Hanley.

“It’s a tiny dealership, he was shocked.

“The market is very healthy… it’s going to have a good start, no problem.”

In Australia, the Toyota Tundra pairs a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine producing 290kW and 650Nm with an electric motor generator producing 36kW and 250Nm that feeds a 6.5Ahr nickel metal hydride battery pack. Total system outputs are 326kW of power and 790Nm of torque.

Known as the i-Force Max powertrain, the hybridised V6 is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with drive sent through a part-time four-wheel drive system. 

The Tundra has a 122-litre fuel tank and requires a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

While many of the large American pickups sold in Australia pack petrol power, the majority of smaller, high sales volume utes such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux still feature diesel engines.

Of the five best-selling utes Down Under, only the HiLux in base Workmate trim is offered with petrol power.

“In the rural areas of Australia, they’re still very reliant on diesel,” said Mr Hanley.

“However, over time, I feel that will move. It’ll need to [shift], to be honest.”

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