Discussing The Toyota Tundra Hybrid Towing Capacity

The Toyota Tundra Hybrid is an excellent addition to the world of pickup trucks. It looks great and the new hybrid version pumps out 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. With all that torque, Toyota puts the 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Towing Capacity at a respectable 11,450 lbs.

I have seen several of these hybrid i-FORCE MAX Tundras at the local race track (some to pull trailers and others to actually make passes down the track). I have been curious about how they drive and tow.

A gentleman at the gym pulled up in his new hybrid Tundra and parked next to my first gen Limited Tundra. He remarked about mine and I asked how he liked the new model. He said it gets surprisingly terrible gas mileage for a hybrid, but he loves driving it and it pulls his boat like a dream. There was more control he felt, and it’s more solid than his former Tundra with the 5.7L V8. (That might have something to do with the hybrid version weighing more though).

Opinion: Hybrid > EV

Personally, I think the hybrid decision is the right one by Toyota. EVs are cool but they are not practical for long distance driving yet. And towing drains an EV battery quickly. However, with this Tundra hybrid I keep wondering about the maintenance of such a complicated vehicle. It is not just a simple hybrid, the 6 cylinder gas motor also has two turbos. Super cool? Obviously. But it does add to the maintenance and complexity of the truck. Something to think about when these bad boys hit the used market with 100-200K miles.

3rd gen Tundra painted Blueprint Blue. Photographed at Bandimere Speedway in Colorado.

Tundra Hybrid Towing Capacity vs Ford F-150 Hybrid

Ford came out with their hybrid F-150 PowerBoost in 2021. A year ahead of the Toyota hybrid pickup. But did you know the first hybrid truck was actually the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 hybrid? It was classified as a “light hybrid”, but it still counts.

The PowerBoost F-150 can tow just a bit more than the Tundra. The Ford 3.5L V6 hybrid cranks out 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque for a 12,700 lbs. max towing capacity.

The other large automakers are focusing on EV trucks rather than hybrids to compete with EV companies like Rivian.

Tundra Hybrid Compared To Other Tundra Generations

Here is how the hybrid Tundra compares to the older generations. The tow capacity increases every time Toyota releases a new truck.

2022 & 2023 Tundra Models (3rd Generation)
- 3.4 L V-6 towing capacity: 8,300 – 12,000 lbs.
- 3.4 L V-6 hybrid towing capacity: 10,340 – 11,450 lbs.

2nd Generation Tundra (2007-2021)
- 5.7 L V8 towing capacity: 7,700 to 10,600 lbs.

1st Generation Tundra (2000-2006)
- 4.7 L V8 towing capacity: 4,900 to 7,200 lbs.

These stats mostly focus on the V8 models, which would be the ideal Tundra tow rig. You can learn more about the early generation Tundra V6 towing capacities here.

My first gen double cab Limited Tundra & my brother’s first gen access cab Limited Tundra

Why Tow Capacity Ratings Are Important

When it comes to towing, understanding and respecting tow capacity ratings is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. Tow capacity ratings refer to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow without risking damage or compromising its performance. These ratings are provided by the manufacturer and are based on factors such as engine power, transmission, suspension, and braking capabilities.

The towing capacity of a vehicle plays a significant role in determining its suitability for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. Exceeding the recommended tow capacity can strain the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and brakes, leading to potential mechanical failures or accidents!

Tow ratings also consider factors such as payload capacity and trailer tongue weight to ensure that the vehicle remains stable while towing. It is important to note that exceeding these limits can affect not only the vehicle’s performance but also its ability to stop safely in emergency situations.

*NOTE: For those very observant readers, the featured image is actually a non hybrid Tundra, a pure ICE vehicle. You see, it is missing the orange high voltage cables used on the i-FORCE MAX hybrid. But it is still a great featured image. 😎