Toyota Tundra 2010

Fans of SUVs rejoice: green driving isn’t just for new Toyota hybrid Priuses anymore. The Toyota Tundra and Sequoia are expected to put out a new, clean-diesel V8 engine that will allow the SUVs to still get the powerful pull they’re known for while entering the 21st century in terms of fuel efficiency.

Even though the Sequoia in particular has been hailed by reviewers as one of the best SUVs in 2009, sales haven’t been as good as Toyota would like due to driver’s pains at the gas pump. Compromising on power for an SUV, though, really isn’t the best route, since that’s often the biggest appeal of owning a sport-utility vehicle.

Instead, Toyota’s pulling out all the stops. Their engine is probably going to be a new version of the 4.5-liter V8 that gets 282 horsepower and a hefty 480 lb-ft of torque. An even more impressive version is hot on its heels – a seriously powerful 7.0-liter V8 turbo-diesel. That more powerful engine probably won’t be around until 2011 at the earliest, but SUV lovers should keep an eye out for new developments.

What’s even more interesting is that diesel engines might even be greener than new Toyota hybrid vehicles – a debate that’s ongoing and doesn’t really seem to have a clear victor. Some are suggesting that the best course is a diesel-hybrid combination, giving Toyota lovers the best of both worlds: power and fuel economy.

Talk to your local Missouri Toyota dealer today about the latest in new Toyota hybrid technology and other green innovations that can save you money at the pump.