Why doesn't Toyota produce a V8 Tacoma anymore?

Toyota Tacoma Limited Forum
1

I’m currently looking at Tacomas, and despite the lack of a V8 option, which would give me the extra power I want, especially in low-end torque, it’s at the top of my list by a wide margin, mainly due to its reliability.

Toyota already has a strong V8 used in the Tundra. Why isn’t there a V8 option for the Tacoma? I’ve seen 4Runners with V8s, but Tacomas don’t seem to have them. I know I could save more and go for the Tundra, but I don’t need or want a truck that big. I prefer the size of the Tacoma’s bed, and I’m not interested in an SUV like the 4Runner. A V8 in a Tacoma would be amazing; it seems like the perfect combination to me.

Did Toyota ever offer a V8 Tacoma? If they did, how far back do I need to look? Would anyone else be interested in this option, or am I in the minority with this opinion?

2

Toyota doesn’t produce a V8 Tacoma because they want to avoid interfering with Tundra sales. Increasing Tacoma sales with a V8 option might reduce Tundra sales. Different platforms within Toyota’s corporation prefer to maintain their own market segments and not negatively impact other models.

3

Although I believe it would be nice, Toyota shouldn’t have to spend the time creating or attempting to figure out how to get the V8 in there when they can really give you the V8 Tundra for precisely what you want.