Hybrid vs Non-Hybrid: That Under-Seat Storage Matters More Than I Expected

IRONMAN4X4 · 2026-01-12T22:00:06+00:00

Hey everyone, stoked to be here. We’re IRONMAN 4X4, and we spend a lot of time thinking about vehicles that carry weight, tow, and rack up serious miles. Suspension is our primary focus, with systems designed to manage load properly, improve control, and maintain ride quality over time — not just the first 10k miles. We also offer bumpers, armor, rooftop tents, and awnings designed to work together, whether the goal is daily driving, overlanding, family travel, or some combination of all three. We’re here to answer questions, share setup guidance, and help people build trucks that make sense for how they’re actually used. • Tundra suspension systems: https://www.ironman4x4.com/collections/toyota-tundra-lift-kits • Bumpers & armor: https://www.ironman4x4.com/collections/exterior-parts • Camping & shelter: https://www.ironman4x4.com/collections/camping Looking forward to being part of the community.

TrailJustin

Member

Nov 20, 2025

So after spending more time around hybrid Tundras, I’ll admit it — the hybrid drivetrain really does drive better. The power delivery is smoother, the torque feels great, and if you’re planning to hit trails or run tougher off-road routes, the hybrid setup definitely has its advantages.

But owning a non-hybrid, there’s one thing I’m honestly not sure I could give up the under seat storage.

That compartment under the rear seat is clutch. My entire recovery kit lives down there — straps, shackles, gloves, tire tools, even some emergency gear. It stays hidden, organized, and out of the way. If I switched to a hybrid, I have no idea where I’d put all of this without eating up bed space or stacking gear in the cab.

Hybrid owners — what are you doing for storage? Bed boxes? MOLLE panels? Behind the seat? I’m curious how everyone is working around the missing compartment.

If Toyota ever finds a way to bring the hybrid powertrain and keep the under-seat storage… that might be the perfect combo.

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