The latest Toyota Tacoma showcases significant improvements in design, interior aesthetics, and technological features. But its newly introduced hybrid powertrain emerges as one of the most captivating attributes of this new midsize truck. While embracing this innovative propulsion system is available to those seeking mid-level Tacomas, it reigns supreme as a standard feature in the illustrious TRD Pro and the all-new Trail Hunter Trim.
Brace yourself for a mind-blowing combination of exceptional fuel efficiency and unrivaled performance as this midsize marvel surges forth as a formidable contender in the fiercely competitive EV market.
Today, let’s find out why the new Toyota Tacoma hybrid will be a game-changer in the electric vehicle market.
Toyota has earned a well-deserved reputation for producing exceptionally dependable vehicles, spanning cars and trucks. The Toyota Tacoma, in particular, has long been regarded as the epitome of reliability. Consequently, there is no reason to doubt that the new generation will uphold the same level of dependability as its predecessors.
While the addition of hybrid technology is a new introduction to the Tacoma lineup, Toyota stands as one of the pioneers in hybrid vehicles. The company has already demonstrated its expertise in hybrid pickup trucks with the Tundra hybrid model. Moreover, for further reassurance, the Tacoma hybrid comes with a comprehensive five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, ensuring additional peace of mind for owners.
The most recent Toyota Tacoma has received a major renovation, leading to a thorough redesign. Its exterior now exudes a more daring and assertive appearance than ever before. According to designers, the Tacoma’s rugged aesthetic is derived from the iconic Hilux. With its robust high-mount headlamps, side air intakes, redesigned grille, electric tailgate spoilers, and power tailgate, the truck exudes an unmistakable off-road appeal and conveys an impression of durability that is inherent to a truck’s character. For the hybrid TRD Pro variant, there are exclusive features like an off-road-oriented front bumper, wider fender flares, a robust steel rear bumper, and distinctive wheels.
Moreover, the new Tacoma offers a wide range of color options, allowing owners to personalize their trucks according to their preferences. With an overall blend of form and functionality, the new Toyota Tacoma stands out as an attractive truck, maintaining its bold and aggressive stance.
The latest Tacoma hybrid represents the most technologically advanced version of the Tacoma lineup, and this is evident in its redesigned interior. The interior has undergone a modern and upscale transformation, boasting a more contemporary appearance. Additionally, the cabin now offers increased spaciousness thanks to enhanced legroom and headroom.
The top-tier trim levels present luxurious features like heated and ventilated seats, along with power running boards for added convenience. Another notable addition is the innovative camera system, which facilitates easier maneuvering during off-roading, towing, or parking. Overall, the interior of the new Tacoma represents a substantial improvement over the previous generation, and the hybrid variant comes equipped with an array of impressive features.
One of the most distinctive features of the Tacoma hybrid is the inclusion of gimbal seats. Opting for the TRD Pro version grants access to Toyota’s bucket seats, which are essentially gimbal seats for the driver and front passenger. These seats are crafted from durable fabric that is resistant to both water and stains. Designed to provide optimal comfort and support, the seats incorporate shocks mounted vertically and laterally. These shocks effectively isolate the body from bumps experienced while off-roading, which is further enhanced by the Tacoma’s new suspension system.
To enhance comfort on hot days, the bucket seats are equipped with a built-in cooling system, ensuring a cool and refreshing experience for both the driver and passenger. These gimbal seats surely stand out as one of the most innovative and practical features of the Toyota Tacoma hybrid.
The Tacoma incorporates several noteworthy technological upgrades. It offers a standard 8-inch touchscreen with the option to upgrade to a larger 14-inch display featuring the latest iteration of Toyota’s multimedia system, which was first introduced on the 2022 Tundra. The system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and improved processing times. This new display replaces the previous generation’s standard 7-inch unit and now offers the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The base model includes a 7-inch gauge cluster, while higher trims offer a larger 12.3-inch digital cluster. Additionally, the Tacoma introduces a newly available 10-speaker JBL audio system, accompanied by a portable speaker designed for outdoor adventures.
In terms of safety features, the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assist suite is standard across all Tacoma trims. This comprehensive suite includes an automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-centering steering. Notably, the lane-centering steering now functions in conjunction with adaptive cruise control. Another notable addition to Toyota Safety Sense is Proactive Driving Assist, which enables automatic braking in curves and provides braking and steering support to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Furthermore, the new Tacoma introduces Road Sign Assist as a new feature within the safety suite.
All variants of the new Toyota Tacoma are equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The SR version generates 228 horsepower, while the i-Force version produces 278 horsepower. The hybrid version, known as the i-Force Max, combines its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack, an 8-speed transmission, and a 48-horsepower electric motor, resulting in an overall power output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Compared to the previous generation’s base version, the Tacoma hybrid offers nearly twice the power. Although it may not match the Ford Ranger Raptor’s 405 horsepower, it still delivers ample power and compensates for any deficits with its efficiency and torque capabilities.
Hybrid vehicles consistently offer superior fuel efficiency compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts, and the Toyota Tacoma hybrid is no exception.
Through Toyota’s effective integration of the electric motor and engine, the Tacoma achieves all the necessary functions of a truck without excessive fuel consumption. While specific fuel economy figures have yet to be released by Toyota, there has been speculation that the Tacoma hybrid could achieve up to 38 mpg. Even if this estimate proves optimistic, it would still represent a substantial improvement over the current generation Tacoma’s combined city and highway rating of 21 mpg. For comparison, the Toyota Tundra hybrid achieves 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Given its smaller size, the Tacoma hybrid is expected to offer significantly better efficiency than its larger counterpart.
The Toyota Tacoma hybrid represents a significant advancement in fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness while retaining its practicality and usability as a midsize truck. The cabin offers ample legroom and headroom, and the bed is spacious enough to accommodate cargo or a trailer. The electric motor’s added power and torque further enhance these capabilities. With a towing capacity rated at 6,000 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 1,709 lbs, the Tacoma hybrid possesses all the necessary qualities of a dependable workhorse pickup truck. However, it also provides the advantages of improved fuel efficiency and additional power, making it an appealing choice.
The Toyota Tacoma hybrid is available in two versions: the TRD Pro and the Trail Hunter. Both models exhibit impressive off-road capabilities, but the Trail Hunter trim particularly excels in this aspect. Geared toward off-road enthusiasts, this trim boasts exclusive features that enhance its off-road prowess. These include 18-inch bronze-colored rims fitted with all-terrain tires, specialized shocks with a piggyback-style reservoir, and a multi-terrain select system.
The TRD Pro version shares some of these features, such as a locking rear differential, which ensures even power distribution to both rear wheels, resulting in improved traction. Whether you opt for the hybrid version or the TRD Pro version, the Toyota Tacoma hybrid will not disappoint when it comes to off-road performance.
Toyota Tacoma enthusiasts are renowned for customizing their trucks to enhance their capabilities, and the new Tacoma hybrid seamlessly fits into this tradition. The Tacoma is particularly suitable for overlanding, a recreational activity involving utilizing the vehicle as a mobile home while exploring off-road trails and remote destinations. The Trail Hunter version of the Tacoma comes equipped with all the necessary features for overlanding. Furthermore, the Tacoma has always been supported by a wide range of third-party accessories, including tents and roof racks. This means that you can transform the Toyota Tacoma into a versatile vehicle capable of serving your everyday driving and work needs while also facilitating exciting off-road adventures like overlanding.
The Tacoma will be available in eight different trims upon its release: SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro. The TRD PreRunner is exclusively offered in a two-door, two-seat configuration with rear-wheel drive. The SR and SR5 trims also offer the option of the two-door XtraCab setup. On the other hand, higher trims are only available with a four-door double cab configuration and a 5- or 6-foot bed.
The new PreRunner trim features a lifted front suspension, all-terrain tires, and an electronically locked rear differential. The TRD Sport trim returns with distinctive black 18-inch wheels, color-keyed door handles and fenders, a hood scoop, and black exterior badging. The Limited trim includes power-retractable sidesteps, a head-up display, a standard 14-inch touchscreen, a digital rearview mirror, and a power moonroof.
The Tacoma’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain is available on the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims, and it comes standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims. The SR, SR5, and PreRunner trims will be powered exclusively by the base gas-only i-Force engine.
Gas-only variants of the 2024 Tacoma are expected to arrive in late 2023, with hybrid models following in early 2024. Pricing for the redesigned pickup will be announced closer to its release. Given the significant updates made to the Tacoma’s powertrains, technology, and capability, customers should anticipate a price increase compared to the 2023 Tacoma. The base SR trim currently starts at $28,250, while the range-topping TRD Pro with a manual transmission is priced at $47,685.