Toyota teased the availability of an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain in the Tacoma for 2024 on Tuesday.
That demonstrates the major change for the next redesign, supporting Toyota’s drive to make every model available with a hybrid powertrain options by 2025. But it wasn’t the only significant change; the Tacoma will also switch to the platform of the new Tundra. 2024 is expected to be a significant year for a vehicle that has had little modifications during the previous 20 years.
Along with enhancing crash safety and, hopefully, efficiency, the new platform should reduce the new truck’s noise, vibration, and harshness. Although its specific design is unknown, the hybrid powertrain will also be helpful. The i-Force Max powertrain in the Tundra has a twin-turbo V-6 and a motor-generator unit positioned in between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. At 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, that combination may be too powerful for the Tacoma’s smaller engine.
The new engine should be a significant improvement over the outdated 3.5-liter V-6 in the truck presently, even if the Tacoma does away with the turbos. Perhaps it will also uphold the famous reputation of that engine’s dependability and toughness.
It’s also not clear if the i-Force Max will be the only available powertrain. Customers can choose a twin-turbo V-6 on the Tundra without the hybrid technology, and Toyota has a wide selection of pure-ICE variants. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a traditional powerplant option for Tacoma consumers who value simplicity. Yet, thanks to this teaser image, we are aware that the popular TRD Pro trim is returning and will be available with the hybrid drivetrain. The practical Taco might soon challenge the Chevy Colorado ZR2 if Toyota equips the Tacoma i-Force Max with the same drivetrain as its larger sibling.
The teaser’s tailboard looks much like the one on the existing Tundra. The larger truck’s blocky, tough design theme is carried over here, and the white paint is starkly contrasted with the massive black trimmings. Everything looks recognisable if you’ve seen a white Tundra TRD Pro, and we anticipate that the styling language will be carried over to the remainder of the truck. They appear to be a family now that they have the same DNA.
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