It’s teaser-Tuesday for Toyota as they have unveiled a single image of the upcoming 2024 Tacoma pickup in TRD Pro form, along with the confirmation that it will come with “electrifying i-Force Max” performance. However, Toyota has not disclosed any further details, leaving us to wonder what this could entail.
Although rumors suggested that the next-gen mid-size truck would use the Hybrid MAX powertrain from the Grand Highlander and Crown, which combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a rear eAxle to deliver 340 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, the Tacoma TRD Pro’s “i-Force Max” designation suggests otherwise.
Instead, while lesser versions may get four-cylinder options, Toyota’s teaser hints that the new Tacoma TRD Pro could share the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain with the Tundra, which features a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor. This electrified unit could be a logical choice given that both trucks are built on the same TNGA-F platform.
The V6 engine and electric motor of the larger Tundra, powered by a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, deliver an impressive 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque. This represents a significant improvement over the standard 3.5-liter engine, which produces 389 hp (290 kW / 394 PS) and 479 lb-ft (649 Nm) on its own.
Read: 2022 Toyota Tundra’s 437 HP Hybrid Powertrain Is A $3,400 Option
If – and that’s a big if right now, the Tacoma TRD Pro does get a V6 and not a 4-cylinder hybrid, then it’s very likely that Toyota would detune the engine. For context, the high-performance 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor makes just 392 hp (292 kW / 397 PS) and 583 Nm (430 ft-lb) of torque in Australia.
In any case, the hybrid Tacoma TRD Pro is expected to deliver better fuel efficiency compared to the Tundra, thanks to its smaller size and lower weight. The i-Force Max powertrain in Toyota’s full-size pickup returns 22 MPG combined, two more miles per gallon than the non-hybrid V6, despite offering 48 more horsepower (36 kW / 49 PS). With these factors in mind, it’s reasonable to expect that the Tacoma will be even more fuel-efficient.
One thing is certain though, the new mid-size truck’s design will be brought in line with that of the Tundra. Previously seen in Brazilian patent images, the Tundra will be a boxy, tough-looking truck like its bigger sibling. We expect to learn more about the design, powertrains, and features very soon.
