There is no doubt that the future Tacoma is going to use the hybrid engine. We already have teaser images of the truck with the I-Force badge. But, its larger sibling, Tundra, is getting power from a too potent system for the mid-size class. Also, the hybrid variant, known as the I Force Max, is creating 437 hp and 589 lb-ft of torque. That is definitely something for the small pickup. Anyway, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid will need extra power to solve all the off-road challenges.
The 2024 Tacoma is an all-new truck. The company redesigned the pickup and put the new engine under the hood. The base version with a four-cylinder unit was forgivable, while the optional V6 was more expensive, and still less potent than the competition’s six-pot units. Anyway, Toyota is about to fix that now. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid will be a crown jewel of the lineup, with extreme performances.
Hybrid Engine – Expectations
The Japanese company started adding hybrid systems to the truck lineup. The all-new Tundra debuted with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine instead of an old V8. It was potent, durable and reliable, but the new configuration, called I-Force is way more efficient.
The company released a few images of the new 2024 Tacoma. On the tailgate, besides the model, is an I-Force badge. It leaves a lot of room for speculation until the official statement is released. it is hard to expect the same V6 for the smaller truck, even if it is the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid. So, a different type of the I Force Max will be under the bonnet of the midsize pickup.
I Force vs I Force Max
The same recipe used for the Tundra will be there for the smaller truck. The base version is equipped with an engine, smaller than before, but more efficient thanks to turbochargers. So, a lame four-pot mill and a V6 are definitely gone. Toyota won’t just rename it. Engineers build something new around the I Force badge. A turbo-four will be the base solution. It will be ready to offer a similar amount of power as the old V6.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid, and a few other models, such as Trailhunter, will use the I Force Max. For the Tundra, the hybrid system adds extra power and torque. So, future Tacoma buyers can expect 350-400 hp from the top of the line setups.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid Towing Capacity
The most important thing about any truck is how much it can tow. Tacoma wasn’t the best option in this segment. Chevy Colorado did 7,700 lbs with a diesel engine, while the Jeep Gladiator was just behind. The old Tacoma can haul up to 6,700 pounds. And, it was still the best-selling truck in the segment.
Now, with the I Force system, the engine is going to be smaller, delivering the same amount of power, and we expect a significant improvement in the towing capacity. Could it be the first midsize pickup to hit 8,000 pounds? We’ll see. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid will be equipped for extreme off-road drive, so the towing potential could be slightly lower for this model.
New TRD Pro vs Trailhunter
Recently, the Japanese company unveiled a new truck concept, called Trailhunter. Before that, we could find rumors about the update of TRD Pro packages for all vehicles using it. It had the sense to think about the Trailhunter as the TRD Pro version 2.0 and the replacement. But, there are both packages available on Tundra, so Tacoma could get it as well. The Trailhunter will be powered by the base I Force system, and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid will use the I Force Max with more power and torque for solving more difficult terrains.
When Will 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid Be Available?
The all-new Tacoma debuts as the 2024 YM. After that, we will know which models will be kept and what are the updates for carry-overs. Anyway, as one of the best off-road trucks in the market, the TRD Pro is going to be a part of the squad for sure. With a hybrid engine, it is going to be the most interesting product you can find at dealerships next year.