2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Tacoma mid-size pickup has been a popular model for Toyota for decades—so much so that it's spawned a virtual cult loyal to "the Taco." For 2024, it benefits from a long-needed re-do that brings it up to modern standards. This year, a Tacoma Hybrid joins the lineup for the first time, and it's the most powerful powertrain offered. The nonhybrid Tacoma (reviewed separately) has a turbocharged four-cylinder that can muster a decent 278 horsepower, but the Hybrid Max powertrain here makes 326 ponies and promises to be both quicker and more fuel efficient. Not only does that give the Tacoma Hybrid an edge over its nonhybrid sibling, but it's also the most powerful mid-size pickup—competition that includes the Chevrolet Colorado and the Ford Ranger, both of which are also freshly redesigned. The Tacoma Hybrid's lineup consists mostly of off-road-focused trims, but the fancy Limited model is offered for buyers who want to spend more time on the tarmac in comfort. Towing and payload capacities are competitive in the mid-size truck class, but the nonhybrid might be a better choice for value-oriented buyers since it offers lower-priced trim levels that the Hybrid doesn't.

What's New for 2024?

The Tacoma Hybrid is a new model for the Toyota lineup for 2024 and it marks the first time that the long-standing Tacoma nameplate has offered an electrified powertrain. We expect to see it on dealer lots sometime in 2024.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The TRD Off-Road model strikes us as the best value among the Tacoma Hybrid models. It features a composite front skid plate for extra off-road protection and comes with 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. We’d order the Audio Multimedia Upgrade package, which swaps the TRD Off-Road's standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen for a much larger 14-inch unit. Otherwise, we'd go light on the options since we expect pricing for hybrid models to surpass those of the nonhybrid Tacoma, pushing prices ever closer to full-size pickup truck territory.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Tacoma's hybrid powertrain is called i-Force Max and it pumps out 326 horses and 465 pound-feet of torque. It features an electric motor between the engine and transmission and a small nickel-metal hydride battery. For the Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims, this hybrid setup is the only option, but it's possible to get the other trims listed above with a nonhybrid powertrain (reviewed separately). But for off-road enthusiasts, the Tacoma Hybrid's top two trims are likely the most attractive. They come fortified with underbody protection, knobby 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, and exclusive suspension components. The TRD Pro, for instance, features a standard disconnecting front anti-roll bar and unique 2.5-inch dampers with remote reservoirs. During our first drive, we were able to sample several models, including a mid-range Limited and a top-spec TRD Pro. On the road, the Tacoma Hybrid's ride is firm but agreeable. The TRD Pro exhibited a surprising amount of refinement, delivering the smoothest ride of the models we sampled. It also proved to be quite capable on a simulated off-road course that included several places where we were able to get the truck slightly airborne to test its bump absorption. We did not have a chance to tackle any technical trails to test the Tacoma Hybrid's overlanding chops, but we've sampled the nonhybrid Tacoma in those scenarios and even chose it over the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in a comparison test.

0–60-MPH Times

While we haven't tested the Tacoma Hybrid at our test track yet, we estimate the 326-hp powertrain will be powerful enough to hustle the pickup to 60 mph in as little as 6.5 seconds. The nonhybrid Tacoma needed 7.0 seconds to hit 60 mph, so the electrified model should be slightly quicker.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The hybrid i-Force Max is capped at a 6000-pound tow rating can carry a payload of up to 1709 pounds. The nonhybrid Tacoma tows slightly more with a 6500-pound maximum, but its payload capacity drops by four pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the Tacoma Hybrid is good for as high as 23 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. While that city estimate is higher than the regular Tacoma, the highway figure is actually lower than the most efficient nonhybrid variant. When we get a chance, we'll take the Tacoma Hybrid on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with its real-world test results. For more information about the Tacoma Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Tacoma Hybrid offers a modern design and decent space. Every model offers a raised seating position with plentiful headroom. The dashboard boasts nice materials along with high-resolution screens and traditional button-and-knob switchgear. While the TRD Sport has a 7.0-inch digital display in the gauge cluster, TRD Off-Road models and up feature a larger 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display. A head-up display comes standard on the Limited and above, with those models also packing heated-and-cooled front seats. Speaking of seats, the TRD Pro offers what it calls IsoDynamic front seats with a shock-absorbing, air-over-oil internal suspension system that's designed to lessen the pounding the driver takes over rough off-road terrain. The seat can move slightly fore-and-aft, side-to-side, and up-and-down to ease the jostling of off-road driving. It locks in place for on-road driving, too, but the seatbacks are bulky and intrude on rear-seat legroom. Speaking of intrusion, the Tacoma Hybrid's battery pack rides in the space beneath the rear seat. This eliminates the storage area that's usually there in the nonhybrid model, so if you're planning on stashing tools or cargo there you'll have to find another space.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0-inch touchscreen is the standard infotainment system on TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road models. The Limited model is where the bigger 14.0-inch touchscreen gets involved, and it's also the centerpiece on the Trailhunter and TRD Pro. Every model includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is optional, as is a JBL audio system. The latter even includes a Bluetooth speaker that can be detached from the top of the dashboard.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every 2024 Tacoma Hybrid has a host of standard driver-assistance technology, which includes automatic high-beam headlamps. While they cost extra, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. For more information about the Tacoma's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Tacoma Hybrid's warranty coverage aligns with most rivals, and Toyota offers the best complimentary scheduled maintenance plan in the class.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles

More Features and Specs