The Toyota Tacoma is adding the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain (earlier post) to the model lineup. The i-FORCE MAX pairs a 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated exclusively into the 8-speed transmission for the most powerful powertrain ever offered on Tacoma.

The total system output of up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque delivers a 75% increase in torque compared to the previous generation V6-powered truck.

Redesigned inside and out, with more power, comfort, and tech, the 2024 Tacoma embraces its off-road roots and takes them to a new level with the first Trailhunter grade. Developed from the ground up for those seeking extended adventures, Tacoma Trailhunter builds upon Toyota’s off-road and overlanding credibility with purpose-built engineering and robust components.

Exclusively powered by i-FORCE MAX and available in a choice of 5-or 6-foot bed configurations, it includes standard features such as Old Man Emu forged monotube shocks, a low-profile high-mount air intake mounted to the A pillar, 33-inch Goodyear Territory Rugged Terrain tires with 18-in bronze-finished alloy wheels, and unique exterior features such as RIGID Industries color switching LED fog lamps and the bronze-colored “TOYOTA” heritage-inspired grille with an integrated LED light bar.

The TRD Pro is also an i-FORCE MAX exclusive grade, with the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades having the option for the hybrid powertrain. The TRD Pro debuts the segment-first, standard IsoDynamic Performance Front Seats, which use an air-over-oil shock absorber system allowing for vertical and lateral seat movement simultaneously to help reduce body movement and stabilize the head and neck to keep alignment with the spine.

TRD Pro also packs in additional standard features such as TRD-tuned FOX QS3 adjustable shocks with rear remote reservoirs, a TRD performance air intake, 33-inch Goodyear Territory Rugged Terrain tires with 18-in black alloy wheels, and available two-tone exterior paint including the TRD PRO-exclusive Terra color.

The i-FORCE MAX Tacoma also brings standard 4-wheel drive that is ready for the road or trail. TRD and Trailhunter grades have standard part-time 4-wheel drive with an electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case. When the trail gets truly demanding, a front Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism is standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter and is available on TRD Off-Road. The premium Limited i-FORCE MAX grade has full-time 4-wheel drive with an electronic locking center differential and a smooth-riding Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).

The 2024 Tacoma with i-FORCE MAX models are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships later this Spring. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at $46,300 for the TRD Sport grade, excluding delivery processing and handling.

Tacoma will offer two powerful and efficient powertrains, an i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain. Available on TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter halo models, i-FORCE MAX pairs the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-hp electric motor feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery and integrated into the eight-speed transmission. The iFORCE MAX Tacoma brings the power and capability midsize truck fans love with up to an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined rating.

The i-FORCE MAX powertrain’s 465 lb-ft. of torque is delivered almost instantaneously, kicking in at a low revving 1,700 rpm. The 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode and uphill/downhill shift logic helps Tacoma maintain gear selection longer during elevation changes without the need to downshift.

The TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter all come with part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades. The new premium i-FORCE MAX Limited grade features a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential.

The i-FORCE MAX Tacoma also comes with standard Drive Mode Select, available modes allow the driver to change the settings of the drive force, suspensions, steering system, etc., all at the twist of a dial. For example, when in Sport/Sport+ mode of Drive Mode Select, the i-FORCE MAX makes use of the electric motor’s instantaneous responsiveness. Standard drive modes include Normal, Eco, and Sport, adjusting shift and pedal mapping, HVAC performance, and steering feel based on the selected drive mode. The Limited grade adds two additional pre-programmed drive modes, Sport S+ and Comfort, as well as a Custom mode allowing the driver ultimate control over their driving experience. A Tow/Haul setting is standard on all i-FORCE MAX Tacomas, providing enhanced throttle response and transmission functionality while towing.

The new Tacoma i-FORCE MAX utilizes Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform shared with the Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. Much like its full-size brethren, high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds are used throughout the chassis to increase rigidity over the previous generation, and aluminum is used on the upper body to reduce weight. Frame crossmembers are also strengthened to increase durability. A new standard high lift jack point is also integrated into the rear frame end.

Also enhancing ride and handling characteristics on Tacoma i-FORCE MAX are suspensions tuned specifically to each grade. For instance, TRD Sport has TRD Sport-tuned shocks for a more responsive feel. The TRD Off-Road grade is equipped with monotube Bilstein remote reservoir shocks for extended wheel travel and greater heat dissipation and includes an end stop control valve (ESCV) that provides increased damping force as the suspension comes closer to full bound stroke.

TRD Pro comes fitted with TRD-tuned FOX QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs for improved high speed off-road performance and external FOX Internal Floating Piston (IFP) rear bump stops to improve bottom out feel. Trailhunter includes Old Man Emu (OME) forged monotube shocks with remote reservoirs that are tuned for optimum levels of off-road control and load carrying capability.

The Limited grade features an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that constantly adjusts damping forces based on changing road conditions. The linear-solenoid-type AVS system features built-in actuators in the front and rear shock absorbers to continuously change damping force based on road conditions to help give the new Tacoma a smooth and luxurious ride.

The i-FORCE MAX Tacoma also offers enhanced braking performance due to upgraded rear discs, pads and calibers compared to the already impressive i-FORCE models. All Tacomas now come with standard disc brakes on the front and rear, providing improved driving dynamics and allowing for correlation of damping force to the amount of brake pedal pressure for easier pedal control in daily use and reduced fatigue.

Like the gas-powered i-FORCE models, the i-FORCE MAX Tacoma features Electric Power Steering (EPS) to provide improved steering feel and facilitate the incorporation of additional safety and convenience features. A new front cross member was constructed for the steering gear box, which adds rigidity via additional cross member support while enhancing steering input for the driver and handling dynamics. A larger, more rigid steering column helps the driver receive excellent steering feedback, while also reducing vibration. The EPS also measures the driver’s steering force and adds suitable assisting torque to reduce steering effort. The system provides electric power only when it is needed, therefore power consumption is reduced when steering wheel operations are unnecessary such as when idling or driving in a straight line.

Standard on Trailhunter and TRD Pro and available on TRD Off-Road, the all-new Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) increases suspension articulation across the whole vehicle at the push of a button, and will even be compatible with Toyota-approved lift kits.

The new Tacoma has up to a 35.7-degree approach, 24.6-degree breakover, and 22.6-degree departure angles on TRD Pro with running ground clearance maxing out at 11.5 inches. TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter drivers can view potential obstacles that are looming on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor that can display crisply on the available 14-inch touchscreen. For the sketchiest of situations, Tacoma offers standard underbody protection and front recovery points, with additional rear recovery points standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter.

Multi-Terrain Select, which is now functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrain such as mud, dirt, and sand. Tacoma also makes available Toyota’s next-generation CRAWL Control technology that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering while the system smoothly and quietly modulates the throttle and brakes in one of five selectable speeds. When traction is extremely limited, the available electronically activated locking rear differential can help split power sent to the rear 50/50 between the rear wheels. Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature available and helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle.

The maximum towing weight for the i-FORCE MAX Tacoma is rated at 6,000 lbs. To help make towing a breeze, Tacomas offer a variety of supporting features including a trailer brake controller, and a digital rear-view mirror. The available Trailer Back Up Guide with Straight Path Assist feature uses a combination of sensors and cameras to help keep your trailer in a straight line while reversing. This technology also gives the driver a 360-degree simulated top-down view of the vehicle to aid overall visibility, including tough-to-see areas around the truck and trailer.

With Straight Path Assist activated, the Tacoma automatically controls steering input designed to help precise trailer positioning when reversing, allowing the driving to focus solely on throttle and braking. During regular on-road driving conditions, i-FORCE MAX Tacoma’s standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) can identify when a trailer is being towed and extend the area of detection to recognize and alert the driver to potential hazards in blind spots for not only the truck, but the trailer as well.