Toyota’s Tacoma has been the most popular and top-selling midsize pickup truck for years. And for 2024, it will be even more popular with the addition of a hybrid powertrain, rear coil spring suspension and a host of Toyota’s SafetySense safety upgrades.
Tacoma is offered in SR, SR5, TRD Pre-Runner (2WD), TRD Sport we tested, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD PRO, Trailhunter and in XtraCab (2-door model) and Double Cab (4-doors). Each with more amenities, capabilities and cost. Tacoma is also available with a five- or six-foot bed.
Our Sport was also the hybrid model that offers the best of all worlds with increased fuel economy and greater power. The latter two don’t seem to jive but they do in the Tacoma Hybrid.
For 2024, the TRD Sport model has a more aggressive front end with a non-functional hood scoop, a tailgate for our trucks’ 5-foot bed that lowers and raises via the keyfob, and a sculpted back end with a 3.5-inch wide tailpipe. The bed includes a 2400W/120V AC power supply receptacle that is nice to have to run electric power tools – or microwave.
The Tacoma Hybrid interior, with a tall 23-inch stretch into the cabin, boasts a brawny design with a thickly padded steering wheel, heated/cooled leatherette front seats, 14-inch infotainment display with rearview/revolving 360 camera system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-Fi connectivity, brushed aluminum pedals and 12.3-inch gauge cluster.
HVAC controls are large and easy to view and use even with gloved hands. And below it a wireless phone charger. It shares the console with a beefy gear selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission. Next to it is a multi-function rotary drive mode switch that selects 2H, 4H and 4L 4WD gearing. Press and turn the switch for driving modes of Sport, Normal and Eco.
Tacoma’s rear seats have marginal leg room, are on the taut side, but offer generous head room. Unlike non-hybrid Tacoma rear seats, the hybrid’s battery pack is located beneath the rear seat bottoms so the bottoms don’t fold up against the tops that normally exposes a width-wide bin for small item storage. The top seat backs though, flip open to access the jack and tools.
Tacoma Hybrid has more grunt then the standard turbo 4-cylinder. It’s powered by an i-Force Max turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that when combined with the 48-hp electric motor and hybrid battery pack, generates 326-hp and an impressive 465 lb/ft of torque. Coupled to the 8-speed auto trans, it’s been independently tested at 6.5 seconds for a 0-60 sprint. This powertrain is the most potent ever in a Tacoma and carries a tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds, 500 less than the non-hybrid version. The combination earned EPA mileage estimates of 22 city, 24-highway mpg.
So powered, Tacoma Hybrid is quick with lots of spunk both from a standing stop and when passing 18-wheelers. And the engine has a sweet garble under heavy acceleration, especially in Sport mode.
Ride wise on 8.5-inch wide, 18-inch General tires is smooth and remains planted in sharp, tight turns. Load the cargo bed and the ride gets even smoother. Tacoma is nimble as well with a 45.8 foot turning circle.
Toyota’s standard Safety Sense 3.0 included such safety features like pre-collision system w/pedestrian detection, lane departure alert w/steering assist, full-speed range radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, proactive driving assist, blind spot monitor and more.
If considering a mid-size 4WD pickup, Tacoma’s record, that began in 1995, is worth considering as it goes up against the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon and Ford Ranger. The latter are both non-hybrid’s as of this writing.
Tacoma Hybrid comes with a 3 year/36K mile limited warranty, 5/60K powertrain, the hybrid components are covered for 10/150K miles and this is transferable to a new owner. Added to this is 2 years/25K mile complimentary maintenance and a 60 month no mileage corrosion warranty.
