Toyota has released details on the Tacoma Hybrid, showing it will start at $47,795 as part of the TRD Sport trim. While that’s nearly $7,000 more than the gasoline variant of the TRD Sport, it does come equipped with the more powerful i-Force Max powertrain.
That unit offers a combined total of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, a significant improvement over the gasoline-only models. However, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp hybrid electric motor integrated into the 8-speed transmission may not offer that much more utility. The outgoing V6 models topped out at 6,800 pounds and the new 278 hp 2.4-liter gas-powered engine is supposed to be capable of 6,500 pounds when equipped with the proper towing package.
Hybrid models look to be sold at a healthy premium over gasoline-only models. But not all trims are equal. For example, TRD Off-Road model is only $4,800 more when outfitted as a hybrid. Higher trims seem to have even less difference between the hybrid vs non-hybrid models, though you can still reliably count on spending a few thousand more in all cases.
The exception here is the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Trailhunter. Both of those will come with the hybrid i-Force powertrain as standard equipment and start near the $65,000 mark. That’s expensive for a midsize pickup. But they also come with loads of off-road goodies — like upgraded underbody protection, aggressive tires, beefed-up suspensions, helpful driving modes, etc. — and plenty of interior upgrades.
While we assume the hybrid will probably draw in some customers seeking to save on fuel costs, Toyota expects the Tacoma hybrid to net a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 23 or 24 mpg depending on the trim. That’s only a couple miles to the gallon better than the non-hybrid trims and quite a bit less than one might receive from a smaller truck. The Ford Maverick may not be able to haul nearly as much stuff, but it’s still a truck and one that’s quite a bit more fuel efficient than the Tacoma.
Hybrid versions of the Ford Maverick boast an EPA average of 42 mpg in town and 33 in on the highway. Meanwhile, the non-hybrid version still manages 23 mpg in the city and 30 on the open road. Things are much closer when you’re comparing trucks sized more closely to the Tacoma. But even here, the Ford Ranger outperforms by a few mpg while other brand’s are offering models that are close enough for it not to make much difference.
The above probably won’t decide which pickup someone will settle on. But it may sway drivers who are trying to decide whether the peppier i-Force Max is worth the extra cost.
[Images: Toyota]
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