Canadian truck buyers can get hybrid-powered pickups with ease with Toyota's announcement that it will fit four models of the mid-size Tacoma with hybrid powertrains.
2024 Tacoma pickups for Canada will feature the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system on the Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro versions, while it will be optional on the TRD Off-Road Premium in Canada.
Limited is a double cab model with a five-foot bed, as is the TRD Off-Road Premium, which also comes with special 18-inch off-road alloy wheels and a variety of features to provide better handling on rugged terrain. TRD Pro builds off the Off-Road Premium with unique wheels, more off-road features, and performance improvements. At the top of the off-road selection is the Trailhunter, a double cab model with six-foot bed that features improved suspension and more features to provide a high-end experience for off-road enthusiasts.
The i-FORCE MAX system pairs a 2.4-litre engine with a 48-hp electric motor feeding off a 1.87-kWh battery that is integrated into the 8-speed transmission for what Toyota says is the most powerful powertrain ever offered on the Tacoma. It can produce up to 326 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, a 75-percent increase in torque compared to the previous generation V6-powered truck. The hybrid system reduces fuel burn, with the full-time 4-wheel-drive Limited model using 10 litres per 100 km combined driving.
TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter all feature part-time 4-wheel-drive, featuring 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 all three grades, while the i-FORCE MAX Limited is full-time 4-wheel-drive with a centre locking differential.
Also standard is Drive Mode Select, which allows drivers to change the drive force, suspension, steering system, and other variables with the twist of a dial. Drive modes include Normal, Eco, and Sport. They adjust shift and pedal mapping, HVAC performance, and steering feel based on the selected drive mode. A Tow/Haul setting is standard on all i-FORCE MAX Tacomas as well.
Toyota has specially tuned suspensions for each grade of truck, and improved braking performance across the line. Towing weight for the i-FORCE MAX models is 6,000 pounds, and a variety of supporting features including trailer brake controller and a digital rear-view mirror are available. A Trailer Back Up Guide with Straight Path Assist is available, using a combination of sensors and cameras to support trailer backing - and to give the driver a 360-degree simulated top-down view of the vehicle for improved overall visibility.
Toyota has included its Safety Sense 3.0 suite of active safety and convenience systems on the 2024 i-FORCE MAX Tacomas. This includes such features as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and others.
