The running debate with the new Toyota Tacoma is: Whether you prefer the new 4-cylinder turbo (plus optional hybrid) versus the last generation’s tried-&-true, no-nonsense V6. This evolution/transition has really split the Toyota 4×4 fanbase, so let’s talk about it.
^^^ 4th Generation Tacoma
^^^ 3rd Generation Tacoma
A lot of the Toyota purists don’t want to over-complicate it…
And I’ve got one foot in that camp. Loyal Toyota 4×4 buyers want rugged simplicity, reliability, and easy/affordable maintenance. That’s why they buy Toyota, and that’s also why Toyotas have such solid resale value & reputation. There’s something that doesn’t sit right about dangling a carrot like a TRD Pro or Trailhunter – and then forcing us into a hybrid to get the carrot.
On the other hand, I’ve driven all the new Toyota 4×4 hybrids…
That includes the Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and Tundra. And from a driver’s perspective, they’re honestly exceptional. Forget everything you think you know, and just drive one without bias & with an open mind. My guess is you’ll find it to be a measurably better driving experience. Quicker, more responsive, more torquey, less sluggish… and overall more refreshing. Problem is: We do know things. So is the iForce Max (hybrid) worth the added cost & complication? Here’s what I think…
Turbos yes… Batteries no…
I’m thinking longterm, from my own perspective. And as a general rule: Mechanical things can be serviced or rebuilt when they fail. Whereas electric things become trash when they fail. And (as of now) the cost to replace EV batteries is high. There’s a reason you don’t see many 20-year-old Priuses on the road – the cost of fixing them exceeded their value. With a hybrid, you’re putting yourself more at the mercy of service departments where repair bills could be shocking. And that will inevitably affect resale value down the road.
Great turbo noises from this snorkel!
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But – when it comes to the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine…
I love it! Don’t get me wrong, I understand the appeal of the V6 in the last generation Tacoma. <– I still love that truck. And – we owned a 5th-gen 4Runner TRD Pro for 10 years and 180,000 miles (replaced it with the Lexus GX 550; no hybrid lol). But thinking positively/optimistically here – turbocharged 4-bangers create a lot of fun ownership experiences & aftermarket options – especially/potentially in a midsize pickup. Some of the best Toyota engines ever built have been 4-cylinders! A turbo-4 excites me. In fact – this might even be the dawn of a new golden era… if it all wasn’t so damn expensive.
Can we talk about price for real…
I think it’s safe to say the price of the new Tacoma has surpassed a lot of Tacoma buyers. That’s a problem. How does Toyota hook the next generation of fanbase if they can’t afford it? Where did the entry-level pickup go?! This Tacoma Trailhunter is creeping on the price of gently used TRXs & Raptors… but offers a 4-cylinder hybrid with a small backseat. You get to a point where it’s hard to justify… even though it’s a really cool truck. But hey, in the off-road segments, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco went up-market and it’s worked well for them… so what do I know?
Exterior bed lights proved to be useful.
Here’s my advice on the sweet-spot of a new Tacoma…
The Trailhunter & TRD Pro trims are cool as hell. Toyota came out swinging with this generation Tacoma, and they offer some really great packages & options. It’s hard not to wanna check all the boxes. But don’t forget about some of the more base models. I think there’s an argument for keeping it core. Having said that, I gosh-darn loved the automatic tailgate… especially when I could drop it down from inside the truck to back up the Jet Ski trailer lol.
Selectable white OR yellow Rigid fog lights – plus integrated light bar.
I’ve driven the Tacoma without the hybrid, and I’ve driven it with the hybrid…
And while I admittedly enjoy the torque of the iFORCE MAX hybrid, to me, the extra torque isn’t worth the extra complications, weight, cost, loss of cargo space… and likely loss of resale value. Plus – there’s just something instinctively lame about a hybrid. If you want more torque – tune it! It’s a turbo, it’ll make power lol… you don’t need to add a whole other power source.
On-board air compressor.
So I find myself stuck in the middle, between the old and the new…
And I ask myself, what would Marty McFly do? He’d get stoked over turbocharged 4×4 for sure. And he’d put his own mods on it because he’s not chicken. And I’m pretty sure he’d skip the hybrid. He’s too McFly for that.
Good truck.
