In the initial release of the 2024 4th Gen Tacoma pricing, Toyota only gave us the MSRP for models that will be released first. In other words, the non-hybrid, standard i-FORCE models. So, what about the price of the hybrid i-FORCE MAX trucks such as the TRD Pro and Trailhunter?
Well, I did some detective work and used the 3rd Gen Tundra’s hybrid powertrain pricing as a reference. With that, can make a general assumption as to how much we can expect those models to cost when they’re released later this year.
More 4th Gen news…
- Color Options
- Trim Levels
- Powertrain
- X-Runner Concept
- MSRP Pricing
- MPG Numbers
- Factory TRD Lift Kit
- First Drive & Impressions
- Toyota Build Configurator
Table Of Contents
i-FORCE Pricing Expectations
If you go over to Toyota’s website and build a new 2024 Tundra with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, you will see the MSRP jump up quite a bit from your standard powertrain option. On average, the MSRP increases by nearly $3,800.
So, will it have similar pricing tiers?
At the drive event, I had the chance to talk with one of Toyota’s Chief Powertrain Engineers. I asked him if the Tundra and Tacoma shared the same hybrid components. Or, if the it utilized some different bits due to it being a smaller truck. To my surprise, he told me that all of the mechanical bits are pretty much identical, even down to its massive 9.5″ rear diff. That’s wild!
That being said, I want and hope that the i-FORCE MAX will still be a cheaper upgrade than the Tundra. If I had to make an educated guess, I would expect to see around a $3,000 increase in MSRP for the hybrid system.
Is The MAX Powertrain Worth It?
Aside from the unknown price point yet of these new hybrids, two factors in my opinion will make the i-FORCE MAX Tacomas worth it over the standard turbo i-FORCE models.
MPG
Again, we will use the Tundra for reference here. The Tundra hybrids get 2 more MPGs in the city and only 1 more MPG on the highway over the standard powertrain.
Keep in mind that these aren’t hybrids like a Prius. Rather than maximum fuel economy, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid is meant for performance and insane low-end torque. Using this logic, I think we will see a 2-4 MPG bump in the city and close to 2 MPG on the highway with the hybrid over its standard powertrain.
This larger bump in MPG over the Tundra is because it is a lighter truck and will be able to hang out in EV (electric-only mode) longer, resulting in better overall MPG.
Increased Performance
Guys, these new hybrid trucks are going to pack a punch. The i-FORCE MAXs have 326 HP and 465 ft/lbs. of torque at only 1700 RPM. That is almost diesel levels of torque at such a low RPM range.
When I drove the 2024, I was thoroughly impressed with how well the standard powertrain performed. I left the drive event thinking, ” Man, the i-FORCE MAX is going to be a monster in this little truck if the standard engine was that good!”
Expected MSRP
This is where it will skyrocket in price compared to the outgoing 3rd Gen. Currently, the MSRP of a 2023 Tacoma TRD Pro with an automatic transmission is close to $53K. My new incoming 2024 TRD Off-Road Premium is $3K more than that without the i-FORCE MAX powertrain and other Pro/TH features.
The new TRD Pro and Trailhunter come with a plethora of additional goodies to separate themselves from the TRD OR trim level. They will come standard with the hybrid powertrain, upgraded shocks, tires, and much more. I would not be shocked if the new TRD Pro starts in the low to mid $60K range. The Trailhunter could be even slightly more expensive than that due to that “Overland” tax.
When Will Hybrids Be Available?
I hope to start seeing these trucks around the March/April timeframe with potential deliveries in May. The first batch of Tacomas was supposed to be out in December/January. However, we’ve yet to see any of those hit the dealer lots. With Toyota originally telling us Spring for the hybrids, I expect them to be somewhat delayed as well, unfortunately.
Keep in mind that the i-FORCE MAX will only be available on the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited models. It will be standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter. If you are looking at an SR or SR5, the hybrid powertrain is not an option at this time. Also, there will be no manual option for hybrid models.
Final Thoughts
I honestly cannot wait for these hybrid i-FORCE MAX Tacomas to become available to us enthusiasts. Shoot, I can’t wait to drive this thing! As I mentioned, the normal powertrain for this new truck is already really good and I have high hopes for the hybrid version. Not only in terms of power but hopefully, a decent full economy bump.
I am not, however, looking forward to the pricing for these trucks. This is a premium powertrain, so you can safely expect a premium price tag.
Will you be waiting for a hybrid or is the standard powertrain enough?
Let us know in the comments below! We are interested to hear your thoughts!
