An electric engine will be an option in the next-generation Toyota Tacoma pickup. The so-called Tacoma Electric is expected to go on sale in the next year, around one year after its gas-powered counterpart. Although many details regarding the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Electric remain a mystery, it is possible that this pickup truck was first seen at an event hosted by Toyota.
It is still a mystery how Toyota fits the electric powertrain into the truck’s chassis. The firm may follow the same strategy as Ford with the full-size electric F-150 Lightning. The truck shares key body panels with its gasoline-powered sibling but rides on specific powertrain underpinnings. Toyota may save money by building both the electric-powered and gas-powered versions on the same frame. We expect that the Toyota truck will have more than 200 miles of range and tow capacity comparable to or better than its gas-powered counterparts.
What is in store for 2024?
The next-generation Toyota Tacoma will, we believe, share most of its exterior pieces and interior with the 2024 Tacoma Electric. We also expect that it will share most of its interior and exterior pieces with that vehicle. Tacoma Electric’s styling will look very similar to the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
However, there are some powertrain-specific cues that we expect to improve the truck’s aerodynamics. These include a closed-off grille, distinct wheels, and EV-related menus in its central infotainment system and digital gauge cluster displays. The Tacoma Electric will look similar to the Tundra.
Will The Toyota Tacoma 2024 Have a Hybrid Option?
Toyota stated that every model should have at least one hybrid option by 2025. According to The Fast Lane Truck, citing an “insider source”, the Tacoma will have a hybrid option as well as the traditional 3.5-liter V6 engine.
According to the report, the base engine will be Toyota’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder inline-four that is used in the Highlander. It produces 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft Highlander. The Tacoma should have more power and torque. The final tuning might be closer to the Lexus NX’s engine, which produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft.
The hybrid engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 340 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This engine could be comparable to the 2.7-liter Inline-four GM has installed in the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.
This move is in line with Toyota’s use of hybrids within the new Tundra pickup truck and Sequoia SUV. They are used for performance, not efficiency. This will likely be priced higher than the TRD Pro and will focus more on rock climbing and camping. Toyota revealed the Trailhunter Concept Tundra version at SEMA and stated that multiple vehicles will receive the treatment. The production version will be revealed in greater detail next year.
New Design
Although the concept proposal for the Toyota Tacoma Electric truck is similar to the gasoline-powered model, there are several visual differences. The new Tundra has influenced its design by giving it sharper headlamps and a vertical extension. Between the headlamps is a hexagonal radiator grille that’s closed off and has honeycomb-shaped surfaces. The horizontal LED fog lights below the faux radiator grille look just like they came from the 2023 Tundra. Except for some unique styling elements, the exterior is almost identical.
The Tacoma Electric Vehicle appears to be quite high above the asphalt. It could have a ground clearance of around 10 inches, which would put it in the same area as the Tundra! The six-spoke alloy wheels were wrapped in 33-35 inch offroad tires by the design team. The approach angle looks ready to go on the trail. As with the Ford and Chevrolet EV pickups before it, the Toyota electric truck will launch in daily, work, and off-road specifications.
The overall design of the concept is very realistic. Toyota should follow the example set by the concept. The electric truck concept was modified with minor modifications, including normalized bumpers that are less focused on approach/departure angles, tires better suited to everyday conditions, steps to enter/exit with ease, a front fender cover for charging ports, and a shark fin antenna. We also added parking sensors and modified the headlight to make it more realistic. Although we are still far from seeing the electric vehicle, it may look like what we have envisioned.
When Will The New Toyota Tacoma be Available?
Toyota has yet to confirm anything. For the model year 2024 Toyota reveal is your best bet. The Tacoma is expected to arrive after the new 4Runner. However, this has not yet been revealed. Toyota has already announced improvements to the current-gen Tacoma in the 2023 model year.