Review: 2025 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Spices Up Winning Ingredients

The 2024 Tacoma is a significant truck, not just for Toyota, but for the segment overall. It marks the debut of the first mid-size hybrid pickup in the U.S. market, potentially signaling the end of having to choose between capability and fuel economy.

Its introduction in May of 2023 received widespread positive reactions, but upon its launch in December, one major feature was notably absent: the hybrid drivetrain Toyota had previously touted nearly a year ago.Now, it’s finally ready, and it will be at dealers within weeks. Upon arrival, it will bring with it 326 hp (243 kW) and 465 lb-ft (629 Nm) of torque from its i-FORCE Max hybridized 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which essentially replaces last year’s optional 3.5-liter V6. Power is distributed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and it is expected to achieve up to 24 mpg.Review: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Is The 4-Runner For Grown UpsTo see if it lives up to its claims, we traveled to San Diego, California for our first drive with the Tacoma.

We tested the Limited trim on the road, navigated the Trailhunter off-road through a trail with numerous obstacles, and tackled a high-speed baja-style course with the TRD Pro. We found out that picking the right Tacoma is sort of like picking the right dog breed. A Cozy CabinThe interior of the Tacoma is well-known at this stage in the game.

The non-hybrid version dropped several months ago and the i-Force MAX doesn’t change much in the cabin. The dash, door cards and center console all feature mostly squared-off design elements. It’s a cohesive space that looks rugged and appropriate.

Does some of it feel cheap? Yes. Will it stand up to the test of time? Likely better than a bunch of soft-touch materials would have. The front seats are either six or eight-way adjustable depending on trim.

That made it easy to get comfortable though we’d love to see even more settings to dial in upper seat comfort, thigh bolstering, and more. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on every Taco that comes with the hybrid engine and it’s paired with either an 8- or 14-inch infotainment system depending on the trim in question. Toyota also