Toyota Confirms TRD Pro 2024 Tacoma i-Force MAX Engine Option!

The 2024 Tacoma is ‘coming soon’ with a hybrid engine! But will the Tacoma i-Force MAX be the same 3.5L Tundra/Sequoia motor, or the 2.4L?

April 4 is unofficially known as 4×4 Day, and to celebrate Toyota just gave us another glimpse of its next generation aka 2024 Tacoma. And while everyone could have anticipated the new Tacamo being offered in the popular TRD Pro trim level, some folks might be shocked to see the i-Force MAX badging. That’s right, the Taco is getting a hybrid option.

The only question then is, other than when will Toyota unveil the 2024 Tacamo, which i-FORCE MAX engine?

At present, i-F0rce MAX is used to exclusively describe the twin-turbo 3.5L V6 hybrid drivetrain used in all Sequoias and some Tundra models. That i-Force MAX produces 437 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 583 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400 rpm. And having driven it in the Tundra TRD PRO, it’s an outstanding powertrain. Smooth. Powerful. Relatively efficient (for the truck’s size). And if one stuffed that i-Force MAX into the smaller mid-sized Tacoma… WOW, what an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

But here’s the catch.

Typically speaking, OEMs don’t like to make mid-sized trucks as powerful as full-sized trucks, so it would be unusual for Toyota to use the same motor in the 2024 Tacoma. Also, remember that i-Force branding has been used on several generations of Toyota truck motors. This means Toyota is likely not using i-Force MAX to describe a single powertrain, but rather a family or style of engine. In this case, hybrid.

The next obvious question, then, is which motor?

Alas, we know naturally aspirated V6 motors aren’t long for this Earth, so it’s probably going to be a turbo 4-cylinder (like the Ranger, or more specifically the Lexus RX and NX). The team over at The Fast Lane Truck believes it’s going to be a variation of the 2.4L Turbo Hybrid available in the 2023 Toyota Crown MAX. In that setup, the 2.4L puts out 264hp @ 6000 rpm and 332 lb.-ft. @ 2000-3000 rpm… power figures that are technically an improvement, but not really exciting. However, based on the 5:10 am embargo time of today’s press release and Toyota’s love for hiding little easter eggs in announcements, the Fast Lane team thinks Toyota will be bumping that figure to 376 lb-ft of torque. Which is 510 Newton meters converted to lb-ft.

Images: Toyota USA

Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.