The Toyota Tacoma is a legend in its segment. The Taco may not be the best midsize truck for the money, but it has many unique qualities that make it a standout. The Tacoma has been known to last over 200,000 miles. He is also known for his off-road prowess. Could a hybrid version of the Toyota Tacoma be a blow to the popularity of Ford’s new small truck, the Ford Maverick?
All signs point to a Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
The small pickup truck space is heating up as full-size trucks become more expensive and less affordable for the average driver. Both the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 now cost more than $34,000, and that’s before taxes and additional fees.
Midsize trucks tend to be more affordable than full-size trucks and may offer similar capability. The Tacoma is a popular model in its segment because it is a robust truck that can last more than 17 years if properly maintained. The Tacoma has become even more popular in recent years as more drivers discover that off-road driving is a hobby.
According to motor trend, the 2024 Tacoma appears to have a hybrid powertrain offering based on recent spy photos. A hybrid option for the Taco would be huge for several reasons. The Tacoma could get a power boost if the hybrid uses an electric motor (or motors). The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid benefits from its 3.5-liter twin-turbo i-FORCE MAX V6 hybrid powertrain.
The Tacoma could have a powertrain similar to its big brother. This would also increase your fuel efficiency. Even if the midsize truck only gets a small boost in combined mpg, it would ultimately have more overall driving range on a full tank and save drivers money on gas in the long run.
Would a Toyota Tacoma Hybrid compete directly with the Ford Maverick?
The strong points of the Ford Maverick are affordability and stellar gas mileage. A Tacoma Hybrid would be more expensive than the gas-powered version, and its gas mileage should still be less than the little Maverick.
The Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Maverick attract two completely different types of buyers. The Tacoma is a midsize truck that’s better at “truck stuff” than the Maverick, like towing and hauling heavy loads. It’s a reflection of the dependable midsize trucks Americans have come to know and love.
The Maverick is something so new and different that most automotive publications don’t even classify it as a midsize truck. The 2023 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz exist in a whole new space. So sure a Tacoma Hybrid could draw attention away from Ford’s tiny trucks, but ultimately the trucks would still appeal to two different demographics. The standard Ford Maverick hybrid pickup truck and a possible Toyota Tacoma Hybrid should be able to coexist peacefully.
Does the world need a Toyota Tacoma Hybrid?
A Toyota Tacoma Hybrid would be a welcome addition to the Japanese automaker’s lineup for many consumers. Toyota produces several hybrid versions of popular nameplates, so a hybrid Taco wouldn’t be much of a surprise. If Toyota isn’t planning a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid or a 2024 Toyota Tacoma BEV, it may be time for the brand to start considering alternative powertrains for its popular midsize pickup.