Electric Salsa: The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Is the Extra Picante Taco

tags:

@ 20/07/2026

Chevron Down Icon

2027 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Hybrid

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

2027 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Hybrid rear

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

2027 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid interior

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

2027 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Hybrid

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

Images View Photos

front three quarter view, red pickup driving through muddy creek in dense forest.

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

MSRP

HIGHS

Seamless hybrid implementation, agreeable on-road manners, relentless off-road capability.

LOWS

Minor fuel-economy gains, hybrid system's weight blunts its additional power, nonhybrid model offers better value.

VERDICT

The Tacoma's hybrid powertrain delivers barely better fuel economy than the nonhybrid model, but also slower acceleration, making the hybrid's higher asking price a questionable value.

By Austin Parsons

Overview

The Tacoma Hybrid is a modern take on one of Toyota's greatest hits. The recipe is simple: take the popular mid-size Tacoma pickup and sandwich an electric motor between its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The result is slightly better fuel economy and 326 horsepower, improvements of a mere one mpg in the city and 45 additional ponies compared to the standard, gas-only Taco. While the fuel-economy improvement is minuscule, the horsepower bump makes the Tacoma Hybrid one of the most powerful options in the mid-size segment.

The Tacoma Hybrid's lineup consists mostly of off-road-focused trims, but the fancy Limited model is offered for buyers who want to spend more time on the tarmac in comfort. Towing and payload capacities are competitive with others in the mid-size truck class, but the nonhybrid might be a better choice for value-oriented buyers since it offers some lower-priced trim levels that the Hybrid doesn't.

Expert Tip: Even without a hybrid powertrain, the Ford Ranger bested the Tacoma Hybrid in our 75-mph fuel-economy testing, and it has a higher towing capacity, too.

What's New for 2027?

The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid arrived on the scene in 2024, which isn't very far in the rearview as far as vehicle lifecycles are concerned. For that reason, we don’t expect to see any significant changes for the 2027 model year.

What's Your Car Worth?

Car and Driver calculates your car's value in three free and easy steps - using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Hybrid Powertrain: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder with one electric motor, 326-hp combined
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive

The Tacoma's hybrid powertrain is called i-Force Max, and it pumps out 326 horses and a strong 465 pound-feet of torque. It features an electric motor between the engine and transmission and a small nickel-metal hydride battery. For the Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims, this hybrid setup is the only option, but it's possible to get the other trims listed above with a nonhybrid powertrain (reviewed separately). But for off-road enthusiasts, the Tacoma Hybrid's top two trims are likely the most attractive. They come fortified with underbody protection, knobby 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, and exclusive off-road suspension components. The TRD Pro, for instance, features a standard disconnecting front anti-roll bar and unique 2.5-inch dampers with remote reservoirs.

During our test drive, we were able to sample several models, including a mid-range Limited, a TRD Off-Road, and a top-spec TRD Pro. On the road, the Tacoma Hybrid's ride is firm but agreeable. The TRD Pro exhibited a surprising amount of refinement, delivering the smoothest ride of the models we sampled. It also proved to be quite capable on a simulated off-road course that included several places where we were able to get the truck slightly airborne to test its bump absorption. Unfortunately, the hybrid models are heavier than their nonhybrid counterparts, meaning that the i-Force Max's extra power doesn't make for quicker acceleration.

0–60-MPH Times

C/D 60-mph Test: 7.6 seconds (TRD Off-Road), 7.7 seconds (TRD Pro)

In Comparison: In our testing, the Tacoma Hybrid TRD Off-Road got to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, and the TRD Pro did the deed in 7.7 seconds. Those results are both several ticks slower than the nonhybrid Tacoma models we've tested.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Max Towing: 6000 pounds
Max Payload: 1709 pounds

The hybrid i-Force Max is capped at a 6000-pound tow rating and can carry a payload of up to 1709 pounds. The nonhybrid Tacoma tows slightly more with a 6500-pound maximum, but its payload capacity drops by four pounds. Gas-powered rivals from Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC can tow more as well.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 17 mpg (Trailhunter)
EPA City Rating: 22 mpg
EPA Highway Rating: 24 mpg

The EPA estimates the Tacoma Hybrid's fuel economy as high as 22 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, a Tacoma Hybrid Trailhunter returned a dismal 17 mpg. But it should be noted that the Trailhunter comes with all manner of off-road equipment that doesn't aid fuel economy. For more information about the Tacoma Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: Inside, the Tacoma Hybrid offers a modern design and decent space. Every model offers a raised seating position with plentiful headroom. The dashboard boasts nice materials along with high-resolution screens and easy-to-use traditional button-and-knob switchgear.

Second Row: The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid comes exclusively as a four-door double cab, and the rear accommodations are tolerable but tight. The Tacoma Hybrid's battery pack rides in the space beneath the rear seat.

Cargo Capacity: All Tacoma Hybrids come with a five-foot bed; nonhybrid Tacos can also be had with a six-footer. Interior storage is limited, with only average-sized door pockets and a small center console to hold trinkets. But as a double cab, there's always storage space in the rear when the back seats aren't occupied.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment: 8.0-inch touchscreen (TRD Sport), 14-inch touchscreen (Limited and higher trims)
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Audio System: six-speaker stereo (standard), nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio stereo (optional)

An 8.0-inch touchscreen is the standard infotainment system on TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road models. The Limited model is where the bigger 14.0-inch touchscreen becomes standard, and it's also the centerpiece on the Trailhunter and TRD Pro. Every model includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is optional, as is a JBL audio system. The latter even includes a Bluetooth speaker that can be detached from the top of the dashboard.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every Tacoma Hybrid has a host of standard driver-assistance technology. While they cost extra, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also available.

Standard Safety Features: forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control

For information about the Tacoma Hybrid's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Tacoma Hybrid's warranty coverage aligns with most rivals, and Toyota offers the best complimentary scheduled maintenance plan in the class.

Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
Hybrid Component Warranty: ten years or 150,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance: two years or 25,000 miles

C/D Test Results and Specs

Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed since we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.

Specs panel icon

Specifications

Specifications

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Hybrid
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $48,095/$57,865

POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, 278 hp, 317 lb-ft + AC motor, 48 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined output: 326 hp, 465 lb-ft; 0.9-kWh [C/D est] nickel-metal hydride battery pack)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.4-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3WA
265/70R-18 116T M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 131.9 in
Length: 213.0 in
Width: 76.9 in
Height: 74.6 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/43 ft3
Curb Weight: 5155 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.9 sec @ 88 mph
100 mph: 22.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 111 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 191 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.73 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 23/22/24 mpg

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $65,395/$65,869

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.4-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory RT
265/70R-18 116T M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 131.9 in
Length: 213.0 in
Width: 79.9 in
Height: 75.8 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/43 ft3
Curb Weight: 5403 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph
100 mph: 23.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 194 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.72 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 23/22/24 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs

Shopping Tools

Shop For CarsResearch, compare, and find the exact car you're looking for at a dealer near you.Shop Now

What's My Car Worth?Get your car's trade-in and private-party-sale values using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.Get Estimate

Compare CarsCompare features, specs, prices, and performance between different trim levels on any vehicle.Compare

Insurance MarketplaceSee what you can save on car insuranceLearn More

Auto Loans & FinancingOur finance experts answer any questions you may have about financing a vehicle.Learn More

Similar Vehicles

Editors Choice Icon

10Best

2026 Ford Ranger Raptor

Starting at

$59,165

EPA MPG

17 combined

C/D SAYS: Like its prehistoric namesake, the Ford Ranger Raptor is agile and ruthlessly carnivorous, brandishing a 405-hp V-6 and a body fit for tight trails. Learn More

Editors Choice Icon

2026 Ford Ranger

Starting at

$35,445

EPA MPG

21–23 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2026 Ford Ranger mid-size pickup delivers competitive towing and payload figures, but doesn't sacrifice a complaint ride and decent road manners in the process. Learn More

Editors Choice Icon

2026 Toyota Tacoma

Starting at

$34,190

EPA MPG

20–23 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2026 Toyota Tacoma pickup offers a body style and trim to fit any need, each packed with competitive features and capability. Learn More

Editors Choice Icon

2026 Chevrolet Colorado

Starting at

$34,495

EPA MPG

17–21 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck is a more manageable Silverado. Learn More

Editors Choice Icon

2026 GMC Canyon

Starting at

$40,995

EPA MPG

17–20 combined

C/D SAYS: The GMC Canyon brings some class to the mid-size pickup segment, offering brawny-chic styling, well-crafted cab environs, and class-leading towing capabilities. Learn More

2026 Honda Ridgeline

Starting at

$42,290

EPA MPG

20–21 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is a good choice for those who regularly need a pickup bed but more often, a daily driver. Learn More

2026 Nissan Frontier

Starting at

$33,895

EPA MPG

18–21 combined

C/D SAYS: The Nissan Frontier fulfills its mission as an affordable mid-size pickup that is highly configurable and capable, though it lacks some interior polish. Learn More

2026 Jeep Gladiator

Starting at

$41,815

EPA MPG

19 combined

C/D SAYS: While a little rough around the edges, the 2026 Jeep Gladiator pickup charms shoppers with the promise of open-air motoring and rock-crawling adventures. Learn More

2026 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster

Starting at

$86,395

EPA MPG

N/A

C/D SAYS: The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Pickup is far from perfect, but it's a unique and capable choice for those seeking more than just a typical 4x4 pickup. Learn More

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below