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The Toyota Tacoma is a legend in its segment. The Taco may not be the undisputed best midsize truck for the money, but it has many unique features that make it a standout model. The Tacoma has been known to last over 200,000 miles. It is also known for its off-roading skills. Could a hybrid version of the Toyota Tacoma be a major blow to the popularity of Ford’s new small pickup truck, the Ford Maverick?
All signs point to a Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
The small pickup truck space is heating up as larger 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 surcharges.
Midsize pickup trucks tend to be more affordable than full-size pickup trucks and can offer similar capabilities. The Tacoma is a popular model in its segment because it is a rugged pickup that can last more than 17 years of ownership when properly maintained. The Tacoma has become more popular in recent years as more drivers discover off-roading as a pastime.
According to MotorTrend, the 2024 Tacoma appears to have a hybrid powertrain offering based on recent spy shots. A hybrid option for Taco would be huge for several reasons. The Tacoma can get a power boost if the hybrid uses an electric motor (or motors). The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid benefits from its i-FORCE MAX 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain.
The Tacoma may get a similar powertrain to its bigger sibling. It will also increase its fuel efficiency. Even if the midsize pickup truck only gets a small boost in combined miles per gallon, it will ultimately have more total driving range on a full tank and save drivers money on gas in the long run.
Will a Toyota Tacoma Hybrid compete directly with the Ford Maverick?
The strength of the Ford Maverick is affordability and stellar gas mileage. A Tacoma Hybrid will be more expensive than the gas version, and its gas mileage should still be lower than the little Maverick.
The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Maverick appeal to two completely different types of buyers. The Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck that’s better at ‘truck stuff” than the Maverick, like towing and hauling heavy loads. It reflects the reliable midsize pickup trucks Americans have come to know and love.
The Maverick is something so new and unique that most automotive publications don’t even categorize it as a midsize truck. The 2023 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz exist in a new space. So, sure a Tacoma Hybrid could take eyeballs away from Ford’s small trucks, but ultimately, the trucks will still appeal to two different demographics. The Ford Maverick standard hybrid pickup truck and a potential Toyota Tacoma Hybrid should coexist peacefully.
Does the world need a Toyota Tacoma Hybrid?
The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid will be a welcome addition to the Japanese automaker’s lineup for many buyers. Toyota makes several hybrid versions of popular nameplates, so a Taco hybrid wouldn’t be a huge surprise. If Toyota isn’t planning a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid or a 2024 Toyota Tacoma BEV, perhaps it’s time for the brand to start considering alternative powertrains for its popular midsize pickup truck.
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