The pickup truck is one of the most unique options for drivers to consider. Depending on who you ask, the applications and versatility are endless, with some favoring the chance to utilize it as a reliable workhorse. In contrast, others prefer to have it facilitate their off-road adventures, and some simply use it as a daily driver. We typically associate the pickup with the major domestic brands such as Ford and Chevy, as their rivalry has spanned decades of designs that exceed expectations and continue to impress and awe the public at large.
An essential aspect of the automotive industry is that nothing remains the same forever, and innovation and change occur when they’re least expected. Those in the market for a new pickup truck might want to forgo the domestic brands altogether because there’s a big surprise for those considering a Toyota Tacoma for sale.
The change we happen to be referring to is more than just a new design for the latest model year; it is a paradigm shift that sees Toyota reach outside the box and defy convention. The Tacoma Hybrid is set to energize the public as the sole hybrid option in its class. Naturally, we must ask ourselves, what advantages does this new vehicle have to offer? Can it outperform the likes of the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and GMC Canyon? It appears that Toyota has shifted the balance of power and is set to establish a new standard for midsize pickup trucks to aspire to.
Embracing the World of the Hybrid Without Sacrificing Performance
One of the common misconceptions regarding hybrid vehicles and EVs is that they lack the considerable performance that some drivers want. This can be due to a variety of factors, mainly because early hybrid vehicles were diminutive in size and not exactly the pinnacle of high performance, with the Prius, Insight, and LEAF being among the most popular. If that’s the assumption of many, Toyota has tossed it right out the window.
The engine that Toyota has equipped for the hybrid version of the Tacoma is not only capable, but its performance specs outdo the other versions of Tacoma that solely rely on a traditional internal combustion engine. The hybrid version of the Tacoma combines the standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 hp and generate an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque. We usually see these applications in V6 engines, and torque ratings such as these are generally limited to diesel-fueled powertrains.
Changing the Game for the Better
What does this mean for the truck class in which the new hybrid Tacoma exists? Well, quite a bit. One of the common factors that we’ve seen across the extent of the industry, in several different makes and models, has been the streamlining of production. Ford and Chevy gave their midsize trucks a single powertrain, just as Nissan did with their Frontier. This is a practice that has notable advantages for manufacturers and consumers alike.
By offering a sole powertrain, manufacturers have an abundance of parts to work with and can also focus the scope of their efforts on a single product. As for consumers, this allows them access to the same level of performance, no matter what trim or edition they decide to go with. This practice has caught on among many manufacturers, and has already shown to be highly beneficial for drivers and manufacturers alike.
However, one downside to this streamlining has led to one considerable absence from some trucks that consumers had grown accustomed to—the diesel engine. As we mentioned earlier, the high amount of torque that the hybrid version of the Tacoma produces is something we usually see in larger pickup trucks with diesel engines, such as the Chevy Silverado 1500. The Chevy Colorado, which the Tacoma hybrid is in direct competition with, discontinued its diesel engine a while back, so Toyota is the one midsize truck that can grant drivers that type of performance they might be missing from other brands.
Just as Capable as Its Non-Hybrid Counterparts
When it comes to the elevated performance that the new Tacoma hybrid brings to the table, the applications go far beyond just a matter of competing with the high capacity of torque that we often see in diesel engines. Toyota has made efforts to adopt a series of trim-specific offerings meant to assist drivers in many areas. From the workplace to off-roading, there’s a version of Toyota’s new truck that can surpass all expectations.
There are five trims of the Tacoma altogether, and anyone familiar with the variations of Toyota’s flagship pickup truck will recognize them instantly. The TRD Off-Road trim is specifically formulated as an excellent choice for those who opt for the less traveled path. With skid plates for added protection and all-terrain tires, the hybrid powertrain has finally come to a world of adventure.
Considering that the ZR2 trim of the Chevy Colorado is obscured by a hefty price tag, Toyota has found a way to offer off-road, economical, and highly capable performance. The Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims are both exclusive to the Tacoma hybrid, which further cements the vehicle as having its own unique identity.
Better Coverage That Outshines the Competition
Already surpassing Ford and Chevy in terms of being just as, if not more, capable at performance, Toyota once again proves that its dedication to giving its customers what they need regarding peace of mind is far ahead of the domestic brands. Ford has a knack for having many features on its trucks, but high price tags and upper trims always obscure them. Now that the Tacoma is going toe to toe with the Ranger and Colorado, it outdoes both regarding safety and warranty coverage.
Not only do such advanced safety features like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist come standard, but Toyota will cover all of the hybrid components for an impressive period of eight years or 100,000 miles and also offer complimentary maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles of ownership. The Tacoma Hybrid is a more capable truck than the competition and grants more peace of mind than one might normally expect.
A Better Midsize Truck for the Modern World
In a vehicle class that seems to be dominated by Ram, Chevy, and Ford every year, the playing field has now been leveled, and the game’s rules have been completely changed. Toyota not only brings a hybrid pickup to the masses but shows it is just as capable of accomplishing the numerous tasks that many truck owners look to achieve regularly.
With higher performance ratings that we’re used to seeing from a four-cylinder powertrain and the type of coverage and enhancements often reserved for those willing to pay extra, it appears that Toyota has set a new standard for other manufacturers to follow. For the first time in a while, the domestic brands have some real competition to deal with. The Tacoma is bringing hybrid power to customers who are searching for a highly capable midsize truck, and will no doubt generate a heightened level of competition in this unique corner of the truck market.
