2026 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

22-05-2025

Overview
The Toyota Tacoma is the poster child for mid-size off-road trucking, and its hybrid variant stays true to that image, but with more power and slightly better fuel economy. Hybrid assistance is provided by an electric motor located between the engine and transmission, granting 326 horsepower—45 more ponies than the highest-output nonhybrid model. While that electrified oomph makes the Tacoma Hybrid feel lively off the line, it isn't enough to counteract the hybrid system's added weight, which ultimately wins the battle of forces. While the hybrid Taco offers a little extra zest and a marginal fuel-economy advantage over the nonhybrid, we'd stick to the classic recipe and save a chunk of change.
What's New for 2026?
TRD Pro-exclusive paint colors have become somewhat of a tradition for Toyota at this point, and the Tacoma Hybrid lineup gets a new one for 2026. The highly saturated blue color is called WaveMaker, and has a certain neon-cotton-candy vibe to it. For the time being, WaveMaker is only available on the Tacoma Hybrid TRD Pro for 2026, but it will likely be made available on lesser trims in model years to come.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is expected to start around $48,000 and go up to $66,000 depending on the trim and options.
TRD Sport
$48,000 (est)
TRD Off Road
$49,000 (est)
Limited
$58,000 (est)
Trailhunter
$65,000 (est)
TRD Pro
$66,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k $100k
The TRD Off-Road model strikes us as the best value among the Tacoma Hybrids. It features a composite front skid plate for extra off-road protection and comes with 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. We'd order the Audio Multimedia Upgrade package, which swaps the TRD Off-Road's standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen for a much larger 14-inch unit. Otherwise, we'd go light on the options since the hybrid model's price premium pushes the cost ever closer to full-size pickup truck territory.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
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 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
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.
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Marc Urbano
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Car and Driver
Towing and Payload Capacity
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
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Tacoma Hybrid yet, but last year's model received ratings of 23 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. That gave the hybrid a three-mpg advantage over last year's nonhybrid 4WD Tacoma in the city and a measly one-mpg advantage on the highway. When we get a chance, we'll take the Tacoma Hybrid on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with its real-world test results. For more information about the Tacoma Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
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. While the TRD Sport has a 7.0-inch digital display in the gauge cluster, TRD Off-Road models and up feature a larger 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display. A head-up display comes standard on the Limited and above, with those models also packing heated-and-cooled front seats. Speaking of seats, the TRD Pro offers what it calls IsoDynamic front seats with a shock-absorbing, air-over-oil internal suspension system that's designed to lessen the pounding the driver takes over rough off-road terrain. The seat can move slightly fore-and-aft, side-to-side, and up-and-down to ease the jostling of off-road driving. It locks in place for on-road driving, too, but the seatbacks are bulky and intrude on rear-seat legroom. Speaking of intrusion, the Tacoma Hybrid's battery pack rides in the space beneath the rear seat. This eliminates the storage area that's usually there in the nonhybrid model, so if you're planning on stashing tools or cargo there, you'll have to find another space.
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Marc Urbano
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Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
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 gets involved, 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, which includes automatic high-beam headlamps. While they cost extra, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. For more information about the Tacoma's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control
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 covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Hybrid components are covered for ten years or 150,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
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
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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
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: 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