• Toyota is about to launch several new vehicles for the 2024 model year, including the new Land Cruiser and Tacoma hybrids and we’re driving both.
  • The two models share the same i-Force Max hybrid powertrain built around a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 326 horsepower.

We’re headed to sunny San Diego next week to test out the new Land Cruiser and the Tacoma Hybrid alongside the new Camry and Crown Signia, as mentioned in a previous story. These utility models have long been incredibly popular, and each represents a significant advancement. Before we hit the road, we’d like to hear your questions about them and about Toyota in general.

The 2024 Tacoma Hybrid is the first of its kind but won’t be available across the entire range. Only five trims, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro, either have access or come with it as standard. Dubbed the i-Force Max, this hybrid engine utilizes a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder to produce 326 horsepower (243 kW) and 465 lb-ft (629 Nm) of torque. That power gets to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

First Look: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Is The Swiss Army Knife Of Pickups

Say what you will about hybrid trucks but the market indicates that there is a serious desire for them, as evidenced by Ford’s highly successful, albeit smaller, compact-sized Maverick. In the mid-size segment, the new Tacoma will directly compete against the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon siblings as well as the Ford Ranger.

Toyota

The 2024 Land Cruiser shares the same engine and output as the Tacoma. Unlike the mid-size truck, every Land Cruiser, regardless of trim, comes with the hybrid 2.4-liter powerplant as standard. The new Land Cruiser also includes 4WD as standard equipment.It’ll be available in three different trims, with the higher-tier versions featuring amenities such as a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a multi-camera system for off-roading, and a power tailgate.

First Look: The 2024 Land Cruiser Is Worth Getting Excited About

It’ll also start at just $55,950 before a $1,395 destination charge topping out at $74,950. Even when combined, that represents a substantial discount compared to the previous generation available in the U.S. market. That price puts it squarely in the middle of its field. The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler start below $51k while the Land Rover Defender will cost at least $60k.

Finally, we should also mention that there’s evidently an extra vehicle rolling out at this event. What it is we can’t say just yet, but feel free to ask questions about any other upcoming Toyota product, like the 2025 4Runner perhaps, that you have.

Photos Mike Gauthier / Carscoops