2024 Toyota Tacoma hybrid previewed in teaser shot

Toyota released what it said is the first of several teaser shots of the long-awaited redesign of its top-selling pickup, the Tacoma, revealing that the 2024 update will feature an iForce Max hybrid powertrain tuned to provide additional power and towing capacity, similar to that of the Tundra.

The teaser photo shows only portions of the right rear corner of the TRD Pro version of the 2024 Tacoma pickup, but includes an iForce Max badge to indicate the hybrid powertrain, along with redesigned rear lighting, tailgate and updated badging. The updated bumper is obscured by digitally enhanced flying dirt.

The image is the first of what is expected to be several such shots leading up to a reveal in mid-May. The photo was released April 4 to celebrate what many off-road enthusiasts consider the calendar's annual homage to their hobby — 4x4.

Toyota had signaled that it would offer a hybrid powertrain in the redesign, part of its promise to offer hybrids at least as options across its lineup. The Tacoma is the third of Toyota's four body-on-frame vehicles being redesigned onto its global F1 platform, following the Tundra in 2021 and the Sequoia in 2022, with only the 4Runner remaining, which is expected in 2024.

Tacoma has long dominated the midsize pickup segment and, through the first quarter, is the automaker's fourth-best-selling nameplate, behind the RAV4, Camry and Highlander. Through March, Tacoma sales are up 0.8 percent to 53,583.