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This is the new Toyota Tacoma, which could well end up as the new Toyota Hilux.
Toyota unveiled the brand-new Tacoma mid-size pick-up last week, a North American exclusive like its larger brother, the Tundra. While these launches are interesting from an “ooh look what they get and we don’t” angle, this one could carry some information for the local market as it could preview the next-generation Hilux, currently set for a circa-2025 debut.
Nothing has been officially confirmed by Toyota yet but it’s likely that the Tacoma and Hilux will share the TNGA-F platform going foward, which means we can glean some tidbits from the Tacoma’s reveal.
First up, power. The Tacoma range kicks off with the SR, offering a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 170kW/329Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Moving up to the SR5 means a more powerful version of the same engine with 201kW/420Nm when specced with a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching, or 207kW/429Nm with the eight-speed auto.
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A new variant, called Trailhunter, features Aussie-developed suspension.
But the most potent option is a hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.9kWh battery and a 35kW electric motor with the same 2.4-litre turbo engine to make a healthy 243kW/630Nm.
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This is the first time any mid-size pick-up or ute has been given hybrid power, and it’s quite impressive. Ford still takes the power crown with the 292kW Ranger Raptor but the Tacoma beats it on torque by 47Nm. Fuel economy will be announced closer to the Tacoma’s on-sale date.
DAMIEN O’CARROLL/IMAGES SUPPLIED
Ever wonder what a Hilux GR Sport might look like? Wonder no more.
Other extras include a limited-slip differential, an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with an upgraded Active Traction Control system and full-time four-wheel drive with a centre locking differential on top-spec Limited models.
TRD trim levels include the Pro, Off-Road, and Sport. The Pro gets Fox shocks as standard, the Off-Road uses Bilsteins and the Sport gets special TRD-tuned shocks for better on-road manners.
Other variants include the new Trailhunter, which gets Old Man Emu shocks, designed by ARB specifically for long-distance off-road travel. It also gets new steel bumpers, more robust rear recovery points, enhanced rigidity for rooftop tens and either a five- or six-foot bed depending on what box you tick.
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This badge means hybrid power, a full 243kW/630Nm of it.
It would be fair to assume Toyota will ape the look of the Tacoma for the Hilux as well, in order to bring more unity to its global line-up, like what Ford did with the Ranger and F-150.
Inside the Tacoma is a 14-inch landscape infotainment screen with a bolder cabin dominated by horizontal design cues and chunky knobs and switches.
Stuff has reached out to Toyota New Zealand for any information on the relationship between the new Tacoma and the upcoming Hilux and is awaiting reply.
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The interior has been given a comprehensive update, including a massive new screen.
If there is a close relation as rumoured, the new Hilux could get that hybrid engine and be the first of its sort on the local market. The other petrol engines will likely remain forbidden fruit for us, though.
We’d imagine those TRD and Trailhunter models won’t make it here, at least in North American form, but we can always dream. Perhaps with GR branding instead of TRD?
On the other hand, having Aussie roots in that Trailhunter bodes well for a local launch…
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