Toyota is working on a redesign for its popular Tacoma workhorse, and the look of the new midsize pickup truck has likely been revealed in a series of patent drawings that have surfaced recently.
The patent drawings were released Tuesday by Motor1, which claims to have obtained them from a public intellectual property database in Brazil. That means the truck shown here may have differences to what we ultimately see on the US spec version, although the basic design should be the same.
The new Tacoma is currently in prototype testing and is expected to be unveiled later this year or early next year, likely as a 2024 model. The current third-generation Tacoma debuted in early 2015 as a 2015 model.
The design of the new Tacoma is a clear evolution of the current generation, but with more pronounced features, especially in the fender flares. The lights at both ends are also new and more closely resemble the design of the latest Tundra full-size truck.
Toyota pickup EV
The design is hardly a surprise, as Toyota previewed an electric version of the new Tacoma in late 2021, when it confirmed plans to launch 30 Toyota and Lexus-branded electric vehicles by 2030.
Although the design takes an evolutionary path, the platform will be a new entity, specifically a shorter version of the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform found in the Tundra, as well as related SUVs the Land Cruiser, Sequoia and Lexus LX .
When it comes to powertrains, Motor1 reports that there will be two gas options, one with electrification. The standard unit is said to be the Highlander’s 2.4-liter turbocharged 4, which makes 265 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque. The electrified unit is said to be the 2.4-liter turbocharged four and single engine combo found in the Lexus RX’s 500h class. The setup is good for 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Finally there will be the electric option, although Toyota hasn’t teased any specs. We should also see a new generation of the related 4Runner SUV.