2025 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Review: Power, Comfort, and Off-Road Versatility
Toyota fans, the wait is finally over. The new 2025 Toyota Tacoma hybrid offers more power and better fuel thrift. But don’t get too excited just yet – if you’re hoping for something closer to the efficiency of a Ford Maverick Hybrid, this might not be the truck for you. Toyota has taken a different approach, focusing on off-road ability and adding a hint of extra efficiency. In this review, we’ll break down the all-new hybrid powertrain and the new features, including the rugged Trailhunter trim.
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate off-road machine or something more efficient for everyday driving, we’ll help if this Tacoma is for you.
key specifications
| Engine | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with electric motor |
| Power Output | 323 horsepower |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, smooth power delivery |
| Fuel Economy | Estimated 23 mpg combined (Trailhunter) |
| Drive Systems | Part-time (Trailhunter), Full-time (Limited) |
| Trailhunter Features | Off-road focus: matte black fender flares, roof rack, ARB rear bumper, red hooks, snorkel |
| TRD Pro Features | High-speed off-road focus: gloss black fender flares, specialized suspension, upgraded seats |
| Interior Comfort | Adjustable front seats, 4-way lumbar support |
| Infotainment | Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heads-up display |
| Bed Features | Durable composite bed, air compressor, outlets, power ports |
| Suspension | Coil springs and adaptive dampers for smoother ride (Trailhunter) |
| Pricing | Starts at $46,500 (TRD Sport Hybrid), up to $63,500 (TRD Pro) |
| Competitors | Ford Ranger Raptor: starts at $55,000, with 400 horsepower |
Trailhunter vs. TRD Pro: What Makes the Trailhunter Special
Distinct looks and purpose:
The 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter is aimed squarely at overlanding enthusiasts. Toyota describes it as their official “Overlanding model,” while the TRD Pro focuses on traditional off-roading. Visually, it’s hard to miss the massive roof rack on the Trailhunter, which helps create a more elongated, rugged aesthetic compared to the burlier TRD Pro. Both trims incorporate elements like the integrated light bar and color-switching fog lights (white or amber), but the Trailhunter stands out in small but critical ways.
Matte black is more practical:
One subtle yet significant difference between the two trims is the fender flares. Trailhunter opts for matte black a much more functional choice for off-roading compared to the gloss black found on the TRD Pro.
Trail-ready features:
Beyond looks, the Trailhunter offers functional upgrades like the desert air intake (aka “snorkel”) and an ARB bed rack with built-in mounting panels for your off-road accessories. There’s more: a custom ARB rear bumper, red recovery hooks, and the hidden exhaust, all tailored for boosting ground clearance and departure angles.
If you’re serious about adventure, the Trailhunter packs serious gear right from the factory.
Hybrid Powertrain: Does It Deliver
A first for the Tacoma:
This new hybrid system adds to Toyota’s growing roster of truck powertrains. At the heart is a 2.4L turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, making 323 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Notably, this feels very different from Toyota’s familiar hybrid setups found in the Camry or Prius. For one thing, it’s mated to a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter, making for smoother low-speed driving.
Part-time vs. full-time 4WD:
Depending on the Tacoma trim, you’ll either get a part-time or full-time four-wheel-drive system with the hybrid. Trailhunter comes with a part-time system, while if you’re after the Limited trim, a full-time system is standard. Full-time 4WD tends to offer more convenience during daily driving, especially in slippery conditions, so it’s worth thinking about how you’ll use the truck.
Fuel economy – slightly underwhelming:
Here’s the honest lowdown: if you were hoping for wild fuel savings with the hybrid Tacoma, you might be disappointed. The Trailhunter hybrid gets an estimated 23 mpg combined. Some buyers might have expected more, especially given that many full-size trucks and even some other midsize competitors manage similar numbers. But for an off-road truck, it’s still solid.
Does the hybrid system make the Tacoma a game-changer? Not exactly – but it does offer better low-end torque and smoother power delivery over the traditional engine.
Bed and Interior: Built for Versatility
A functional bed:
Tacomas have been known for their durable composite bed, and that continues with the 2025 model. The Trailhunter trim takes it up a notch, offering a 6-foot bed option along with features like an onboard air compressor, outlets, and additional power ports. Not everyone offers such versatility in this segment, so Toyota deserves some credit here.
Comfort where it counts:
Inside, Toyota hasn’t forgotten about driver and passenger comfort. The front seats (including the passenger side) offer excellent adjustment options, which is a blessing for long trips. Even four-way lumbar support is included – a feature we don’t see often enough.
Moving to the back, things get a bit tighter. It’s still a midsize truck, after all. The legroom isn’t going to blow anyone away, and the seatbacks aren’t particularly reclined. While it’s fine for short trips or kids, adult passengers might not love being stuck back there for too long.
Infotainment and tech upgrades:
The dashboard has a clean, functional design, with a huge LCD in higher trims like the Trailhunter. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a wireless charging pad down below. There’s even a heads-up display available. Overall, the interior tech feels modern and ready for adventure.
However, one small gripe: the location of the USB port for charging can be awkward for anyone in the driver’s seat, potentially leaving cords dangling where you don’t want them. Not a dealbreaker, though, with the wireless options available.
On the Road
Smooth for a truck, but not silent:
On the road, this hybrid system feels far smoother than the hybrid Max system found in the Tundra and Sequoia. Toyota seems to have fine-tuned the software, resulting in smoother transitions between the electric motor and the gasoline engine. That said, this is still a 2.4L four-cylinder turbo, and you’ll hear it working when you press hard on the gas.
Easy-going transmission:
The 8-speed automatic deserves some positive attention, especially when compared to the competition. Shifts are smooth, and the electric motor’s torque fill helps reduce any lag. This setup is geared more towards enhancing low-end performance rather than scraping out every last mpg.
Comfortable ride:
While the lighter trims of the Tacoma (with leaf springs) don’t ride particularly comfortably, the Trailhunter – with its coil springs and upgraded suspension – is among the more comfortable options in the class. The Adaptive dampers help on city streets and when cruising, offering a surprisingly refined ride for an off-road truck.
Off-Road in the TRD Pro Hybrid
Switching gears, the TRD Pro hybrid is all about high-speed off-roading. Built with its unique mission in mind, it’s designed to tackle fast-paced off-road scenarios. With specialized tires, suspension, and even an upgraded seat design (cushions that help absorb the impact of rough terrain), it feels right at home when pushed hard off-road.
If you’re considering doing off-road runs at high speeds, the TRD Pro makes a lot of sense.
Pricing: Is It Worth It?
Bucking the trend:
Though Toyota is sometimes known for offering budget-conscious options, the hybrid Tacoma doesn’t fall into the “cheap” category. Starting at $46,500 for the TRD Sport Hybrid, prices climb quickly. The Limited Hybrid hits $55,800, while the Trailhunter starts at $62,939. And if you want the top-tier TRD Pro, expect to pay around $63,500.
Cheaper options elsewhere:
For comparison, a Ford Ranger Raptor starts at just over $55,000 and offers more power (400 horsepower) for less money. Is the Toyota badge – and its legendary reliability – worth the extra cost? Time will tell. But if you’re planning to go full-on overlanding, the factory setup on the Trailhunter saves time and effort compared to building out a rig yourself.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is a capable, powerful addition to Toyota’s midsize truck lineup. It may not revolutionize fuel economy as hoped, but it’s still the most efficient in its class. For buyers who want a truck to handle daily driving and weekend adventures, the hybrid system adds smoothness and extra torque where it matters.
However, price-conscious buyers might feel a pinch, especially with competition delivering more power at lower prices. Ultimately, if Toyota’s reliability, versatility, and off-road capability are at the top of your list, the Tacoma should be on your radar.
