The manual gearbox will return.
A hybrid powertrain will be offered.
It’s becoming something of a bother, let’s be honest. Nearly all automakers now deliver new model details in bits and pieces in the hopes of getting outlets such as ours to bite every time. And we bit this time mainly because Toyota’s now shared an image of a triple-pedal cluster that will be offered in the upcoming all-new 2024 Tacoma.
The main reasons why we’re excited about this teaser is first, that a 6-speed manual transmission will once more be offered in the Tacoma. And two, and we’re speculating, that this transmission will be offered with the hybrid powertrain. Should this be the case, and if memory serves, the manual hybrid Taco will be the first hybrid vehicle to be available with a manual transmission since the first-generation Honda Insight. We might be wrong but probably not that far off.
We’ll have to wait a little longer to find out more – Toyota: Make it quick. So far, we know that a Trailhunter version is on the way and that it will be offered with JBL FLEX removable and portable speakers and the hybrid part.
We’re salivating at the thought of a 6-speed manual i-FORCE MAX TRD Pro 2024 Taco…
You wrote:
“the manual hybrid Taco will be the first hybrid vehicle to be available with a manual transmission since the first-generation Honda Insight. We might be wrong but probably not that far off.”
You were smart to hedge your bet. The Insight’s spiritual 2-seat successor, the Honda CR-Z, was available with a 6-speed manual transmission (or a CVT). I drove a manual 2000 Insight for 7 years and a manual 2006 Insight for 13. The steel-bodied CR-Z’s gas mileage was so inferior to the gen-1 Insight’s that I never bought one of those, even though I thought the CR-Z looked great.
You’re right! Thank you for your comment.