Hybrid MPG After Preload/Spacer Kit, New Wheels & 33" Tires

TRD JON · 2025-06-18T02:15:34+00:00

Now that the 4th Gen Tacoma is here, a lot of us are deciding between the i-FORCE turbo 4-cylinder and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid setup. Both use the same 2.4L engine, but the MAX adds an electric motor for a combined 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. If you’ve driven both, how do they compare in real-world driving? Is the hybrid worth the extra cost and weight? Any noticeable difference in throttle response, towing, or MPG? I’m leaning toward the i-FORCE MAX for the torque alone — that number beats most full-size trucks. But I also want to know how it feels off-road and if the added complexity is worth it for long-term reliability. The normal i-FORCE still packs a solid punch, but for me personally the hybrid is were it’s at! Let’s hear from those who’ve driven both, especially in TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims.

rustytaco

Administrator

Staff member

Mar 19, 2025

#1

Posting this up in case anyone was curious...

I added some Lock Off Road Combat wheels (17"), 33x12.5 Arroyo RTs, and a Peak front/rear trail kit with UCAs.

If I'm easy on the throttle, I've been able to average around 19 mpg with all the combined driving I do over 3 gas tanks. Definitely took a little hit, but I was sitting around 20 before. The lower numbers could be due to colder time of year and winter blend gas, so it may be higher depending on gas/weather.

The real test will come when we start to add bigger tires, camper, and more weight with armor. But so far so good.

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