No soft open tailgate

i-FORCE vs. i-FORCE MAX – Which Powertrain Did You Choose?

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.

Nightwing13

New member

May 20, 2025

Hello all

I have a Tacoma SR5, this is actually my 3rd Tacoma. First was 2nd gen long bed SR5. 2nd was a TRD Sport short bed. Both came with soft open tailgate.Decided to go with an SR5 this time to take my time and build it to how I want it and of course the pricing at the time made the decision easy.But after getting it and speaking to some service advisors at the dealer, I was surprised that this gen Tacoma some didn’t come with the soft open tailgate. Unless you asked for it. Which had I known I would’ve asked for it. It’s been more than a year and I have gotten used to it. Maybe it’s just me, but having the soft open tailgate in some little way feels better. I’ve been looking to see if I can find something non OE to be able to make the soft open tailgate. I have found some but doesn’t say it will work for the 4th gen tacomas. I don’t know if even Toyota has made it available to buy. Looking to see if anyone has found anything or can led me in a direction to find something that will work even if that is going to Toyota and sticking to OE. Thanks in advance for any help.

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