TRD Pro vs Trailhunter 4th Gen Tacoma

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.

TRD JON

Administrator

Staff member

Nov 1, 2024

I was recently able to have a TRD Pro and Trailhunter Tacoma side by side while at a Toyota event in West Virginia. I like aspects of each, but I think that I would choose a the Pro over a TH if I was to purchase one of these in the future. The suspension and ISO seats just made for a better driving experience both on and off road. Plus I like the exterior of the Pro a bit more than the Trailhunter as well. Weirdly though I like the interior of the TH over the Pro though. I break this all down in my video below!