The patent drawings likely reveal a 2024 Toyota Tacoma model change.
Toyota is working on a redesign of its popular flagship Tacoma, and the look of the new mid-size pickup truck is likely revealed in a series of recently released patent drawings.
The patent drawings were published Tuesday by Motor1, which claims to have obtained them from a public database on Brazilian intellectual property. The basic design should be the same, but that the truck shown here may look somewhat different from the final U.S.-spec version.
The new Tacoma is currently being tested in prototype form and is expected to be unveiled late this year or early next year, possibly as a 2024 model. The current third-generation Tacoma debuted in early 2015 as a 2015 model.
The new Tacoma's design is a clear evolution of the current generation, especially with more pronounced fender flares. The lights on both ends are also new, more closely resembling the design of the latest Tundra full-size trucks.
The design is hardly a surprise, as Toyota teased an electric version of the new Tacoma in late 2021, when it confirmed plans to launch 30 EVs across the Toyota and Lexus brands by 2030.
The design will follow an evolutionary path, but the platform will be new, specifically a shorter version of the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform seen on the Tundra and related Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and Lexus LX SUVs.
As for the powertrain, according to Motor1, there will be two gas options, one of which will be electrified. The standard unit is the Highlander's 2.4-liter turbo four, which is claimed to have 265 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque. The electrified unit is said to be a combination of the 2.4-liter turbo four and a single motor from the Lexus RX 500h. Maximum output is 366 hp and maximum torque 406 lb-ft.
Finally, there will be an electric option, although Toyota has not teased specs. There should also be a new generation of the related 4Runner SUV.