Leaked image of new Toyota Tacoma in the US points to next-gen Toyota HiLux ute due mid-decade
The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD has been leaked ahead of its May 19 reveal, unmasking a muscular new look that’s widely anticipated to be replicated with the next-generation Toyota HiLux due mid-decade.
Unearthed by the 4th Gen Tacoma forum page, the North American-only Tacoma flagship is probably the closest thing to a body-building dual-cab ute we’ve seen from Toyota, with barely a smooth panel to be seen.
Beyond the heavy body sculpting, there’s also new headlights, a more aggressive bonnet design, revised bumpers and an integrated LED light strip underlining the block capital ‘TOYOTA’ logo in the redesigned black mesh grille.
Black wheel-arch extensions, bonnet scoop, mirrors, roof and alloy wheels also provide a striking contrast with the white body.
There’s no accompanying detail with the leaked image, but previous teasers have shown the inclusion of Fox suspension and disc rear brakes on the flagship 4×4, as well as the option of a hybrid powertrain.
That electrified powertrain is likely to be a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol-electric hybrid as seen in the US-spec Toyota Crown and offered locally in the Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance.
In the Lexus, the hybrid powertrain develops 273kW and 551Nm of torque, drawing it close to the 298kW/583Nm V6 twin-turbo petrol Ford Ranger Raptor.
Reports out of the US citing anonymous sources within Toyota suggest that the core powertrain for the new Tacoma will be a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine (sans hybrid system), as found in the Toyota Kluger (198kW/420Nm).
Transmission duties across the board are said to comprise a six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic.
As we’ve reported, the US-market Tacoma has traditionally been slightly larger than the global HiLux, however both new mid-size utes are set to be based on Toyota’s new TNGA-F ladder-frame platform and share a significant amount of hardware and technology.
That said, Toyota Australia should continue to offer a turbo-diesel option, which may not be available in the US.
Watch out for further details in the run up to the Tacoma’s world premiere on May 19.
Image source: 4th Gen Tacoma forum
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Keyword: Is this the face of the new 2025 Toyota HiLux?