Redesigned from the ground up, the Tacoma rides on the TNGA-F global truck platform. Shared with the Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and Lexus LX, it is also reportedly going to be used on the all-new Hilux as well. For its duty in the Tacoma, it features a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame put together with laser welding. Aluminum is also used on the upper body to help reduce weight.

Also, the Tacoma comes available with a rear coil spring suspension that improves ride and handling. In addition, it benefits from electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes (a feature also found in the updated Hilux GR Sport). An electronic parking brake also allows for low-speed adaptive cruise control and an auto hold function.

Rear-wheel drive models have an automatic limited slip differential, while four-wheel drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case and Active Traction Control. Off-road centric variants, meanwhile, add a rear locking diff or even a center locking diff on hybrid models.

In terms of design, the Tacoma and Hilux is still expected to rock different looks. However, Toyota designers themselves say the Tacoma is directly influenced by Hilux design cues, especially its narrow body and wide upper grille. This could bod well for the Hilux given the Tacoma’s design theme is focused on being a “Badass Adventure Machine” (Toyota’s words, not ours).

For the Tacoma, Toyota has decided to fit two new powerful, yet fuel efficient 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powertrains. For those who don’t need any electrification, it produces 228 horsepower and 329 Nm in its base configuration, going up to 278 horsepower and 430 Nm. The transmission options are between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic.

New to the Tacoma and to mid-sized pickup trucks in general, is the i-Force Max hybrid engine. Supplementing the same 2.4-liter engine is a 48-horsepower electric motor for a combined 326 horsepower and 630 Nm. When equipped with this engine, the Tacoma can ascend an 8-percent grade without the need to downshift.

For the Hilux, it’s likely Toyota will offer one or even both of these gas engine options globally, supplemented by its current line of diesel engines. It’s reported that these engines, the 1GD-FTV and 2GD-FTV, will benefit from some of electrification assist, perhaps in the form of a mild hybrid.

Tech-wise, the Tacoma (and most likely the Hilux as well), will enjoy a comprehensively updated cabin featuring huge infotainment touchscreens (8 or 14 inches), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB A and C charging ports. For the driver, they get either an 8 or 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. And further leveraging their partnership with JBL, the 10-speaker audio system will come with a detachable center speaker that can double as a portable Bluetooth speaker. This JBL Flex can be submerged in up to three feet of water.

All Tacomas will come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Aside from the usual TSS systems, it’ll now have full-speed range adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and a Proactive Driving Assist. Proactive Driving Assist is designed to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist.

The all-new Tacoma heads to North American Toyota dealerships later this year with the hybrids arriving early 2024. The all-new Hilux is expected to make its global debut perhaps later this year with sales also commencing by next year.