Threw the towel in ....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecgtb2UA4Lo

 

All this talk about the Honda Ridgeline....
The 2024 definitely looks better than the prior models. Less Chevy Avalanche more truck like.
My question about Honda is how, with so many engine configurations they could select from, they do not offer a hybrid option (for performance AND fuel economy).
That is what makes the Ford Maverick FWD so attractive to many purchasers.

Honda is probably making a financial decision, and maybe one based on supply chain restraints, but still... no hybrid on the new Pilots, Passports, or Ridgeline?
Instead configuring options for Accord and CRV? That's it?

Am very curious how many Tacoma Hybrids Toyota can push out in 2024, and what they prioritize in the lower than upper end Trailhunter and Pro
--- in addition to the breathless reporting about how they are the GOAT. (I hope they are! At least in a Sport or OR trimline).

Gratuitous NSX picture.... 2017.
Engine. Twin-turbo 3.5L V6 + 3 electric motors.
Power. 573 HP / 476 LB-FT.
Transmission. 9-Speed DCT.
0-60 Time. 3.0 seconds.
Top Speed. 191 MPH.
Drivetrain. All-Wheel Drive.
Engine Placement. Mid.
Curb Weight. 3,803 LBS.

 

When the Maverick came out, the hybrid was cheaper than the NA engine. It was $19,995 + delivery fee in 2021. The hybrid is FWD only, which apparently is ok for a trucklet because they can't make enough of them. Prices are substantially higher now for the hybrid, but they are still selling fast. I lost interest in the Tacoma hybrid when it became known it is like the Tundra hybrid, there to add torque rather than mpg. If Toyota ever make that Scout, drop in a 'synergy drive' style hybrid and offer 4WD with electric motor to the rear wheels, like they do with e.g. Rav4 Hybrid. In fact, just build it on the Rav4 chassis. There is a market there.

 

Back before they announced the 24 Tacoma l had a feeling they were pushing it up-model and would go much higher in price so they could introduce a Stout at lower pricing.

 

My own opinion....the Ridgeline seems to be on a roughly 10 year refresh cycle. Guess what next year is.....

So I suspect they are staying away from doing any huge changes and earmarking those for the next gen. This seems to jive with why we also see them as one of the last V6s in the midsize segment. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see some big changes to the Ridgeline in the next year or two.

 

It must be named starting with a T... Tacoma, Tundra, the tecumseh?

 

I think the stout thing was proven to be internet lies.

The 24 tacoma will be a very nice and expensive car when it comes out. A very nice 4cyl tall car.

 

So will any incarnation of a Tacoma EV with their solid state battery pack! (Vaporware back to, what, 2017?). Additionally, my google newsfeed is populated by computer renderings of "new vehicles" created by designers that have nothing to do with any brand except their own, and the images they push towards Motor1, AutoEvolution, etc. That said, I do love the renderings presented for a hypothetical new version Stout and comeback FJ cruiser EV...

Toyota Stout 1964? RK101. Sold in South Africa.


Rendered! Hey... it looks like a Ridgeline!
(Not sure I agree with the designer choice to add a Ford F250 side snout (is that what they call that embellishment under the front cab pillar)?

 

They already had a prototype unibody trucklet hybrid all the way back in 2007, so the idea has been there for while.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15146811/toyota-a-bat-concept-auto-shows/

 

I like the picture of the Toyota. Looks similar to the Hyundai Santa Cruz without all the xmas lights on the front. And, @SwollenGoat --- is that an access cab?!

Adding to my prior question about the choices available in engine config, I wonder why they did not make a version of the Santa Cruz to compete directly with the Maverick FWD hybrid?

Like @dickforce, I am a bit disappointed when Toyota, with all their engineering prowess in hybrids, makes decisions weighted towards performance rather than efficiency (eg, Tundra).
I was hoping for a better balance so 300+ HP would allow 30+ MPG in the 24 Tacoma. It will be interesting to see real world fuel efficiency, but I suspect 24-25 highway MPG.
Andre (@TFLoffroad -- YouTube) did get a real world 24 MPG out of the turbo 4 banger in the 24 Tacoma Limited so there might be hope.

https://youtu.be/UVa3HDImpro?si=32EUfPbKenQxRDwQ

 

That’s a Ford maverick photoshopped a little. Not much. The side badge is what’s on a maverick

 

One other post just for @SwollenGoat and our lamentation of access cabs.
You may have seen this Vietnamese concept truck.
The thing that caught my attention was the "extendable bed".
"The back wall of the passenger compartment of the VF Wild, though, can fold down leaving it open to the cargo bed in the back. When the back wall of the passenger compartment opens up, the back seats also fold down, allowing items as long as eight feet to be carried in the combined cab and cargo bed."
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/10/tech/vietnamese-ev-maker-vinfast-reveals-electric-pickup/index.html

Lots more pictures and info.
https://gearjunkie.com/motors/vinfast-reveals-wild-truck-ces

 

Speaking of Mavericks saw a whole truck load of them at the dealer today. The truck only had four vehicles on it that I could see and those four was all Mavericks.

 

It is! Crash standards pretty much killed the clam shell doors, if they do a Stout 99.9% sure it will have conventional doors.

Was playing with a Tundra DC the last time I was at the dealer, they are smidge easier to deal with for tossing stuff back there over an AC I will admit.

That is pretty cool! That little yellow thing is kinda cool too, it is like a Suzuki Jimny but even smaller!

 

Toyota Teton would be my vote with the Grand Teton being the top trim at around 40K.

 

THis is a great looking truck. Congrats and best of luck w/ it

 

The CT5V is having door alignment issues too! WTF lol.. who allows that to go out the door like that. Those guys are apparently getting it fixed at the dealership level before taking delivery though.

 

Funny, I am going from a 2023 ZR2 to a 4th gen Taco. The ZR2 has been the worst truck I have owned and soured me from my decades of GM truck ownership. 5 months and several issues, some leaving me without a usable truck. Now rear axles are being replaced Under warranty of course. Once it gets fixed i will sell it privately.

 

I don't have a dog in this fight. But will just throw this out there; I was talking to another Taco bro at Sheetz (so he's biased I guess) but turns out he is a mechanic at the huge Chevy dealer near where I live. He was saying he would not own Colorado . . . . just sayin . . . I mean he works on them.

 

Toyota mechanics see problems on Tacomas. Ford mechanics see problems on rangers. Etc