2024 TACOMA HYBRID IDLE TIME ABILITY

New to this forum, so please be kind. I'm wanting to purchase a new Tacoma (currently have a 2009 Pre-runner with 230,000 miles) and am interested in the 2024 Tacoma Hybrid. I'm hoping to get a vehicle I can travel in with my dogs where I can leave the truck running with AC on and locked while going into restaurants or a movie, etc. Traveling with dogs really limits what we can do, and it would be awesome to have that flexibility. Am I dreaming, or would a hybrid allow this freedom when traveling? Also, does anyone know if the interior of the 2024 allows more space for tall passengers in both the front and back seat? Thanks!

 

Unfortunately specs and idle time aren't available yet. THey are expected in the next few weeks. Videos posted of pre-production models by reviewers say the interior is larger.

 

To my knowledge there has not been a discussion if there is a dog mode on the Tacoma Hybrid so far in the preproduction media blitz. Here is a posting from another source that indicates something similar in a different model Toyota hybrid:

https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4prime/comments/t4ciyr/dog_mode_in_rav4_prime/

YMMV and I respectfully advise you get hands on confirmation with an actual production model.

 

Only Toyota can answer this question, and they won’t until it is released next year.

 

I rented a hybrid Jeep Wrangler last week and at one point I sat in it idling with the AC on for an hour. It worked like a charm, cycling from time to time between the gas engine, and the electric engine as needed on its own. No clue if the Tacoma will work as well, but there’s one data point for your consideration.

 

Pricing, specs, and features will come before then.

 

I hope they release the hybrid info when they release the non-hybrid info.

 

Assuming you were in the 4xe, which is a PHEV. That battery is about 700% larger than what the Taco will get.

 

Oh that makes sense. It was a 4xe.

 

They were supposed to make a Gladiator 4xe in 2024.....but keep kicking the can down the road. Maybe 2025 or 2026.

 

An EV would allow this with zero issues of idling. An EV is technically always on. Unfortunately, there aren't many options for EV trucks. Rivian R1T or the Ford Lightning.

 

I don't believe the iForce max powertrain can run A/C with the engine off. Think of it as a power assist electric motor and nothing more.

This is not like a Prius where the A/C compressor is run by an electric motor. So while the truck could shut off when idling, it probably won't be for long so that it can turn on again to cool the cab

 

The Tundra hybrid can run the AC compressor while the engine is off, not sure about the Tacoma though.

 

I think they will use the same size battery....1.7kwh ? Not positive on the capacity.