2023 Toyota Tacoma Spied in the Wild for the First Time, Could Get 2.4L Turbo

TFL has done it again: another great spy video of an important upcoming model, captured while undergoing testing in Colorado. This time, it’s the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, a pickup so new that it’s difficult to recognize.

A quick online search suggests these could actually be the first spy images of the all-new Tacoma. For sure, it hasn’t been filmed in Colorado before. Even though there are no badges to confirm it’s a Toyota, several design elements point in that direction.

For example, even though the camouflage is pretty thick, you can easily make out the design of the grille. This is a strong, powerful look like chunky horizontal bars. It’s basically what you’d see on a 2022 Tundra Limited and a few other large Toyota models.

But this obviously isn’t a Tundra; it’s a smaller, cheaper pickup. The current generation of the Toyota Tacoma has been around since 2015, and even then it looked outdated, so it’s logical to expect an all-new 2023 model.

In addition Andre from TFL points out how the wheels on this test prototype are smaller and the exhaust comes out on the driver’s side, just like with the Tundra. It’s very interesting how he pushes the boundaries of the Toyota test team in a very polite way, saying hello, but still trying to get the best footage possible. The truck-loving community owes him big time for this.

What we know about the 2023 Tacoma

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma large remains a mystery. However, it’s widely expected that it uses the TNGA-F platform, the same one that underpins the larger Tundra, as well as the Sequoia and a replacement of the 4Runner. This explains why it looks so big.

The new body-on-frame platform is expected to be stronger and will use more advanced suspension components, which will undoubtedly increase the price of the vehicle. But the Tacoma remains the most popular model in its segment.

Tacomas are so popular for two reasons: reliable engines and available manual gearbox. However, their V6 is the least powerful on the market, and we expect turbocharging to fix that.

We recently talked about how Lexus was going to use a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder, including in hybrid models, and that same powertrain should also be found in the 2023 Tacoma. It could be good for around 275 horsepower, sending it through an optional 8-speed auto.

The hybrid model seems like a given, and even a fully-electric model is possible since such a thing was shown in concept form late in 2021.

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