Got To Test The 24’ Tacoma w/ iForce Max Powertrain!

[TacoFreak]

@TigerEyeJazz Yeah - that is how Toyota has always rolled. It limits your choices and sometimes cost a bit more, but I just accept it to get a Toyota truck.

I think it started when most Toyota products were made in Japan. They built the mix they thought would sell, shipped them here and we picked the best fit we could find.

When I bought my last Tundra a local dealer searched in three regions and found the closest fit, and only just that one truck. If you have been buying from a company that lets you order exactly what you want that can seem really strange, but to me it is normal at this point.

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[TigerEyeJazz]

@TigerEyeJazz Yeah - that is how Toyota has always rolled. It limits your choices and sometimes cost a bit more, but I just accept it to get a Toyota truck.

I think it started when most Toyota products were made in Japan. They built the mix they thought would sell, shipped them here and we picked the best fit we could find.

When I bought my last Tundra a local dealer searched in three regions and found the closest fit, and only just that one truck. If you have been buying from a company that lets you order exactly what you want that can seem really strange, but to me it is normal at this point.

I think I’ll be fine with that. As long as I get a 4Runner I’m happy. I’ve always wanted one but I knew a new gen was approaching.

 

[TacoFreak]

@TigerEyeJazz Cool - I think the new 4Runner is beautiful and I bet you will love it. I know Toyota pushed back the launch - have they said yet when production will start?

I love driving my hybrid truck. It should tow really well. My 5.7l Tundra was a towing machine and it had 64 fewer ft/lbs of torque than the i-FORCE MAX! Acceleration is good and it just feels strong with all that torque. On top of that it is fun. Everytime I take off from a stop while turning 90 degrees it barks the inside rear tire - just like some old muscle cars I have owned. That always puts a smile on my face.

 

[TigerEyeJazz]

@TigerEyeJazz Cool - I think the new 4Runner is beautiful and I bet you will love it. I know Toyota pushed back the launch - have they said yet when production will start?

I love driving my hybrid truck. It should tow really well. My 5.7l Tundra was a towing machine and it had 64 fewer ft/lbs of torque than the i-FORCE MAX! Acceleration is good and it just feels strong with all that torque. On top of that it is fun. Everytime I take off from a stop while turning 90 degrees it barks the inside rear tire - just like some old muscle cars I have owned. That always puts a smile on my face.

As of right now, they have not confirmed a release date or release window. On the 4Runner Forums, our dealerships have been saying early deliveries December with full scale launch around February or March.

Honestly that’s actually great to hear! I think the Tacoma is a killer product. I know some people talk negatively about it but I feel like they don’t know till they own the vehicle. It’s a blast to drive and I love the interior with its rugged looks.

 

[AusInVicBC]

you're gonna love the iForceMax in a 4R. Great additive HP on climbs. Drove mine from Vegas to Denver 2nd day taking delivery, gross elevation gain ~13K+ ft. Ran flawlessly. Can't tell when the hybrid kicks in but you can tell when the 4 banger shuts down during city driving. it's kinda old tech, but it works.

Killer inverter power for camping. No propane needed.

Have you used it yet on a camping trip?

I've read mention of usage and it was a bit annoying as the engine would kick in.

If we can't manage at what percentage the engine should kick in it could be a nuisance.

Curious because that's exactly how I was planning to use mine.

 

[Tom Sellick]

Have you used it yet on a camping trip?

I've read mention of usage and it was a bit annoying as the engine would kick in.

If we can't manage at what percentage the engine should kick in it could be a nuisance.

Curious because that's exactly how I was planning to use mine.

True, engine kicks in to charge battery. No settings for this I’m aware of. Worked fine for me.

 

[TacoFreak]

True, engine kicks in to charge battery. No settings for this I’m aware of. Worked fine for me.

The software that manages the hybrid battery will start the engine to keep the traction battery charged as needed, and it is not under our control.

 

[trailhunger]

Have you used it yet on a camping trip?

I've read mention of usage and it was a bit annoying as the engine would kick in.

If we can't manage at what percentage the engine should kick in it could be a nuisance.

Curious because that's exactly how I was planning to use mine.

I’ve run a bunch of simulations w/my camp setup & appliances. First camp trip is October when I finish build-out. I’ve done some deeper digging into the inverter for the iForceMax, can check it out here: https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/thre...e-initial-test-results-2024-trailhunter.6713/

Basically the inverter, the engine and the NiMH are a closed system, the user can’t control when it kicks on or off. What you can control however is accessories onboard the truck, both OEM & aftermarket; as they are a sum energy load on the hybrid pack. They directly affect engine idle times vs down time in generator mode. The only accessory you can’t turn completely off in the truck (stock, sans-Carista OBD) is the instrument cluster; but you can dim it. Also suspecting that it’s possible the instrument cluster runs off the engine battery but unclear atm.

Manual states that the hybrid battery can never be completely depleted, and if it does drain to zero (by not driving the vehicle for extended periods [2-3 months], etc) it requires a tow to the dealership. As a result it can be concluded the engineering makes sure the hybrid system is always energized to meet high demand load through the electric motor or the inverter. And that’s basically why it cycles on & off.

If you want to maximize the inverter downtime while maximizing stored energy, add a power station. Figure out your demand and scale it accordingly. There’s a lot of good options out there.

Also important to note your MPG averages are affected by idling to produce AC & DC outboard power. Gotta manually calculate MPGs around when you use the truck as power plant.

EDIT: before I got my gen 4 I initially speculated that by having a power station that recharges from the inverter while driving, and then use that stored power, and then only use generator mode as a last resort, that it would extend the life of the hybrid battery but the way Toyota designed the hybrid system to be maintained at optimal charge levels by frequent engine cycling puts real emphasis on the NiMH pack above everything else. Toyota has a lot battery patents so when they engineer it like this, the intention is for longevity. I think that battery should last 8-10 years. And so by tethering a power station to the inverter for charging while driving, you’re essentially saving fuel by idling less at camp.

 

[32spoke]

I think that’s the main thing I love of the IForce Max. That electric motor really helps the turbo out where I felt that the base IForce really lagged behind.

From what I noticed on my dashboard, no boost in first gear or second gear when on a steep hill. This is Toyota’s choice. My old Buick Grand National would boost each gear. This is likely a choice Toyota made to limit force on the drivetrain. Since the turbo is a twin scroll design, it should be engineered to accommodate boost at low an high rpm.

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