Toyota teases new-gen Tacoma in USA, previews upcoming Fortuner
Tacoma borrows styling elements from the recently-introduced Toyota models like Land Cruiser 300, and the Tundra full-size pickup.
Key Takeaways
- New-gen Fortuner and Hilux will be based on the advanced TNGA-F platform that will underpin the upcoming Toyota Tacoma.
- Tacoma to make its global debut at the upcoming 2023 New York Auto Show in April.
- India-spec Fortuner likely to feature a diesel-hybrid powertrain.
Toyota recently released the first images of its upcoming generation of Tacoma in the USA. This pickup truck is essentially the North American version of the famed Hilux, sold across the world, including India.
After teasing it with a dark image on its social media handles, the Japanese carmaker revealed an image of the pickup truck with most of it on display. The all-new iteration of Tacoma/Hilux is expected to be based on a new platform that supports hybrid powertrains and newer tech.
Design patents of the new-gen Tacoma filed by Toyota
Preview to new-gen Fortuner
While this new-gen Tacoma is likely to be launched as Hilux in India at some stage in the future, the highlight of this development is its underpinnings. The new-gen Hilux will be based on a new TNGA-F platform that will also underpin the next generation model of Fortuner, which is currently under development.
The advanced TNGA-F platform currently underpins Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX500d. As expected, the next-gen Fortuner and Hilux will share a lot in common with the US version of Tacoma. The pickup truck will officially be revealed to the public at the upcoming 2023 New York Auto Show which kicks off on April 7.
New-gen Tacoma to be based on TNGA-F platform
Expected powertrains
Tacoma is expected to be powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid turbo-petrol engine, currently seen in a few Toyota and Lexus models. This powertrain, albeit in a different state of tune, is expected to be seen in the India-spec model of the new-gen Fortuner and Hilux.
In India, Toyota will continue to offer diesel for the new-gen models since there exists a considerable market for diesel-powered vehicles in the country. Earlier reports stated that the Japanese carmaker is developing a hybrid powertrain with the existing 2.8-litre diesel mill which is expected to make its debut with the new-gen Fortuner. This will help neutralise stringent emission norms and a heavy body-on-frame architecture.
Evolved design
It is likely that Toyota will offer evolutionary design updates to the upcoming range of SUVs and pickups based on a common template. Besides mechanicals, the new-gen Fortuner and Hilux are expected to borrow styling elements from the US version of Tacoma while retaining the inherent ruggedness of a lifestyle vehicle that these models are known for.
The new-gen Tacoma will make its global debut in April
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The latest images of Tacoma reveal signature visual highlights like boxy proportions, flared wheel arches, large alloys wheels shod with all-terrain tyres, vertical taillights, a sizeable loading bay at the rear, and a 4x4 badge at the tailgate. The new-gen Fortuner is expected to make its debut in India sometime next year, followed by the new-gen Hilux at a later date.
(Images courtesy: Toyota North America)
Edited by Akanksha Sarma