Tacoma i-FORCE vs i-FORCE MAX Hybrid: Which Engine Should You Choose?

Coasting along Route 19, you may notice a few local favorites when it comes to vehicles, and if you’re in the market for a midsize truck, chances are you’ll see quite a few Toyota Tacomas passing you by. Not only is the Tacoma the best-selling midsize truck on the market, but its versatility, functionality, and durability are unmatched, making it a top pick for everyone from hard workers and seasoned adventurers to daily commuters and so many others. If you’re seeking out a Toyota Tacoma for sale near Sandy Springs, Marietta Toyota is the place to shop, and if you’re wondering about which powertrain should reside beneath the polished hood of this rugged Toyota superstar, we’re here to help. So, what are the differences between the 2025 Tacoma i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX powertrains, and which is the best engine for you?

Powertrain Selection, Explained

The 2025 Tacoma offers a nice selection of both gas and hybrid options, allowing you to power through Sandy Springs in the way that you see fit. The Tacoma comes standard with a 2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which allows for the ideal blend of power and efficiency, making this a great choice for many drivers. The base SR trim offers 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque to your ride, while all other trims get a bit more power out of this do-it-all powertrain. With up to 278 hp and up to 317 lb-ft of torque, the Tacoma’s powerful i-FORCE gas engine can make quick work out of any task, from hauling a camper out to Stone Mountain Park to bringing home some materials from the hardware store.

The other powertrain offered in the 2025 Tacoma’s arsenal is the 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, which adds an electric motor to make for incredible performance, no matter where you’re working or traveling throughout Fulton County. This fierce powertrain makes 326 hp and an astounding 465 lb-ft of torque, ensuring an exciting and capable ride, no matter what awaits you on the open road, the job site, and beyond. You can see that the hybrid option offers more power than either of the gas engines, making this the engine to choose if you are looking for a peppier ride and more intense capabilities.

Transmission Options

There aren’t too many trucks out there that offer transmission options anymore, especially when it comes to manual transmission options. Fortunately, the Tacoma remains one of the few, making this truck the one to choose when you want to harness impeccable control during your ride through Sandy Springs. Opting for the i-FORCE engine will allow you to choose between an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, which is highly appreciated by those who want to take advantage of the more controlled ride and lower maintenance costs of a manual.

Opting for the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain means that you only have an eight-speed automatic transmission at your service. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when you want to just sit back and enjoy the ride without having to worry about shifting through your truck’s gears. All in all, no matter what transmission resides inside the Tacoma, you can expect a smooth, controlled, and agile ride, whether you’re rolling along the pavement or rumbling down the trails.

This decision will be more about personal preference. If you want to have a bit more control over the quality of the ride, choosing the i-FORCE engine is advised since you’re able to take advantage of the six-speed manual. If you’d prefer an automatic, both of these powertrains allow you to enjoy your ride this way. It’s nice that the Tacoma gives you options, which is something that you just can’t find in many trucks these days.

Towing & Hauling Capabilities

Another reason the Tacoma is such a winner for drivers across the nation is its capable nature, especially when it comes to grueling tasks like towing and hauling. You may be utilizing this truck for work or maybe you chase the thrill of adventure on the weekends. Either way, you can be sure that the Tacoma can keep up with your active lifestyle.

Choosing the i-FORCE four-cylinder gas powertrain allows you to take advantage of a towing capacity of up to 6,500 lbs, while its base trim offers a 3,500 lb towing capacity. The base SR trim allows you to haul up to 1,500 lbs of payload, while all other trims can accommodate up to 1,690 lbs. This makes it easy to take on more daunting loads, whether for work or as you’re making your way into the wild for some off-road fun.

If you’re interested in what the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain has to offer in terms of towing and hauling capabilities, you’ll be just as impressed as you were with the gas-powered options. This capable hybrid is able to tow up to 6,000 lbs and handle up to 1,710 lbs of payload, making it an all-star workhorse, adventure companion, and more. For those who are loading up with more equipment for work, gear for frequent camping trips, materials for home projects, and just more cargo in general, the hybrid powertrain is a great pick. Those who require maximum towing capabilities will like the abilities of both the i-FORCE MAX hybrid and the i-FORCE, especially when opting for a higher-level trim.

Fuel Economy Ratings

As we mentioned earlier, the Tacoma appeals to a variety of different drivers all across Sandy Springs and beyond. This truck showcases workhorse performance with the ability to explore. Still, whether you’re commuting on I-285 every day or making trips between construction sites, fuel economy plays a big role in the vehicle you choose to accompany you to these destinations. Opting for the traditional gas-powered i-FORCE powertrain will allow you to take advantage of an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway in the base SR trim or 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway in all other Tacoma trims. Opting for a four-wheel drive model affects these ratings slightly.

Drivers who are seeking out maximum fuel efficiency on bustling city streets will want to pay careful attention to the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid powertrain, which can achieve an EPA-estimated 23 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway with standard four-wheel drive. All in all, every powertrain on the 2025 Tacoma’s menu offers pleasing fuel efficiency ratings; however, if you frequently find yourself in the city, you may want to consider opting for the hybrid powertrain to save more time and money at the pump.

Enough Power for Any Driver

No matter what you’re using your Tacoma for, whether you’re a hard worker, adventure enthusiast, or daily commuter, having the right powertrain situated beneath your truck’s hood is imperative to your experience traveling on the streets of Sandy Springs. This makes the 2025 Tacoma’s selection of gas and hybrid engines ideal for local drivers’ needs. In the end, if you want more towing power, favorable efficiency, and the ability to choose a manual transmission, you’ll want to carefully consider one of the i-FORCE gas-powered options. If you desire ample power, excitement, and fuel efficiency, you will be drawn to the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid. The decision is yours to make, but it helps that the Tacoma gives you so many options to make the most of your time on the road and beyond.