2025 hybrid questions

Hi all, just joined. I have a deposit on a bronze oxide 2025 Sport Iforce Max that is in production. I test drove a 2024 and noticed a couple things. I tried searching this site for comments on them but could not find anything.
Every time I braked I could hear a humming/whining sound coming from front wheels. Dealer said normal regenerative braking but surprised not reading anything about it. Very annoying. Secondly, the truck never drove on electric motor only, gas motor was always running. Are they supposed to run on just the electric motor in certain situations? Thanks for any comments.

 

The hybrid motor is between the engine and transmission and adds torque (which translates to HP). That's how the hybrid models boast the increased numbers.

It's not a hybrid setup like a Prius or Camry, where its purpose is to improve fuel economy (although it hypothetically does add 1-2 MPG).

 

I own an off-road hybrid. The sound while braking is normal, it is annoying. It will run on the electric motor by itself but only after the engine has warmed up a bit and only at low speeds or high cruising speed with almost no load. It's a mild hybrid and the electric motor is more there to just assist the ICE. I personally bypass the engine from ever turning off. I'm still averaging 19.8 mpg.

 

I’m so jealous.

 

Thank you. Guess will have to get used to the noise.

 

You’ll suffer through it.

 

I am about to maybe pull the trigger on a 2025 TRD OR Hybrid, but in the negotiations I actually didn't realize it was a hybrid... (big discount) now that I have realized it I'm weirdly nervous about pulling the trigger. @Gtoboy are you still happy with it (aside from the noise?)

 

1) EV noises are going to be strange to your brain. First time, I thought it was far off fire/rescue sirens. If this bothers you, get the regular. These sounds are not going away, in fact they will be more EV stuff in upcoming gens.
2) State of charge of the EV battery determines mostly how much it is used. Had mine sitting for several days during snowstorms. Took couple days of driving to get it charged enough to use the EV motor.

 

Electric/ICE transition is virtually undetectable. Usually the only way I can tell is when the tach needle disappears & reappears. Sounds include whirring on regen, and an intentional low-speed tone in EV mode to alert pedestrians. Just cruising around town is really quiet. My mpg has been 22-23 at the pump, which compared to every other Tacoma I’ve had is hypermiling.

As a sneaky bonus, hybrids get 33’s on 18in wheels to accommodate larger brake rotors, and a locking fuel door. Battery pack warranty is ten years/150k mi.

Toyota did a crap job of marketing the advantages of the hybrid, and left it for YouTube bozos to debate. It’s worth the extra beans, and will probably be a resale champ too.

 

And bigger driveshaft and diffs.

 

Zero downsides to the T24A drivetrain. It hauls ass and I’m loving it.

 

yes i always look for the iforce maxx badge on the hood of tacos now! to know who the savvy taco buyers are!

 

Plus I can power my camping trailer with the 2400 watts of AC power. Extends the dispersed camping opportunities.

 

I have owned toyota/lexus hybrids and they all make noise when braking. Regen brakes are different and last longer too. My tacoma iforcemax is no different.

 

Coming from a 2005 TRD OR to a 2024 TRD OR Premium iForcemax I too was surprised at the noises it makes. I didn't worry about it at all, just chalked it up to "fancy" electronics and the hybrid system. At least it's not squeaky leaf springs.
Enjoy the new truck once it arrives. I'm only ~2,000 miles in and still having a blast driving it. I have bronze oxide too...great color!

 

Question: if you use that power outlet and let’s say drain it to empty (assuming we are drawing power from the hybrid battery pack under the seat) does it affect the starter battery in the truck? Meaning will I be stranded? Also how does the hybrid battery recharge itself? During regular drives? Thanks.

 

The outlet can only be used with the engine on. This past weekend I used the 2400 watt outlet to cook some burgers on my george foreman grill and it was fantastic. The engine would shut off when the hybrid battery was charged enough. Then would kick back on when it started to run low. No issues whatsoever. We didn't even notice the truck was running sometimes. Like all other toyota/lexus hybrids, the engine will charge the hybrid battery when on with the regen brakes to supplement it. Toyota has mastered the art of hybrids.

 

No. It will shut itself off. When you have the happy fairy dust of 2400 watts button activated and you park and turn off the truck and open the door, this will pop up:



It will then start/stop the engine as needed indefinitely, if you tell it yes. Only for an hour and shut everything down if you tell it no. I don't know for sure what happens when gas runs out as I haven't encountered that, yet. The 12V battery is for the control and 12V accessories. It isn't in the 2400 W loop.

 

To answer your question about the electric motor running with the ICE not running -- it seems dependent on how fast you are going and the need for torque or acceleration. Driving in normal and economy modes, but not sport mode, I observe electric only operation for less than 20 MPH on level surfaces, usually with minimal push on the accelerator pedal and most often on downward slopes where the ICE can shut off and the vehicle is coasting. I have observed the electric only operation even at higher speeds when going down hills. Under those conditions, I have observed minutes of electric only operation, but it does not last long as driving conditions change. I do not notice the regenerative braking (sound) but for the display indicating it is occurring, and I do notice a unique and subtle hum or ring sound when the electric motor is running without the ICE running. That hum-ring sound may be a safety feature (I do not know) and it is only noticeable when the windows are down and everything is quiet outside.

 

There are some good answers to this question already. I leave the truck in the on position to allow the ICE to keep the Hybrid battery charged. The 12 volt battery is charged from the hybrid battery. (No alternator it uses a DC to DC charge) but will not discharge if the hybrid battery goes to zero. So conceivably if you do not use the 12 volts battery loads (lights outlets,accessory mode) then you should have enough juice to start the engine. (Full disclosure, I have not field tested the low battery start) Good luck!