The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, available with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, has won the 2023 SEMA Best Midsize Truck of the Year award. The win pairs nicely with the fact that the hybrid powertrain is the most powerful powertrain ever offered in a Tacoma.

Part of the festivities of the annual SEMA Show are the SEMA Awards for the top trending vehicles. These are voted on by exhibiting manufacturers in six categories. In addition to the Midsize Truck of the Year, there are also awards for Car of the Year, Fullsize Truck of the Year, 4×4/SUV of the Year, Sport Compact Car of the Year, and Electric Vehicle of the Year.

Tacoma Hybrid Powertrain

The all-new 2024 Tacoma is a body-on-frame truck. It is available with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain that has a total system output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Subsequently, torque is nearly double the output torque of the current-gen truck with the V-6 engine. The i-Force Max hybrid is the standard powertrain in TRD Pro and Trailhunter models. It’s optional in TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited models. The powertrain pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a 48 horsepower electric motor. Specifically, engineers integrated the motor into the eight-speed transmission. The motor is fed by a 1.87 kWh NiMH battery pack.

Toyota Tacoma Wins Best Midsize Truck of the Year in Part Due to Flexibility and Customer Appeal

“We are proud to receive the SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year award,” said Mike Tripp, Group Vice President, Toyota Marketing. “The SEMA Awards celebrate the creativity and personalization that play so heavily with customers. For 2024, we have built a Tacoma for every person and every lifestyle with the flexibility to allow customers to find their own adventure and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”  Moreover, Mike Spagnola, President and CEO, SEMA says, “The award marks the third year in a row that Toyota products have been honored by SEMA Show exhibitors. “We congratulate Toyota and the all-new Tacoma for winning our coveted SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year. The win represents Toyota’s clear commitment to producing segment-leading products that truly appeal to the consumers AND the aftermarket.”

Related Story: The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Gets A Hybrid Powertrain