The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Battles Catalytic Converter Theft
Don’t even think about going for a catalytic converter in the Toyota Tacoma! While catalytic converter theft is increasing due to the valuable metals inside, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma isn’t taking things lying down. Check out how Toyota is beefing up security.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma’s catalytic converter is harder to steal
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the start of a new truck generation with plenty of attractive upgrades, including a powerful hybrid engine. But hybrid engines often amplify a vehicle as an attractive target for thieves after catalytic converters.
Toyota planned ahead by placing the catalytic converter in a place that was more complicated to find. If you look at the undercarriage, there’s no cat exhaust pipe between the engine bay and the truck’s rear.
You’ll only find the muffler because it has been pushed up into the engine bay. Also, the pre-cat is barely visible right after the turbocharger. The regular catalytic converter’s downward-facing side is only accessible from the underside of the truck.
The catalytic converter looks like it will be tricky to remove at a shop and even harder to access with a reciprocating saw.
Due to being placed in a trickier location, it will be harder to take quickly and quietly. A lot of other durable parts are in the way.
The 2023 Tacoma is the ninth most targeted vehicle for catalytic converters, and the Prius is third. The new converter may include more precious metals to help reduce carbon emissions, making it more valuable to thieves.
But this time, Toyota is a few steps ahead of the game. Thieves might pass on the new Tacoma for options that are easier to get away with.
What do we know about the 2024 Tacoma hybrid?
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is one of many exciting upgrades to build upon a historically reliable and capable truck. The new i-FORCE Max hybrid powertrain pairs the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a nickel metal hydride battery pack.
It generates 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent option in the mid-size class. We’re still waiting for the official fuel economy estimates to roll out, but this powertrain is also used in the Lexus RX.
The hybrid Lexus RX is 29% more fuel-efficient than its gas-powered counterpart. However, the Tacoma’s figures could be different due to being heavier with more aggressive off-roading equipment.
It’s safe to expect the Tacoma Hybrid to be reliable. The Lexus RX has been using the same setup for a while and has an above-average reliability rating of 85 out of 100 from J.D.Power.
Also, the Tacoma starts with the standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.
Higher trims get 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with the manual six-speed transmission. With the eight-speed automatic transmission, power increases to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
When can you order the 2024 Tacoma?
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma still doesn’t have an official ordering date. We know people are getting anxious, and they’re ready to play with the build and price configurator. But we’re still waiting on official pricing, too!
We’ve been able to look at photos and read about new features for months! Hopefully, the 2024 Tacoma ordering banks will open in the fall so new models can reach dealerships by the end of the year. This tracks as production is expected to ramp up in December.
We know that the gas models are expected to come out first, and hybrid models will have longer waiting times. But the exact amount of waiting time is currently a mystery. If things operate smoothly, then it takes about six to eight weeks for a new truck to be built.
However, supply chain constraints, semiconductor chip shortages, and rising inflation may cause bumps in the road. Stay tuned for updates as we track the Tacoma for more information.
