The automotive world is rapidly evolving, and hybrid technology is at the forefront of this transformation. Toyota’s innovative i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is a prime example, earning the prestigious 2022 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award. This groundbreaking system, featured in the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra and standard in the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, is setting new benchmarks for performance and efficiency in large vehicles.
The i-FORCE MAX hybrid system is intelligently engineered, seamlessly blending a potent 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a 48-hp electric motor. This electric motor is strategically positioned between the engine and a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission. This unique configuration allows for efficient power transfer and delivery, ensuring that drivers experience both robust performance and optimized fuel economy.
According to Dante Boutell, vice president of Powertrain Design at Toyota Motor North America R&D, the i-FORCE MAX represents Toyota’s commitment to “uncompromised performance” while paving the way for the future of electrified large vehicles. This recognition from WardsAuto further validates the innovation and customer benefits inherent in this powertrain.
The brilliance of the i-FORCE MAX lies in its ability to harness the electric motor to supplement the engine’s output. When drivers demand more power, the electric motor kicks in, providing a surge of additional torque. In scenarios requiring less power, such as gentle acceleration, the vehicle can even be propelled solely by the electric motor, maximizing efficiency. This intelligent system ensures that drivers don’t have to sacrifice power or torque in the pursuit of better fuel economy.
The performance figures speak for themselves. The i-FORCE MAX powertrain delivers an impressive 437 horsepower and a substantial 583 lb-ft of torque, achieved at a low 2,400 rpm. Despite this power, the Tundra i-FORCE MAX achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of up to 20 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined, depending on the specific model grade and drivetrain. Furthermore, the Tundra equipped with the i-FORCE MAX boasts a payload capacity of 1,665 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 11,450 pounds, demonstrating its capability and versatility.
Toyota’s commitment to electrification is underscored by its goal to offer an electrified version of every model in its lineup by 2025. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is a significant step towards achieving this ambitious goal and contributing to carbon reduction and carbon neutrality. As Toyota evolves into a mobility company, innovations like the i-FORCE MAX are crucial in redefining the role of vehicles in transportation while minimizing environmental impact.
The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain’s award will be celebrated at the AutoTech: Electrification conference in Detroit, Michigan, highlighting its industry-leading innovation. This recognition solidifies the i-FORCE MAX as a game-changer in the truck segment, offering a powerful, efficient, and future-forward driving experience.
