Tacoma i-FORCE MAX: Your Towing Partner for New Brunswick Adventures

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain delivers serious towing capability for drivers across New Brunswick. Hauling a boat to the Bay of Fundy, towing a camper to Mount Carleton Provincial Park, or moving equipment for work—this hybrid system provides the torque and capacity to handle recreational towing with confidence.

The i-FORCE MAX pairs a 2.4 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an integrated electric motor, generating a total system output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is available on select Tacoma trims and is specifically engineered to deliver strong pulling power while maintaining fuel efficiency—a practical advantage for long hauls across the province.

Towing Capacity: Built for Real-World Use

The 2026 Tacoma i-FORCE MAX is rated to tow up to 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) when properly equipped. This capacity covers a wide range of recreational trailers commonly used in New Brunswick, including:

• Mid-size travel trailers (typical weight: 1,800–2,500 kg)
• Boat trailers with mid-size fishing or recreational boats (typical combined weight: 1,400–2,300 kg)
• Utility trailers for ATVs, snowmobiles, or landscaping equipment (typical weight: 900–1,800 kg)
• Small campers and teardrop trailers (typical weight: 680–1,600 kg)

Key Towing Specs

The i-FORCE MAX's torque delivery is particularly effective for towing. The electric motor provides instant torque from a stop, which helps when pulling a loaded trailer up a hill or merging onto Highway 2. The 8-speed automatic transmission works with the hybrid system to manage power efficiently, reducing gear hunting and maintaining momentum.

How the i-FORCE MAX Hybrid System Works

The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain integrates an electric motor directly into the 8-speed automatic transmission. This motor draws power from a battery pack, which recharges during braking and deceleration. The system does not require external charging—it operates seamlessly as you drive.

When towing, the electric motor assists the turbocharged engine during acceleration and hill climbs, reducing strain on the drivetrain. This hybrid design also improves fuel efficiency compared to non-hybrid powertrains, which is useful on longer trips across New Brunswick's highways and rural roads.

The Tacoma i-FORCE MAX is available in part-time 4WD or full-time 4WD configurations, depending on the trim. Part-time 4WD allows you to engage four-wheel drive when needed for traction on boat launches, gravel roads, or winter conditions. Full-time 4WD provides continuous power distribution to all four wheels, which can be helpful when towing on uneven or slippery surfaces.

Towing Features and Equipment

The 2026 Tacoma i-FORCE MAX includes several features designed to make towing easier and safer:

• Trailer Brake Controller: Integrated system that coordinates the truck's brakes with electric trailer brakes, improving stopping control and reducing wear on the Tacoma's braking system
• Tow/Haul Mode: Adjusts transmission shift points and throttle response to reduce gear hunting and maintain power when towing
• Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents rollback when starting on an incline with a trailer attached
• Heavy-Duty Tow Hitch Receiver: Factory-installed hitch rated for the Tacoma's towing capacity

These features work together to provide predictable handling and control when towing. The Trailer Brake Controller is particularly useful on long downhill stretches, such as descending from the highlands into the Saint John River Valley, which helps manage speed without overheating the truck's brakes.

Choosing the Right Tacoma Trim for Towing

The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is available on specific Tacoma trims. Each trim offers different features and configurations, but all i-FORCE MAX models share the same towing capacity of 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs).

TRD Off-Road (Hybrid Available)

• Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for off-road towing situations
• Locking rear differential for traction on boat launches or uneven terrain
• Bilstein shock absorbers for improved ride quality when towing
• Available in 5-foot or 6-foot bed configurations

TRD Pro (Hybrid Standard)

• FOX shock absorbers with Quick Switch 3 for manually adjustable damping
• Front stabilizer disconnect mechanism for increased suspension articulation
• TRD performance air intake and exhaust
• 5-foot bed configuration

Trailhunter (Hybrid Standard)

• Old Man Emu shock absorbers tuned for heavy-duty use
• Rock rails and skid plates for off-road protection
• 6-foot bed configuration
• Multi-terrain monitor for navigating challenging towing environments

Limited (Hybrid Standard)

• Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for adjustable ride comfort
• Premium interior with ventilated front seats
• 5-foot bed configuration
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Towing Safety and Best Practices

Proper towing requires attention to weight distribution, equipment compatibility, and driving technique. Here are key considerations for safe towing with the Tacoma i-FORCE MAX:

1. Know Your Weights: The 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) towing capacity is a maximum rating. Actual towing capacity depends on the truck's curb weight, cargo, passengers, and any added equipment. Always weigh your loaded trailer and ensure it falls within the Tacoma's rated capacity.
2. Distribute Weight Properly: Aim for 10–15% of the trailer's total weight on the tongue. Too much tongue weight can overload the rear axle; too little can cause trailer sway.
3. Use the Right Hitch: Ensure your hitch and ball mount are rated for your trailer's weight. The Tacoma's factory tow hitch receiver is designed to handle the truck's maximum towing capacity.
4. Check Tire Pressure: Increase tire pressure to the maximum recommended level when towing. This improves handling and reduces tire wear.
5. Adjust Mirrors: If your trailer extends beyond the truck's width, consider adding towing mirrors for better visibility.
6. Plan for Longer Stopping Distances: A loaded trailer increases stopping distance. Leave extra space between vehicles and brake earlier than usual.

Fuel Efficiency While Towing

The i-FORCE MAX hybrid system is designed to balance power and efficiency. While towing increases fuel consumption compared to unloaded driving, the hybrid powertrain helps mitigate this impact. The electric motor assists during acceleration, reducing the load on the turbocharged engine and improving fuel economy compared to non-hybrid powertrains.

Fuel efficiency when towing depends on several factors, including trailer weight, terrain, speed, and driving conditions. Maintaining steady speeds, avoiding rapid acceleration, and using Tow/Haul Mode can help optimize fuel consumption on long trips.

Recreational Towing Scenarios in New Brunswick

New Brunswick's geography offers diverse towing opportunities, from coastal boat launches to inland trails and campgrounds. Here are common towing scenarios in which the Tacoma i-FORCE MAX performs well:

Boat Towing: The Bay of Fundy, Saint John River, and numerous lakes provide excellent fishing and recreational boating. The Tacoma's 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) capacity handles most mid-size boats and trailers. The electric motor's instant torque is particularly useful when pulling a boat out of the water on a slippery launch ramp.

Camper and Travel Trailer Towing: New Brunswick's provincial parks and private campgrounds attract campers year-round. The Tacoma i-FORCE MAX can tow small to mid-size travel trailers, providing a comfortable towing experience on highways and rural roads.

Utility and Equipment Hauling: For work or recreation, the Tacoma handles utility trailers loaded with ATVs, snowmobiles, landscaping equipment, or building materials. The 6-foot bed option (available on select trims) provides additional cargo space for tools and gear.

Winter Towing: New Brunswick winters require reliable traction and control. The Tacoma's 4WD system, combined with the hybrid powertrain's torque delivery, provides stable towing performance on snow-covered roads and icy boat launches.

Comparing Towing Capacity Across Tacoma Powertrains

The 2026 Tacoma offers multiple powertrain options, each with different towing capabilities:

The non-hybrid 2.4 L turbocharged engine offers slightly higher towing capacity (2,903 kg / 6,400 lbs), but the i-FORCE MAX hybrid provides significantly more torque (465 lb-ft vs. 317 lb-ft). This torque advantage improves low-end pulling power, which is beneficial when accelerating with a heavy trailer or climbing hills. The hybrid system also delivers better fuel efficiency, which can offset the slightly lower towing rating for many drivers.

Experience the Tacoma i-FORCE MAX at Saint John Toyota

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX offers serious towing capability for recreational use across New Brunswick. With 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) of towing capacity, 465 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain designed for efficiency, this truck handles boats, campers, and utility trailers with confidence. Visit Saint John Toyota in Saint John to explore the Tacoma i-FORCE MAX lineup and discuss which trim best fits your towing needs.