2024 Toyota Tacoma fights catalytic converter theft
Don’t even think about buying a catalytic converter for your Toyota Tacoma! While catalytic converter theft is on the rise due to the valuable metals inside, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma isn’t taking it lying down. Find out how Toyota has enhanced security.
A 2024 Toyota Tacoma catalytic converter is difficult to steal
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the beginning of a new generation of trucks with plenty of attractive upgrades, including a powerful hybrid engine. But hybrid engines often make a car an attractive target for thieves after catalytic converters.
Toyota planned ahead by placing the catalytic converter in a location that was more complicated to find. If you look at the undercarriage, there is no exhaust pipe between the engine bay and the back of the truck.
You will only find the muffler because it has been pushed into the engine compartment. The up-front cat is also barely visible immediately after the turbocharger. The downward-facing side of a regular catalytic converter can only be accessed from the underside of the truck.
It looks like the catalytic converter would be difficult to remove in the shop, and difficult to access with a reciprocating saw. Since you are in a more complex situation, it will be more difficult to take it quickly and calmly. There are plenty of other durable parts on the way.
The 2023 Tacoma is the ninth most targeted vehicle for catalytic converters, with the Prius 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 may pass your 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 combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
It produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful option in the midsize segment. We’re still waiting for official fuel economy estimates, but this powertrain is also used in the Lexus RX.
The Lexus RX hybrid is 29% more fuel efficient than its gas-powered counterpart. However, the Tacoma’s numbers could be different due to it being heavier with more aggressive off-road equipment.
The Tacoma also starts with a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
Top models get 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed manual transmission. With the eight-speed automatic transmission, power increases to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
When can you order a 2024 Tacoma?
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma still does not have an official order date. We know people are concerned, and they’re willing to play with the design and price configurator. But we’re still waiting for the official prices too!
We’ve been able to look at pictures and read about new features for months! Hopefully, order banks for the 2024 Tacoma will open in the fall so the new models can reach dealers by the end of the year.
We know that gas models are expected to launch first, and hybrid models will have longer wait times. But the exact length of the waiting time remains a mystery at the moment. If all goes smoothly, it will take about six to eight weeks to build a new truck.
However, supply chain constraints, semiconductor chip shortages, and rising inflation may cause bumps in the road. Stay tuned for updates as we track Tacoma for more information.
