In the two decades of their commercialized existence, hybrid vehicles have been chiefly known for one thing: efficiency.

That reputation is well-earned. Models like the 2023 Corolla Hybrid and the 2023 Highlander Hybrid offer at least 10 miles per gallon more than their gas counterparts. Plug-in hybrids like the 2023 RAV4 Prime push the envelope even further, with up to 94 combined miles per gallon.

But Toyota has developed cutting-edge hybrid technology that is not just economical, but powerful, too — powerful enough to run the Tundra and tow up to 12,000 pounds. Let’s see how it works.

Horsepower vs. torque

You’ve heard about horsepower and torque from car commercials and vehicle enthusiasts. But what do those terms actually mean?

Horsepower and torque are both related to your car’s speed — the more you have, the faster your car goes. But the terms measure two different things.

Horsepower measures how much power your engine produces in a certain amount of time. It’s related to how high your speed goes and how well the vehicle can maintain that speed. Horsepower is measured in revolutions per minute, or how many times an engine part called the “crankshaft” turns around to move the pistons.

Torque, however, measures twisting force. Energy produced from the up-and-down movement of your engine’s pistons moves to the wheels, which then move the car. Torque indicates how quickly your car can accelerate at the get-go. Torque is measured in pounds to feet, or how many pounds are moved per foot traveled. This makes it especially important for towing.

Drivers used to consider hybrid vehicles weaker than gas vehicles, offering less horsepower. But electricity can turn on instantly, sidestepping a gas engine’s warm-up. That ability boosts torque — a keystone of Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX powertrain.

 

An award-winning engine

The award-winning i-FORCE MAX powertrain debuted in the 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid. It pairs a twin-turbo V6 engine with a motor generator to serve up 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. That’s 12% more horsepower and 21% more torque than its gas counterpart, the iFORCE! The Tundra Hybrid can tow nearly 12,000 pounds as a result.

The system’s trick is that the electric motor, powered by a 288V battery, is uniquely placed between the engine and transmission. This configuration allows for lag-free power transfer that boosts torque and performance. The system also responds to subtle driver inputs, automatically adjusting torque and hybrid performance for maximum efficiency.