Recently, I test-drove a Tacoma TRD Offroad. It’s a nice truck—except for the engine. The turbocharged 4-cylinder (non-hybrid) is not what you want to hear. The sound is a chaotic mix of disjointed noises, and the lack of insulation likely made it worse.
Later, I drove the hybrid version of the Tacoma. It sounded much better—more like a Land Cruiser. To be fair, I’d need a side-by-side comparison of the turbo-4 non-hybrid with and without insulation to make a definitive call.
That said, regardless of horsepower and torque numbers, the under hood noise alone would completely rule out any chance of me considering a vehicle with the Turbo-4-only powertrain.