Discover Why This is Toyota’s Top Choice for Overlanding Trucks

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter represents Toyota’s latest response to the rising interest in factory-built overlanders. The aftermarket for overlanding supplies is vast, but using these often means giving up the factory warranty. The Tacoma Trailhunter addresses this issue, establishing itself as a premier off-road truck equipped for adventure right from the dealership, with its warranty still valid. Toyota’s established reputation for quality, durability, and reliability has already made it a preferred brand among overlanding fans. However, with the Trailhunter, Toyota goes a step further by providing a purpose-built overlanding vehicle that doesn’t necessitate any aftermarket changes. Let’s delve into why this version is Toyota’s finest overlanding truck to date.

All information regarding the vehicles in this piece has been sourced directly from the manufacturer.

Tacoma Trailhunter Overview

With a price tag of $62,900, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter sits just below the TRD Pro within the Tacoma lineup. This substantial MSRP reflects the truck’s rich array of factory-installed overlanding features. Toyota partnered with recognized Australian company ARB to craft essential components for this rugged vehicle, ensuring customers receive a truck ready for off-the-grid explorations directly from the dealer.

The Trailhunter offers both five-foot and six-foot bed Double Cab configurations, providing versatility for various overlanding setups. Whether you’re traveling light or taking along a rooftop tent and camping equipment, this truck is geared for extended excursions. Toyota has also implemented the Associated Accessory Products (AAP) program, which provides over 100 various accessories, including off-road recovery tools and outdoor sports gear carriers. Buyers can easily incorporate these items into their monthly payment plans, simplifying customization of the Tacoma Trailhunter to meet personal requirements.

Tacoma Trailhunter Exterior

Boasting a rugged and striking exterior, the Tacoma Trailhunter exudes an adventurous charm. Its commanding stance and unique design elements enhance its off-road appeal. With 11 inches of ground clearance and a wide base provided by its lifted suspension and robust tires, the Trailhunter is as capable as it looks. Equipped with exclusive 18-inch bronze-finished alloy wheels, the truck conveys a premium presence.

Toyota partnered with ARB to create off-road-specific features, including rock rails and durable steel skid plates that protect critical underbody components from rocks and debris, along with a steel rear bumper, sturdy rear recovery points, and a bed utility bar fitted with removable MOLLE panels. The truck also features a high-clearance trail exhaust tip, allowing for seamless navigation through tight trails without scraping the undercarriage. Additionally, the elevated air intake, which runs along the passenger side A-pillar, delivers cleaner air to the engine in dusty or water-heavy terrains, enhancing the truck’s suitability for overlanding.

Designed with options of 5- or 6-foot bed Double Cab styles, serious overlanders can elevate their Trailhunters with available light- or heavy-duty ARB bed racks to accommodate extra gear like rooftop tents, canopies, or camp showers.

Highlighting its distinctive character, the Trailhunter features a bronze “TOYOTA” grille inspired by heritage designs, complete with an integrated 20-inch LED light bar. Additionally, it includes RIGID LED fog lamps that can switch between white and yellow light for improved visibility in various conditions. The Tacoma Trailhunter features a triangulated lighting system in the truck bed to eliminate dark spots, along with scene lights positioned on the bed sides for ample illumination.

Tacoma Trailhunter Interior

Within the Tacoma Trailhunter, a harmonious blend of practicality and modern amenities awaits. The cabin features Trailhunter-specific SofTex-trimmed seats that are resistant to water and dirt, ideal for lengthy trips. Thoughtfully placed storage solutions cater specifically to overlanders, including additional under-seat compartments for securing smaller gear. The technological offerings are also impressive, with a large 14-inch infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Toyota’s 3D Multi-Terrain View Monitor to assist in navigating challenging landscapes. To cater to overlanding necessities, the truck is equipped with a 2,400W AC inverter featuring power outlets accessible from both the cabin and the rear bed, perfect for powering devices such as the ARB Fridge Freezer. Various USB and 12V ports are conveniently spread throughout the cabin for enhanced comfort.

For those looking to integrate additional off-road accessories, the Trailhunter is pre-wired with three auxiliary toggle switches on the dashboard, enabling straightforward incorporation of extra lights, winches, or air compressors without major modifications. These thoughtful features make the Trailhunter both a practical and comfortable platform for overland adventures.

Powertrains, Towing, And Performance

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter comes standard with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an electric motor, generating a combined total of 323 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid system is well-suited for overlanding, delivering impressive low-end torque for navigating rugged terrain while also ensuring efficient highway performance for long distances between stops. Opting for a Trailhunter presents numerous advantages, including features specifically designed for off-road challenges, such as Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control (CRAWL), Downhill Assist Control (DAC), a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM), and an electronically operated locking rear differential.

The Tacoma also offers Toyota’s advanced CRAWL Control technology that functions as a low-speed, off-road cruise control, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering while the system automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes in one of five pre-selected speeds.

Toyota has heavily collaborated with ARB to produce vital components, beginning with the Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks, which include external piggyback reservoirs on the rear. These sophisticated shocks enhance the Trailhunter’s ability to navigate rough terrain effortlessly while increasing its ride height by two inches at the front and one and a half inches at the back, contributing to its superior ground clearance on difficult trails.

The truck comes equipped with 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, significantly enhancing its off-road performance. The combination of Old Man Emu shocks and 33-inch tires boosts both ground clearance and ride comfort, providing better articulation over uneven surfaces. The suspension system is crafted to support the additional weight that typically comes with overlanding gear, whether it involves extra equipment, rooftop tents, or bed racks.

As for hauling capabilities, the Tacoma Trailhunter has a towing capacity of 5,950 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,475 pounds when featuring the five-foot bed. While it may not lead its class in towing capacity, its emphasis on off-road function and cargo management makes it an excellent choice for overlanders seeking both capability and reliability. The truck’s approach, departure, and breakover angles, clocking in at 35.2/22.3/24 degrees respectively, enable it to tackle even the toughest trails, albeit slightly less adept than the Tacoma TRD Pro.

Tacoma Trailhunter Vs. Key Rivals

In the realm of factory-built overlanding trucks, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter stands apart. No other manufacturer currently offers a vehicle with such a targeted focus on overlanding. Competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor are better suited for high-speed desert racing or generic off-roading rather than providing the expedition-ready features found in the Trailhunter.

A notable contender is the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, although it isn’t available in the U.S., leaving the Trailhunter as the only dedicated factory-developed overlanding truck available in the American market. While the ZR2 and Raptor can be outfitted with aftermarket modifications to approximate Trailhunter’s capabilities, they fall short of providing the same level of ready-made overlanding features available directly from the dealership. In essence, while these trucks excel in off-road performance, the Tacoma Trailhunter remains unrivaled as a showroom-ready overlanding solution.

Source:
Toyota