The new 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a vehicle with several positive aspects. Toyota has given us a brand-new Taco generation truck with numerous trim levels and options for the first time in a very long time. In actuality, we haven’t received everything that Toyota has to offer.
The top two TRD Pro trims and the brand-new Trailhunter model are still available among those choices. With the TRD Pro, people usually know what to expect, but with the Trailhunter, things get complicated. Since the Trailhunter is something no other manufacturer offers, this trim has never been offered before. Perhaps the most intriguing of all the new Tacoma improvements comes from a company that has always prioritised dependability over introducing cutting-edge technology: the Trailhunter.
1.Key Features of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
- Overland factory setup
- Off-road tyres and wheels
- suspension for off-road use
- most recent Toyota technological integrations
- All set to explore outside the display area
Overlanding is growing in popularity among wanderers, other vagrants, and the off-road community. Being able to bring your vehicle and have everything you need for a camping trip without having to tow an off-road caravan is wonderful. Usually, this requires much planning and research to determine what is required and where to get it. Toyota takes a lot of the uncertainty out of the process with the new Tacoma Trailhunter.
2.Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter Features & Equipment
The Trailhunter was first revealed to us as a concept for the full-size Tundra at the 2022 SEMA exhibition. This year, the Tacoma is the vehicle receiving the treatment. It’s quite the stir, considering the factory has never truly produced anything like this before.
What to Expect from Trailhunter Overlanding Equipment
- unique back bumper
- Tow hooks installed on large frames
- Rough-terrain or rugged tyres
- fenders with flares
- Bed rack, roof rack, and related extras
The Taco version might also include a unique in-bed storage space, a refrigerator, and of course, a roof-top tent, if the Trailhunter Tundra concept is any guide. Most of this equipment is probably relatively standard for any overland setup. Things are further enhanced by the Trailhunter Tacoma.
3.Off-road 33-Inch Tyres
Off-roading is influenced by a wide range of characteristics, such as geometry, gearing, and drivetrain. To reach your target, however, genuine off-roading requires capable and high-quality rubber. With its selection, the Trailhunter goes large for a mid-size truck.
- Trailhunter Tyre & Wheel Configuration
- Goodyear Territory R/T 33-inch Tyres
- Special 18-inch Wheels with Bronze Finish
- increases the Tacoma’s ground clearance
- Tyres for Rugged Terrain
- Ensure Superior Off-Road Traction
Are they now the largest tyres that came installed right out of the factory on a mid-size off-road truck? Well, not with the enormous 35-inch tyres seen on the GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition! But until then, that was unheard of for a mid-size truck. In contrast, the full-size Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX are the only vehicles that come standard with 35s, while the Raptor also has 37s as an option. Even so, before any suspension modifications, 33-inch tyres would be the maximum for almost any factory full-size truck. Therefore, 33 inches is still a considerable amount for a Tacoma Trailhunter, a mid-size off-road vehicle.
33s are still larger than the 31-inch factory tyres that were originally installed on Jeep Wrangler Rubicons, after all. When deflated off-road, they might not cover as much ground as a larger tyre, but they are also less expensive and weigh less. This is easy to change while out on the trail and saves more gasoline when inflated as well as money when it needs to be replaced. It’s possible that Toyota will sell factory lift kits so that the Trailhunter can run bigger tyres, although that is yet unclear.
4.Old Man Emu Hanging
The Trailhunter comes from a reputable company and has a trim-specific suspension that is exclusive to it and not available on any other Tacoma model. Position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs make up this system. The suspension system is designed to provide both off-road control and complete load capability for overlanding gear.
- Features of the Trailhunter Suspension
- ARB-established exclusive Old Man Emu (OME) features Bronze-
- colored forged aluminium upper control arms with a 2-inch high front
- and a 1-inch riding height raise, embossed with the “Trailhunter” logo
- 1.5 inches tall in the back and a.5 inch rise in ride height
- Disconnect the front stabiliser bar.
Toyota enlists ARB’s assistance, much as GM has cooperated with AEV on the Colorado and Canyon models. The Trailhunter features a greater ride height than lower-end Tacoma pickups when combined with the wheels and tyres. With simply a button press, the sway bar disconnects enable greater front wheel mobility.
5.The POWERTRAIN iFORCE Max
Specifics & Availability
With its new iFORCE Max hybrid drivetrain, the 2024 Tacoma may have the most talked-about new feature. The hybrid setup comes standard on the Trailhunter, and this is something that has never been offered in a Taco before. The hybrid version of the Tacoma is the most potent yet!
The same trims will come with rear leaf springs, but only the base SR, SR5, and PreRunner will not be offered with the hybrid system. The only available gearbox is the eight-speed automatic since the hybrid powertrain is standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter. The Trailhunter will not be able to have the six-speed manual gearbox that is now offered, even on the cheapest SR model. According to reports, the hybrids have a tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds, which is 500 pounds less than the non-hybrids. The hybrid is touted to have a 1,709-pound payload and to deliver instant torque with maximum torque at very low RPMs.
6.Choices for Beds
Although the Trailhunter is only available with a double cab configuration, it is believed to have a five- or six-foot bed as an option. This gives prospective purchasers the opportunity to maximise their capacity for carrying freight while still taking trail manoeuvrability into account. Even more, to make setup easier, the truck has “integrated bed side scene lights,” which illuminate the area surrounding the camp.
- Accessories for Trailhunter Beds
- For off-road traction, an innovative integrated air compressor is used for airing up after airing down.
- USB-C and 12-volt DC charging outlets
- An MOLLE detachable panel integrated ARB bed utility bar
- Complete ARB bed racks
- Probably coming soon: more ARB products
There will be four fixed cargo bed tie down points and four movable tie down studs on the deck rail system of the Trailhunter. Also included is a bed storage box. There is LED bed illumination for the cargo that is still inside the truck in addition to the integrated bed scene lighting outside. Although you shouldn’t air down your tyres if you can’t air up, the air compressor is a good addition by Toyota for an outback vehicle. It might also be utilised for air tools.
7.Armour for Trailhunter
Rock Rails and Skid Plates at Prime
The Trailhunter even surpasses the TRD Pro in this area with many underbody skid plates. The Trailhunter goes hard with hot stamped steel skid plates, whereas the latter has an aluminium plate. The front end, gearbox and rear differential are all covered by this armour.
- Notes about Trailhunter Armour
- Further protection is provided by frame-mounted rock rails.
- Exhaust tip with high clearance that leaves the body in front of the rear axle
- Red rear recovery hooks and an ARB rear steel bumper with high clearance
- elevated front bumper clearance
- Additionally, skid protection for the fuel tank (composite material) and transfer case are incorporated.
Without a question, the Trailhunter’s protection setup elevates it to a new level. This should prevent you from ever needing an upgrade or further security measures. Even the complete set of sensors for parking distance and blind spot monitoring is integrated into the first all-steel rear bumper section. The Trailhunter even has a high-lift jack point built right into the back frame, which is a neat feature.
8.Special Trailhunter Details
Headlights, bumper, badges, and snorkel all branded
The Trailhunter wants you to know that it is a brand-new, completely unique feature of the next Tacoma from Toyota. The distinctive bronze wheels and color-matched upper control arms with the term “Trailhunter” are matched by the Trailhunter branding on the headlights. In addition, a special Trailhunter badge that matches the ‘Trailhunter’ insignia on the front doors is visible above the rear ARB bumper on the tailboard. There is also a bronze finish on the Toyota name on the grille.
- Call Outs for Trailhunter
- upper extremities of control
- the tailboard and front doors
- distinctive insignia featuring a “T” pointing directly north
- Luminance Front Skid Plate
The vehicle has a trim-unique high mount air inlet, also called a snorkel, for those river crossings. This is fixed to the A-pillar on the passenger side. This will enable the engine to keep taking in air from above even when the car is submerged in water or trails dust. For improved visibility in fog, snow, or rain, the Trailhunter even has fog lights that can change from white to yellow. There is an incorporated 20-inch LED light bar in case that is insufficient.
9.Trailhunter Extra Candy
Tech, Sound, and Locker
Now, without one extremely crucial component, an off-road vehicle isn’t as capable. Differential lockers are very beneficial to a vehicle, not just the powertrain and gearbox arrangement. Here, the Trailhunter has an electrically controlled rear locking differential. This is paired with a two-speed transfer case, high and low range, four-wheel drive system that can be used part-time. This is when the locker comes in handy if you need more traction. Naturally, Toyota’s most recent Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control settings are utilised by the Trailhunter.
In low range, the axle gearing is 3.58 and the transfer case ratio is 2.57:1. The Trailhunter “crawl ratio” can be obtained by multiplying the gear ratios for the gearbox, transfer case, and axles. With first gear and low range four-wheel drive engaged, the Trailhunter’s lowest setting offers a 40.57:1 crawl ratio. This is the ultimate drive ratio that the entire gearing provides. With an automatic gearbox, the Trailhunter offers an excellent range for all-around performance at this ratio.
Three auxiliary toggle switches inside the cabin are pre-wired for accessories, while the Trailhunter works to get you where you want to go. Together with a 2400-watt AC converter that powers the two outlets in the cabin and one in the bed, it also has 12-volt DC power. These could be utilised for an air mattress or the previously described portable refrigerator.
In addition to a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen and a Heads-Up Display (HUD), there is a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. A 10-speaker JBL music system with the stylish JBL FLEX portable Bluetooth speaker—which is positioned in the dash—is standard. It’s waterproof and dustproof, so take it outside to the lake before you come, or to the campfire once you do.
10.Cost and Availability
Although the Trailhunter was rumoured to go on sale in early 2024, many of the specifications are still unofficially listed on Toyota’s website. Actually, the configuration tool is now limited to building six out of the eight trims. As a result, the TRD Pro and Trailhunter prices are expected to drop soon. This section will be updated as soon as the official price is disclosed.
- Comparing TRD Pro with Trailhunter
- Suspension is either FOX or OME trim-specific.
- Only TRD Pro front seats are available with ISO Performance.
- TRD Pro only has a short bed.
- Trailhunter’s sunroof is absent.
- Only TRD Pro can apply two-tone paint.
- Steel vs. aluminium skid plates
- Both employ cameras to provide 360-degree views.
The top two Taco trims for the upcoming generation share certain commonalities. Instances include the head-up display (HUD), digital gauge and infotainment screens, back locker, heated and cooled seats, 2,400-watt AC inverter and 12-volt DC power, JBL sound system, ARB rear bumper, and hybrid powertrains. But these two trucks seem to be made for rather different purposes, and they don’t look alike. Even yet, neither is now accessible, and neither is known to be expensive. It’s likely that the costs will be considerable, along with
