It’s not uncommon to see an adventure-ready Tacoma in the wild. In Hawaii, Tacomas are the most popular vehicle on the road. Toyota has also unveiled its next-generation Tacoma 2024 available later this year. Taco owners have been known to transform their mid-size pick-ups into overlanders with the help of a variety of aftermarket accessories, both from Toyota as well as private manufacturers. This allows them to explore the unknown and get away from the city for several days.
The entire Tacoma line will be completely redesigned in 2024. To save you time, Toyota has added a new trim. The factory-developed Tacoma Trailhunter, which we first saw in concept form at the SEMA Show 2022 a badass pickup for adventurers that was built from scratch.
Toyota will offer genuine parts and accessories for the new truck. They also have the option of adding additional accessories through the recently announced Associated Accessory Products program. The Toyota dealer will provide you with everything that you need to get off the grid.
Engine
The Trailhunter, available in Double Cab, is only hybrid powered. This is a good choice, as the iFORCE MAX 2.4L turbo-hybrid powertrain produces the most torque and power in the Tacoma line-up, with 326 hp and 465 lb. ft. Compare this to the maximum torque of 317 lb. ft. and 278 horsepower for the gas-powered iFORCE 2.4L Turbo. The hybrid iFORCE MAX gets fresh air from an air intake that runs up the A-pillar of the passenger’s side.
New Design
The Trailhunter, along with the TRD Pro, now has an electronic rear locking differential, as well as a front stabilizer bar that can be disconnected. This overlander gets a two-inch height boost up front, and a one-and-a-half-inch bump at the rear. Any truck can be damaged by traversing the mountainside. Toyota has added skid plates and rock rails to the truck for extra protection. A built-in LED light bar is nestled into the Toyota heritage front grille in bronze, along with RIGID white/amber LED fog lights and Trailhunter Signature LED headlamps.
Toyota did not manufacture this little beast by itself. Toyota teamed up with ARB (an Australian company) to equip the Trailhunter. This included a steel bed utility bar and bumper with removable panels. It also had rear recovery points, and 2.5-inch forged monotubes shocks with external remote reservoirs. ARB contributed the ARB Fridge Freezer, a full roof rack for attachments such as a roof tent and camp shower, and a forged steel rear bumper. Old Man Emu and RIGID both contributed to the development of some Trailhunter off-road capabilities.
Interior & Safety
Toyota gave the Trailhunter, a small hybrid pickup, the premium treatment inside. It’s a Tacoma that is at the top of its range. The dashboard is fitted with three pre-wired toggle switches for auxiliary functions. It also has a 12.3-inch gauge panel over the previous 7-inch model, as well as a large 14-inch touchscreen that features Toyota’s most recent multimedia system over the 8-inch standard screen on entry-level models.
The head-up display is also included, which you won’t find in the entry-level models SR5 and SR5, as well as heated and cooled seats. In our interior story for the 2024 Tacoma, we discuss the JBL 10-speaker premium audio system and the portable speaker system. The cabin has the usual USB-C port for charging small devices. There’s a 2400W AC Inverter that can power devices at two different locations, both on the Tacoma cabin and rear deck. It also has 12V and USB ports. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on all 2024 Tacomas. This includes lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter Price & Release Date
The Tacoma Trailhunter, which is equipped with a hybrid powertrain exclusively, will also be available in Spring 2024. Pricing should be finalized in late 2023 when the gas-powered iFORCE models arrive. Check back in 2023. If you cannot get the Trailhunter then the TRD Pro Limited and TRD Off-Road will be a great option, especially when you add the aftermarket accessories. You can also check out the mid-size trucks currently on sale.