Everything You Need To Know About The Toyota Trailhunter

For years, the overlanding community has been plagued with a problem: the need to heavily modify their vehicles for backcountry adventures. 

Toyota has answered that call with the 2024 Tacoma Trailhunter, a purpose-built overlanding vehicle that’s ready for adventure right off the showroom floor. This is Toyota’s most comprehensive factory-built overlanding solution, combining reliability with specialized equipment for serious adventurers.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter comes in several color options, including the striking 'bronze oxide' as an additional-cost option.

As the overlanding movement continues to grow, the timing couldn’t be better for a vehicle that bridges the gap between production trucks and custom expedition rigs.

The Trailhunter is a thoroughly engineered solution developed in partnership with off-road equipment manufacturer ARB to give you a complete overlanding package without the need for extensive aftermarket modifications.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter At a Glance

What Is It?

• First-ever factory-built overlanding Tacoma
• Collaboration between Toyota and ARB
• Premium offering alongside TRD Pro in Tacoma lineup

Key Features

• i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain: 326 hp, 465 lb-ft torque
• Factory-installed ARB overlanding equipment
• 33-inch all-terrain tires with 11-inch ground clearance
• 2400W AC power system for camp setup
• Integrated storage solutions with MOLLE panels
• Sport bar as a standard feature for mounting additional lighting and gear

What Does It Bring To The Table?

• Eliminates the need for extensive aftermarket modifications
• Full factory warranty on overlanding equipment
• Financing available for the complete package
• Sets a new standard for factory overlanding vehicles
• Includes ball mount as part of the Trailhunter's package

Who May Be Interested?

• Serious overlanding enthusiasts seeking turnkey solution
• Adventure travelers wanting reliability with capability
• Off-road enthusiasts who value factory integration
• Buyers willing to invest in premium adventure vehicle

Starting Price: $64,395 (including destination)

What’s Special About the Toyota Trailhunter?

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is a game changer for manufacturers and the overlanding community and has been recognized as a Best New Car by Autotrader, highlighting its exceptional features and performance.

Instead of leaving enthusiasts to piece together their dream adventure rig through aftermarket modifications, Toyota has created a purpose-built overlanding vehicle straight from the factory. This results from a partnership with ARB, the Australian off-road equipment manufacturer, and means the truck is ready for extended adventures without all the modifications.

Unlike off-road-focused Tacomas, the Trailhunter isn’t just another trim level with some badges and mild suspension tweaks.

Built only in Double Cab with options for 5-foot and 6-foot beds, it’s a fully engineered package for serious overlanders who demand capability and reliability. The Trailhunter sits in the premium segment of the Toyota lineup with the TRD Pro, but while the TRD Pro is for high-speed desert running, the Trailhunter is for extended off-grid adventures and technical trail navigation.

Under The Hood: The Trailhunter's Performance Specs

Hybrid Power and Performance

At the heart of the Trailhunter is Toyota’s most powerful Tacoma powertrain ever – the i-FORCE MAX hybrid.

This advanced powertrain combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor in the 8-speed automatic transmission to produce 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. That’s more torque than the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.

The hybrid system has advantages for overlanding. The electric motor provides instant torque for technical trail sections, and the turbocharged engine provides sustained power for highway driving and climbing. The impressive low-end torque generated by the hybrid powertrain delivers instantaneous power when accelerating, enhancing the vehicle's performance in off-road scenarios and allowing for smooth navigation across diverse terrains without the need for complex computer controls.

Powertrain Benefits for Overlanding

The powertrain gets reasonable fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined – important numbers for extended backcountry adventures where fuel stations are few and far between.

Power Delivery and Control

Power is sent through a part-time 4WD system with an electronic transfer case and a locking rear differential. 

The transmission doesn’t have paddle shifters but has been tuned for low-speed rock crawling and highway cruising. The power delivery and hybrid system’s instant torque response make the Trailhunter very capable in tricky terrain where throttle control is key.

Off-Road Capabilities

Purpose-Built Suspension System

The Trailhunter’s off-road abilities start with its purpose-built suspension. Old Man Emu position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks at the base with external piggyback-style remote reservoirs tuned for maximum off-road control and load carrying.

These shocks are designed specifically for overlanding and technical rock crawling, providing improved suspension performance for different driving conditions, such as emergency stops and handling road bumps. This suspension setup, combined with a 2-inch front and 1.5-inch rear lift over standard Tacomas, gives more articulation and stability on technical trails.

Ground Clearance and Traction

The truck sits on 33-inch Goodyear Territory Rugged-Terrain tires on 18-inch bronze-finished alloy wheels. This isn’t just for show—it’s for real off-road traction and on-road manners. The higher stance means real-world capability with improved approach, break-over, and departure angles and 11 inches of ground clearance.

Comprehensive Protection

Protection is a big part of any serious off-road vehicle, and the Trailhunter has it covered. High-strength steel skid plates protect critical components like the radiator, oil pan, differentials, and fuel tank.

Rock rails protect the rocker panels, and a specially designed steel ARB rear bumper has integrated recovery points, as well as high-lift jack points for when things get tough. A high-clearance exhaust tip prevents damage during steep departure angles.

Advanced Trail Technology

The Trailhunter’s technical features take it to the next level. An electronically disconnecting front sway bar – a feature not found in many of its competitors – gives more suspension articulation when needed.

The Multi-Terrain Select system has different modes for different surfaces, and Crawl Control is an off-road cruise control that maintains steady progress over tricky terrain. The Multi-Terrain Monitor system gives you visibility of the vehicle’s surroundings through the 14-inch touchscreen display.

For dust protection, Toyota engineers put a high-mount air intake on the passenger side A-pillar so clean air gets to the engine even in the toughest conditions. They also pre-wired the auxiliary switches on the dashboard so you can add off-road accessories without having to rewire the whole vehicle.

Overlanding Ready

Power Management Solutions

Toyota and ARB have worked together to include solutions that normally require extensive aftermarket modifications.

A standard 2400W AC inverter system with outlets in the cabin and bed handles power management for off-grid adventures. Overlanders can run fridges, camp lighting, or work tools without needing additional power solutions. The wiring system has three pre-wired auxiliary switches on the dashboard, so you can add accessories like winches or auxiliary lighting.

Modular Storage Systems

The Trailhunter’s modular design emphasizes storage and organization. The bed utility bar has removable MOLLE panels for gear organization, and additional MOLLE panels on the center console and door panels allow easy access to essentials. An available ARB bed rack system (light and heavy duty) provides a base for rooftop tents, awnings, or additional storage solutions.

Enhanced Visibility Features

The lighting is also impressive, with an integrated 20-inch LED light bar in the heritage-inspired bronze grille. RIGID Industries LED fog lamps have white/yellow color switching capability for better visibility in different conditions. The bed-mounted utility lights come on with the interior access lights, making nighttime camp setup easier.

Integrated Utility Features

The truck’s utility goes beyond just storage and lighting. A low-profile high-mount air intake ensures engine performance in dusty conditions and the high-clearance exhaust system is designed to not get damaged in technical trail sections. The ARB-designed steel rear bumper has integrated recovery points and high-lift jack points, showing that the Trailhunter is built for overlanding.

If you want a complete overlanding solution, Toyota offers over 100 accessories through its Associated Accessory Products program. You can customise your Trailhunter for your adventure needs while maintaining the factory warranty and financing options.

Tech and Comfort

Inside the cabin, the Trailhunter strikes a great balance between ruggedness and modernity, a space that’s as good for long-distance travel as it is for technical trail navigation.

Modern Interface and Controls

Ensuring a secure and user-friendly website experience is crucial for accessing vehicle information and updates.

The interior tech’s centerpiece is a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that provides real-time information on vehicle systems and off-road data.

There are practical features for long adventures all over the cabin. The Multi-Terrain Monitor displays the surroundings on the big screen, so you can see what’s going on during technical off-road driving. The JBL Premium Audio system has a removable JBL FLEX portable speaker that can be used around the campsite, so the truck’s utility extends beyond the trail.

Interior Design and Materials

The Trailhunter’s interior is notable for its blend of durability and comfort. The seats are synthetic leather finished in mineral grey with gold piping, a more subdued and adventure-ready look than the TRD Pro’s aggressive styling. The dashboard has a unique matte granite-like finish that adds a bit of sophistication while still being rugged.

Storage solutions are throughout the interior, with MOLLE panels on the center console and door panels for flexible gear organization. The cabin layout puts controls and switches within easy reach, with the pre-wired auxiliary panel in an easy-to-reach position while driving.

Safety and Daily Usability

Safety hasn’t been forgotten; Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard. This suite of driver-assist features helps keep you safe on and off-road so you can have peace of mind on long adventures. Despite its serious off-road capability, the Trailhunter is still refined enough to be a daily driver.

Real-World Capability: The Numbers That Matter

For serious overlanders, the Trailhunter’s numbers tell a story. The truck’s capability specs are impressive. It can tow up to 6,000lbs with the 5-foot bed and 5,950lbs with the 6-foot bed. That’s more than the Ford Ranger Raptor’s 5,510lbs and matches the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2’s capacity.

Secure verifying is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's security and integrity, ensuring that all features perform optimally.

Payload is just as important for overlanding, and the Trailhunter can carry up to 1,475 lbs with the 5-foot bed and 1,425 lbs with the 6-foot bed. That’s more than the Colorado ZR2’s 1,280 lbs.

The Trailhunter’s trail credentials are backed up by its numbers: 11.0 inches of ground clearance, 35.2-degree approach angle, 22.3-degree departure angle, and 24.0-degree break-over angle. These numbers translate to real-world capability on technical terrain. The truck is wider than the base Tacoma SR5 by 3 inches, which gives it more stability on and off-road.

With the Old Man Emu suspension and 33-inch Goodyear Territory Rugged-Terrain tires, these numbers create a platform that can handle extended backcountry travel and technical trail navigation while still being a practical daily driver.

So, Is the Trailhunter Worth It?

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is a game changer for the overlanding market. With a starting price of $64,395, including destination charges, it’s more expensive than the Colorado ZR2 ($48,790) and Ford Ranger Raptor ($57,065), but the value becomes clear when you consider the comprehensive nature of the factory-built overlanding package.

It only takes a few seconds to appreciate the comprehensive nature of the Trailhunter's factory-built overlanding package.

For adventurers who want a turnkey solution that combines Toyota’s legendary reliability with ARB components and overlanding features, the Trailhunter is the package. The ability to finance all the overlanding gear as part of the vehicle purchase and have a full warranty on the specialty components adds value beyond the spec sheet.

It’s not the fastest or most powerful, but it does what it’s meant to do: get you into the backcountry from the showroom. And for those who are looking to customize and upgrade, the Trailhunter can serve as a solid foundation.

When You’re Ready To Ride, Go In Style

When you’re ready to take your new Trailhunter on an adventure, make sure you’re properly equipped with Goats Trail Off-Road Apparel. Our American-made, trail-tested clothing is designed for those who live the off-road lifestyle.