Sunday Drive: Adventure off the beaten path in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
The all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter has arrived, and we were given the opportunity to enjoy this remarkable new mid-size truck that was built with off-road enthusiasts in mind.
After a week of daily driving in the Tacoma and some off-the-beaten-path testing, it became perfectly clear Toyota has taken the adventurous spirit to heart with a bold, high-clearance design, advanced off-road features and the kind of durability that made the Tacoma fit right into Utah’s rocky backcountry. For anyone wanting a truck capable of more than just pavement duty, we can attest that the Trailhunter will deliver.
A fresh new look for the great outdoors
Toyota had redesigned the Tacoma for 2024, and the Trailhunter trim stood out with its unique exterior and purposeful upgrades. It maintained a muscular look, enhanced by a steel rear bumper, bold LED lighting and a high-clearance front end perfect for tackling rocky terrain.
The truck sits higher from the factory, thus giving it an impressive stance that was equal parts intimidating and functional. Toyota has equipped the Trailhunter with 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires and rock sliders along the sides, thus allowing it to confidently take on pretty much any off-road environment without even a second thought.
We loved the new look ever since our first outing in the new Trailhunter at the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press 4XFall event in Colorado when we got some quality time off-road in the new Tacoma. It took on the mountains around Golden with ease as we took it though its paces on a beautiful fall day.
Practical, high-tech interior
The interior of the Trailhunter strikes a balance between rugged durability and modern comfort. While it was designed for adventure, Toyota did not sacrifice technology or comfort.
We found the seats comfortable for long trips, and the SofTex-trimmed upholstery was durable enough to handle both muddy gear and a bit of rough treatment. Toyota included a huge 14-inch touch screen display as part of the Trailhunter. We found this to be a major perk when navigating and venturing off the grid, using it to see upcoming obstacles at low speeds.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, allowing us to connect seamlessly to our devices. The Trailhunter even had USB-C outlets and a wireless charging pad, making it a practical pick for the modern-day explorers.
Of course, Toyota has thought of everything: A JBL sound system came standard, so we could keep our favorite road-trip playlist going, even miles from civilization.
New engine and performance: The power to tackle it all
The most exciting update for the 2024 Tacoma lineup is the availability of the i-FORCE Max hybrid powertrain. The Trailhunter we tested came with this hybrid system that combined a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.
The hybrid powertrain didn’t just boost power but also improved fuel efficiency — something that can be important out in the backcountry.
On the highway, the Trailhunter drove smoothly, with ample acceleration and a quiet cabin. Off-road, it proved to be a different beast entirely. The low-end torque from the electric motor combined with Toyota’s unique Crawl Control system made it feel unstoppable on rough terrain.
The system worked like an off-road cruise control, allowing us to focus more on steering while the truck managed acceleration and braking on steep or rocky surfaces. It was a feature that really took the stress out of challenging trails, especially in unpredictable conditions.
Suspension and off-road capability
Toyota clearly built the Trailhunter to handle more than just dirt roads. Equipped with Old Man Emu (OME) suspension, the setup was tuned specifically for rugged environments, with heavy-duty shocks and higher ground clearance than other Tacoma models.
The suspension easily absorbed the bumps and jolts that came on our off-road journeys, and the underbody protection helped to shield the Trailhunter’s critical components from damage.
The truck also came with a standard locking rear differential, a must-have for serious off-road enthusiasts who want to take on steep slopes and uneven ground. We tested it on a trail with loose, rocky surfaces and the traction was impressive — the Trailhunter powered through obstacles without slipping, thanks to its enhanced 4×4 capabilities and tire grip.
A closer look at the bed and storage
Another great feature included on the Trailhunter was its cargo-focused design, making it ideal for camping trips, hauling equipment or loading up on outdoor gear. The truck bed featured a reinforced tailgate, and Toyota has installed a 2,400-watt AC inverter, which is more than enough to power various electronic equipment on a remote campsite.
LED lighting in the bed area ensured visibility at all times of day and night, a great touch when loading or unloading in low light. Another great option was the included air compressor in the bed that would allow reinflation of the tires after a day out on the rocks!
Practicality meets adventure
The Trailhunter proved to us that it was not only an off-roader but a practical truck for everyday use. It is capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds, making it ideal for towing a small camper or boat. The Tacoma was manageable on city streets. The steering felt solid and responsive, and while its higher stance meant a slightly less maneuverable drive in tight spaces, it was far from cumbersome.
Safety and driver assistance: Confidence for any condition
Toyota had equipped the Trailhunter with an impressive array of safety features, which is always welcome in a vehicle that will likely face unpredictable conditions. The Tacoma Trailhunter came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic emergency braking.
We found that the adaptive cruise control was particularly helpful on longer stretches of highway, while the lane departure alert provided extra assurance when driving narrow mountain roads. The 360-degree camera system was especially helpful in off-road situations where visibility was limited.
At the end of the week: The ultimate adventure companion
After spending some real quality time with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter, it was clear to us this truck was designed with the outdoors in mind. Toyota has combined reliable performance, fuel-efficient hybrid technology and advanced off-road capabilities into a package that’s not only practical but genuinely fun to drive.
For those who love to explore but need a vehicle that can handle the rigors of off-road travel, the Trailhunter is a standout choice. It’s a truck that invites adventure, and for those ready to go off the beaten path, the Trailhunter feels like a natural fit. Toyota has made a strong entry into the adventure truck market with this model, and we look forward to seeing where the Trailhunter will take us next.
Base price: $62,900
Destination charge: $1,495
Price as driven: $64,944
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- Our son JaCoby Conover and grandson Madden as they and Craig ventured out to a model rocket launch in the West Dessert on the Saturday of our weeklong test drive in the new Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter.
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- Deanne with the new Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter up Hobble Creek Canyon on one of our adventures in the new truck.
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- Inside the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter.
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- Our grandson Madden Conover had more fun playing in the bed of the new Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter at the UROC launch than watching the rockets to up!
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- Inside the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter.
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- The new Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter looked right at home in Utah’s West Dessert at the UROC rocket launch on the Saturday of our test drive.
