In 1985’s cinematic triumph “Back to the Future,” there’s a memorable moment where Marty McFly’s eyes light up in sheer admiration as the freshly polished black Toyota Tacoma waits for him and his adventures, in the McFly garage. That vehicle had jumped straight out of Marty’s wildest dreams. Recently, I had a similar experience when I saw an accessorized Toyota Tacoma TrailHunter.
Tough & customizable
Stepping into the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter, the whispers about this new addition to Toyota’s lineup have been all positive, focusing on its overlanding capability and rugged features. Having looked at it in detail, I can tell Toyota, in conjunction with Australian accessories firm ARB, has given this a lot of thought.
The first thing I noticed was the Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged monotube position-sensitive shocks, which seemed pretty sturdy with rear external piggyback reservoirs. The steel rear bumper and rear recovery points look rugged and ready for adventure. There’s an added option for a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels, and the availability of both 5- or 6-foot bed Double Cab configurations.
There’s a choice between light- or heavy-duty versions of a full ARB bed rack for gear like rooftop tents, canopies, or a camp shower. This, in my book, provides some nice customization for different needs, including hardcore overlanders.
33-inch tires & lift
The 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires and OME shocks give the Trailhunter an extra lift – two inches up front and one and a half inches back. It also sports a high-clearance trail exhaust tip and a Trailhunter Air Intake that is strategically placed on the passenger-side A-pillar to source cleaner air.
Rock rails and hot-stamped, high-strength steel skid plates promise underbody protection straight off the assembly line. Besides looking the part, this vehicle seems ready for serious off-the-road adventures.
Taking a peek at the bed, I noticed the lighting is well placed to avoid dark spots, and the integrated bedside scene lights will undoubtedly come in handy for night-time camp setups. Power is not a concern, with a big 2400W AC inverter providing power to two locations in the cabin and the rear deck where both 12V and USBs are available.
Unique styling
But it’s not all about the rugged features. The Trailhunter includes a bronze-colored “TOYOTA” heritage-inspired grille with a 20-inch LED light bar and white/yellow color-switching RIGID LED fog lamps. I feel that the unique touches add to the aesthetics, and also contribute to functionality with improved lighting.
The Tacoma Trailhunter has a narrow body which I feel should maintain the current Tacoma’s garageability. The wide upper grille, aggressive skid plates, high-mounted headlights, and functional side air intakes, add robustness, functionality, and hark back to the Hilux truck.
Portable Bluetooth speaker
Featuring an advanced subwoofer and the unique JBL FLEX portable speaker, Tacoma’s partnership with JBL offers a superior ten-speaker audio ensemble for audiophiles. My favorite part is the portable speaker, which is water-resistant, provides six hours of continuous playback, and fits snugly in the dashboard.
What’s more, the Trailhunter comes pre-wired for external accessories with three auxiliary toggle switches right next to the steering column. This promises ease for those looking to add more gadgets or gear to their vehicle.
2.4L Hybrid powertrain
In terms of power, this new model is characterized by the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, which is capable of generating a healthy 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It is undoubtedly the most powerful powertrain Tacoma has ever offered. Features such as the automatic limited-slip differential and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) provide both power and control.
Safety
With the 2024 Tacoma, Toyota is standardizing safety. Every variant is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a comprehensive set of safety technologies. A comprehensive suite of next-generation sensors, including Lane Departure Alerts, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Proactive Driving Assist, reinforces Toyota’s commitment to safety.
TopElectricSUV says
In summary, while it’s packed to the brim with a variety of features, the real test for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter will be out in the wilderness, and in the hands of serious overlanders. I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up to demands on the trail, but for now, on paper and in view, it’s certainly checking most of the right boxes.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
