The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
May 23, 2023

Toyota recently unveiled the fourth generation of their popular Tacoma model. With eight different trims offered— the Trailhunter stands out among the rest. 

In the past, the Tacoma served as a bit of a blank slate: a respectable and capable mid-sized pickup that offered the average consumer a reliable option for everyday trucky needs, and a canvas for the hardcore enthusiast to let their imaginations run wild. With the Trailhunter, Toyota has turned the easel around and presented us with their vision of that truck. 

And look at that! A nice, modern interior! Gone are the days of boring outdated Taco interiors. The designers at Toyota have been busy— not only have they given us heated and cooled front seats, a 14.0-inch touchscreen display with USB-C connections (I’m imagining dash cams or radar detectors) but also a newly designed two-tone dash with bronze stitching which adds a nice touch of sophistication. 

But let’s not forget the purpose of this truck, overlanding. Electronic sway bar disconnect and rear locking differential controls are easily accessible as well as a terrain switch and crawl control. I’d be remiss not to mention the JBL flex speaker that docks on the dashboard for easy integration into the vehicle’s sound system and can be removed and taken on the go. 

A partnership with Australia based ARB has allowed Toyota to give us what a younger version of myself would have never imagined coming straight from the factory. Aggressive looks, a wider stance, an aluminum skid plate, fog lights, 33-inch Goodyear territory tires on 18-inch wheels, a snorkel. All things one would’ve had to fork up cash for on the aftermarket are now accessible straight from the manufacturer wrapped up in one easy monthly payment to Toyota financial services instead of your girlfriend’s credit card. 

The badge and interior aren’t the only things that set this trim apart from the rest. A unique shock set up with a multi-link, coil sprung rear suspension, by Old Man Emu, a manufacturer based out of Australia who tests the prowess of their parts in the rugged outback. Powered by a newly developed i-Force Max hybrid powertrain good for 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, mated with an 8-speed automatic makes for a zippy off roader. For those who like to haul, a max towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. and payload of 1,709 lbs. Not bad for a mid-size truck. And too top it off, all Tacoma trims come standard with disc brakes all around (good riddance drums). 

Just a few years ago, a truck like this coming straight from the factory would be far-fetched. However yet again, Toyota has proven their prowess by providing an interesting, refreshing vehicle, in a market where some manufacturers seem nearly indistinguishable from one another. 

Toyota has yet to unveil details on pricing the Trailhunter, but we can expect to see them rolling out by early 2024. It’s always exciting when a manufacturer unveils a new generation of their lineup, and recently our boys in Plano, Texas (Toyota USA’s Headquarters) have been doing it especially well. I look forward to getting behind the wheel of one of these someday soon for a comprehensive overview.