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The Toyota Tacoma has always been a standout in the midsize pickup truck category, but the 2024 model, especially the Trailhunter trim, is a significant leap forward in terms of style, off-road capability, and overall driving experience. With a major overhaul of the Tacoma lineup, the Trailhunter is a top-tier version that speaks directly to overlanding enthusiasts who crave rugged, all-terrain performance with a few creature comforts along the way. This is not your average pickup. It’s a truck designed for those who want to push the limits and explore off the beaten path.
The Tacoma Trailhunter is now competing in a more crowded segment than ever before. It has its traditional rivals like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, which have recently updated their offerings to appeal to off-road lovers. However, the Tacoma stands out by offering an impressive array of overlanding-ready features straight from the factory. Its closest competitors, like the Ford Ranger Tremor and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, offer similar off-road capabilities but don’t quite match the overall toughness and refined features that Toyota has packed into the Tacoma Trailhunter. This is a truck that’s ready for anything, but more importantly, it’s been built for those who truly want to take their adventures off-road.
Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter an overlanding machine and look at some of its coolest features.
What’s New for 2024: The Tacoma Reinvented
For 2024, Toyota has completely reworked the Tacoma lineup, with the Trailhunter trim sitting at the top. This new generation of the Tacoma offers a more muscular and refined design compared to the more timid redesign back in 2015. But the real game-changer lies in the technical upgrades, and the Trailhunter is where these come together most notably. The new design language emphasizes toughness with sharper, more defined lines and an aggressive stance. The bold grille and updated bodywork not only look intimidating but also provide better aerodynamics.
What really sets the Trailhunter apart from other trims is the sheer attention to detail in its overlanding-oriented features. You’re getting more than just a truck with off-road capabilities; you're getting a truck built to handle the kind of grueling terrain that most people would think twice about attempting. The addition of features like the Old Man Emu(R) Forged Monotube Shocks, ARB(R) Sport Bar, and the Rigid Industries(R) LED fog lights shows Toyota's commitment to providing a truly adventure-ready vehicle.
Toyota has also made sure that the interior matches the rugged exterior. While the basic trims of the Tacoma focus on durability, the Trailhunter elevates the driving experience with premium technology and comfort without losing that trail-ready toughness. This isn’t just a truck to get you from point A to point B, it’s a truck that turns every off-road journey into a complete experience.
Exterior: Tough Looks with Practical Features
The first thing you’ll notice about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is its bold and rugged exterior. The aggressive front end is dominated by the iconic Bronze Toyota Heritage Grille, which integrates an LED Light Bar for those who like to keep going even after the sun sets. It’s not just about looks either: the grille and light bar are practical, offering visibility when navigating tough terrain at night or in low-light conditions. The Trailhunter’s unique bronze accents, including the 18-inch bronze-finished wheels, set it apart from the rest of the Tacoma lineup and give it a refined, adventurous vibe.
But Toyota didn’t just stop at looks. The Tacoma Trailhunter is equipped with a steel front skid plate that offers underbody protection when navigating rocky trails or clearing obstacles. If you’re worried about the trail scratching up your truck, don’t. The frame-mounted rock rails provide extra durability and a place to step when getting in and out of the truck, especially useful when you’re off-road and need something solid to hold onto.
Another feature that stands out is the high-clearance trail exhaust. Designed to protect vital components from damage on uneven terrain, this exhaust system gives the truck an even more menacing look while ensuring that you’re not dragging your rear end over rocks. Toyota has thought of everything, with the Trailhunter trim offering a truck that looks the part and delivers the goods.
The bed of the 2024 Tacoma Trailhunter is designed with practicality and durability in mind, catering to overlanding enthusiasts. It features a rugged composite bed that resists scratches and dents, integrated utility tracks for securing cargo, and a standard 120V outlet to power your gear during adventures. The Trailhunter also boasts a bed-mounted ARB Sport Bar, adding both functionality and a bold look, while maximizing storage versatility. It's a purposeful design, ensuring the truck handles both weekend getaways and extended off-grid trips with ease.
Interior: Comfort Meets Utility
When you step inside the 2024 Tacoma Trailhunter, you’re welcomed by a completely redesigned cabin that’s both functional and stylish. Gone are the days of utilitarian interiors that felt like you were sitting in a bare-bones work truck. The Trailhunter’s interior combines rugged materials with modern touches to create a space that’s built for adventure without sacrificing comfort. The dashboard features square corners, enhancing the truck’s tough, no-nonsense character, while the central console boasts a massive handle designed for passengers to grip when the terrain gets rough.
Toyota hasn’t skimped on practicality either. The rear seats can be lifted to reveal additional storage space, and the seats themselves can be optioned with integrated shock absorbers to reduce impact when driving over rocky terrain. It’s clear that Toyota has designed this interior with the demands of overlanding in mind, balancing comfort with the durability required for long off-road expeditions.
Even during long drives on highways or dirt roads, the cabin remains comfortable, and the seats provide ample support for your back.
Engine and Transmission: Power to Conquer
Under the hood, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is powered by the i-Force Max engine, which features a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 48-horsepower electric motor. This powertrain generates an impressive 326 horsepower and a torque-heavy 465 lb-ft: an astonishing 75% increase over the previous V6 engine. The Tacoma Trailhunter has the strength to tackle steep inclines, deep ruts, and rocky trails with ease, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly to deliver that raw power exactly when you need it.
However, it's important to note a slight quirk that some may find a bit off-putting at first: during acceleration, the turbo produces a loud noise that sounds like air being sucked in. It’s a noticeable sound, especially when you first hit the accelerator, but it does diminish as you settle into the ride. While it might be jarring at first, it becomes less of an issue as the engine gets into its rhythm. Interestingly, people in forums like it. It's like Toyota's Turbo siphoning the air and sucking it all up.
Listen to the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter's Turbo sound in this video from the Youtube page of Torque News.
Toyota has also designed this engine with efficiency in mind, and the i-Force Max’s hybrid setup means that you can expect better fuel economy than you might from similar trucks. The combination of a robust engine and a smooth transmission ensures that the Tacoma Trailhunter delivers power in spades, whether you're on the highway or crawling over rocks.
Driving Impressions: Off-Road Ready with On-Road Comfort
Driving the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter for seven days on the roads of North Carolina, South Carolina, and the highways in between, I quickly realized that this truck is an off-road powerhouse without compromising on-road comfort. The handling has been completely transformed from the old model, thanks to the switch from rear leaf springs to coil spring suspension. On the highway, the Tacoma feels stable and controlled, even at higher speeds. The ride quality has improved dramatically, offering a level of comfort that is rare in the world of pickup trucks.
When you take the Trailhunter off-road, though, that’s when it really shines. Whether crawling over boulders or navigating steep, winding trails, the suspension, coupled with the Goodyear Territory R/T tires, handles it all effortlessly. This is a truck that has been purpose-built for off-roading, and it shows. The high-clearance, terrain-management system, and rear-locking differential ensure that you’ll be able to tackle anything nature throws at you. And with the addition of features like the ARB Sport Bar and the steel skid plate, you can rest assured that your Tacoma is well-equipped for even the most extreme conditions.
The Final Word: A Midsize Pickup with Big Adventure Potential
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is a truck that blends off-road capability with everyday practicality. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend overlanding trip or just looking for a truck that can handle your daily commute with style, this Tacoma has you covered. Toyota has done an excellent job of making sure the Trailhunter trim not only meets the needs of overlanders but also delivers an all-around driving experience that’s tough, comfortable, and capable.
That said, the price point can be a bit intimidating, especially with the Trailhunter trim creeping toward the $100,000 mark with taxes and options. However, if you’re looking for a midsize pickup that can go the distance both on and off the road, the 2024 Tacoma Trailhunter is well worth the investment.
If you're curious how the Tacoma performs under the stars, the TRD Off-Road model provides a glimpse of its versatility in this 1st Night Video review. It’s worth exploring how the Trailhunter might compare, especially with its overlanding-specific features.
Have you driven the 2024 Toyota Tacoma? Do you think this new Trailhunter trim has what it takes to be your ultimate off-road companion? I’d love to hear about your experiences and thoughts. Drop a comment and let’s talk about what makes the Tacoma stand out in today’s crowded midsize truck market.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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