Why the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter Is the Better Choice over the TRD Pro

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The new truck lives up to the hype surrounding it. However, it's the brand-new Trailhunter model that's piqued the interest of enthusiasts. We took one out on a test drive, navigating both rough off-road terrain and the winding back roads of West Virginia to see how it compares to the competition.

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The Lowdown

The Trailhunter is marketed as a more off-road-capable alternative to the similarly priced TRD Pro trim package. It comes with a unique suspension setup, otherwise the same engine, transmission, off-road equipment, and mostly the same body parts as the TRD Pro.

• 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
• $65,500 (est)
• Old Fields, West Virginia

More Specs

Turbocharged 2.4 inline-four hybrid

323 hp

Over 670 Nm @ 1180 rpm

Eight-speed automatic, part-time four-wheel drive

5410 pounds

22/24/23 MPG (hwy/city/comb)

How Does It Drive?

from the previous versions. Everything has been upgraded, from interior quality to transmission, yet Toyota has still held onto the truck's go-anywhere attitude. It's a gas-guzzling workhorse that balances practicality with the ability to tackle off-road terrain. The Trailhunter simply enhances that legacy.

The Ford Ranger Raptor and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison were tested side by side in an extreme off-road test, navigating dune-jumping terrain. Although the Trailhunter is just as capable, comfortable, and stylish as its rugged counterpart, it targets a different buyer. The TRD Pro is centered on Baja-style off-roading, whereas the Trailhunter is geared towards the camper who frequently ventures into the wilderness, pairing its aggressive looks with a more forgiving suspension system. For everyday driving or off-roading on forest trails, the Trailhunter is the better choice.

A lot of that is thanks to the impressive suspension system of this truck. The Trailhunter comes with 2.5-inch Old Man Emu shocks in the front and back, compared to the TRD's Fox internal-bypass hardware. And the difference is noticeable. While both are capable in tough terrain, the Old Man Emu setup is much more comfortable, smoothing out deep ruts and rough pavement. In the TRD Pro and base Land Cruiser I was also testing, I found myself bouncing back and forth and hitting the door on the driver's side a lot while driving on rough trails. This didn't happen as much in the Trailhunter.

What's like living with me?

I've spent time behind the wheel of three different versions of the new Tacoma in three distinct settings. I drove the TRD Sport in New York City, took the TRD Pro on a road trip and off-roading adventure in Michigan's sand, and tackled tree-lined dirt trails and paved back roads in West Virginia with the Trailhunter. All three trucks performed well in their respective environments, but there are some key things to consider.

In the TRD Pro, but if you're planning on frequently carrying several passengers in your truck, the Taco may not be your best bet.

The size of the vehicle is a notable aspect to consider. Neither the Trailhunter nor the TRD Pro models are wider than their main competitors, yet from the driver's seat, they feel significantly larger. This could be attributed to the upward-bulging hood, which can be deceiving, especially when navigating tight trails and narrow country roads it takes some getting accustomed to. Despite this, the Tacoma feels somewhat unwieldy when behind the wheel, although it's actually smaller compared to other pickup trucks. However, when faced with tighter spaces or corners, the vehicle surprisingly maneuvers with ease.

Instead, from the front seat, the Trailhunter retains the new Tacoma's impressive level of interior comfort and quality. The materials feel nice to the touch, don't seem too plastic-y, and provide a distinctly different atmosphere than the TRD Pro's rugged vibe. The "Mineral SofTex" (light-blue leather-like seat upholstery) and the dashboard materials, resembling slate composite, look and feel very nice.

Should I Buy One?

It's in a completely different category from this thing.

We've seen the performance capability of the TRD Pro. These trucks offer a punchy performance, but they're not designed to be sporty. That being said, Toyota has left room for an even more extreme version in the future, and that would be exciting.

Highlights and Lowlights

We Love:

• Outstanding off-road performance and premium comfort.
• It has an aesthetically pleasing appearance, both on the inside and the outside.
• Enhanced engine and transmission combination compared to the previous-generation truck.

We Don't:

• High MSRP.
• Torque maxes out at fast acceleration and then slows down.
• Lacks rear-seat legroom.

Favorite Detail:

The snorkel, of course. Some people can't stand it, but I'm a fan. It sends boosted sound almost straight into the cabin, and that's what puts a smile on my face. Would I get tired of it? Possibly. But to be honest, I couldn't say how long that might take.

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