Overlanders rejoice? That’s what Toyota is saying this morning, teasing an all-new Trailhunter version of the 2024 Tacoma pickup. It’s a new grade for a new truck, complete with parts from ARB. But what does the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter have in store?
While Toyota has never put the Trailhunter badge on a production truck before, this isn’t the first time it has been used. Just last fall, Toyota showed off a concept Tundra bearing the name at the SEMA show.
“Trailhunter trucks will come straight from the factory equipped to meet the needs of overlanding enthusiasts. These trucks will be developed in-house by our engineering teams and will be the most capable OEM overlanding solutions designed to meet Toyota’s legendary quality, durability, and reliability standards.”
That’s what Toyota marketing VP Lisa Materazzo said about the Trailhunter Tundra at SEMA last November. Toyota also said back then that the trucks would offer improved load-bearing performance and storage functionality — all things that are important for overlanders.
Toyota Trailhunter Includes Aftermarket Parts
Like that show-truck Tundra, the Trailhunter Tacoma looks loaded with aftermarket off-road performance parts. The photo shows only the rear of the 2024 Tacoma, but we can clearly see a beefy ARB 4×4 Accessories rear bumper. Along with one of the company’s bright red recovery hooks. The Australian company is an icon in 4WD parts and has produced accessories for Toyota off-roaders for decades.
Toyota teased the front of the new truck, too. In that photo, Toyota gives us a good look at the new Tacoma’s headlights. The light signature shows that Toyota isn’t making too much of a departure in the styling department but that it is keeping pace with the latest lighting; those look like adaptive projector LEDs in the new housing.
Keep looking at the front teaser photo and you’ll see some beefy fender flares along with the slightest hint of an off-road tire. Of course, neither of those is likely much of a surprise.
Trailhunter Concept Included High-Payload Suspension
Toyota’s first Trailhunter concept featured a trim-specific suspension tune. It also featured underbody skid plates for protection, a storage rack for the box, and even a refrigerator. Toyota might not include all of those on this Tacoma Trailhunter, but the suspension, protection, and racks seem like an easy decision for Toyota to put here.
ARB was just one of the companies Toyota featured on the Trailhunter Tundra concept. Others, including Yakima and Rigid Industries, were also featured. At the time, Toyota said the brands were going to be part of a new line of accessories.
Rigid Industries already supplies parts to the current Tacoma. Its fog lights have been offered on TRD models for years. So, it makes sense Yakima accessories could also be part of the Trailhunter equation.
Toyota’s Hybrid Max hybrid powertrain branding has already been confirmed for the new Tacoma. That extra battery power could be a boon for overlanders looking to spend a bit more time off of the grid without the need for a generator.
Toyota still hasn’t said when the 2024 Tacoma pickup will be revealed. The date has to be getting close, with the brand letting the teasers fly on social media and its regular channels. Toyota absolutely has us excited for what is expected to be Tacoma’s first complete redesign in more than a decade.