Let's be honest – most of us dream about having that perfect overlanding rig, but who has the time (or expertise) to build one from scratch? That's why the segment that has been dominated by Ford's Ranger Raptor and Chevy's Colorado ZR2 has been so exciting. Yeah I know Toyota has had the Tacoma TRD Pro for many years as well but while I don't debate it's capability - it just lacked the sex appeal of those other two machines. That's Changed with the introduction of the new Tacoma Trailhunter. Toyota gets it, and they've just dropped exactly what we've been waiting for. This isn't just another trim package with some fancy badges; it's a purpose-built overlanding machine that comes ready to hit the trails straight from the dealership.
To be fair, my assessment of the TRD Pro is based on experience with it in previous generations - Toyota has worked hard to change it's look and feel and with this new generation of Tacoma's they've done a good job of properly segmenting the market to make both off-road trims very attractive - but for very different scenarios. Let's take a look ...
Trailhunter vs TRD Pro: Choosing Your Weapon
For 2025, Toyota offers two distinct flavors of ultimate Tacoma: the desert-running TRD Pro and the overlanding-focused Trailhunter. While both trucks share the potent i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, they're built for different kinds of adventure.
The TRD Pro is the family's high-speed desert runner. It comes with FOX internal bypass QS3 shocks that you can adjust on the fly with three different settings right from the shock body - perfect for switching between normal driving and high-speed desert runs. The new IsoDynamic Performance Seats (a segment first) help keep your vision steady when bombing through rough terrain, a game-changer for maintaining control at high speed.
Meanwhile, the Trailhunter is built for those extended backcountry expeditions where you might be off-grid for days or weeks. Its Old Man Emu suspension is specifically tuned for maintaining control while carrying heavy loads of camping gear, and features like the integrated air compressor and extensive lighting setup are aimed at making life easier at camp.
Here's how they stack up:
| Feature | TRD Pro | Trailhunter |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | High-speed desert running | Extended overlanding trips |
| Suspension | FOX QS3 adjustable internal bypass shocks | Old Man Emu 2.5" forged monotube shocks |
| Special Seats | IsoDynamic Performance Seats | Standard seats |
| Lighting | Integrated LED light bar + RIGID fog lights | 20" LED light bar + white/yellow switching RIGID fog lights + bed scene lighting |
| Recovery Points | Red front recovery hooks | ARB steel rear bumper with recovery points |
| Power Options | Standard power outlets | 2400W AC inverter + built-in air compressor |
| Unique Features | TRD cat-back exhaust, red upper control arms | Bed utility bar, MOLLE panels |
| Width | 3 inches wider than SR5 | Standard width |
| Target User | Weekend warrior seeking high-speed thrills | Extended adventure traveler |
Choose the TRD Pro if you're more about high-speed weekend adventures and want the most dynamic off-road performance. Go for the Trailhunter if you're planning multi-day expeditions and want a truck that's ready to be your mobile base camp.
With that out of the way, let's get back to our review of the 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter ...
The Power to Get You There (And Back)
The Trailhunter comes standard with Toyota's new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, and before you roll your eyes at the word "hybrid," check these numbers: 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque. That's nearly double the torque of the previous generation's V6. This isn't your Prius-driving neighbor's hybrid – it's a torque monster designed to crawl over rocks and power through sand with authority.
Built for the Long Haul
Toyota partnered with ARB, the Australian off-road legends, to co-develop this rig. The Trailhunter sits two inches higher up front and 1.5 inches higher in the rear, riding on meaty 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires. But the real magic is in the details:
- Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with remote reservoirs
- High-strength steel skid plates for serious underbody protection
- Rock rails to protect your investment when things get gnarly
- Integrated high-output air compressor in the bed (goodbye, portable compressor!)
- Steel rear bumper with robust recovery points
Overlanding-Ready Features That Matter
The Trailhunter isn't just about the rough stuff – it's built for extended adventures. You get a 2400W AC inverter with outlets in the cabin and bed, perfect for powering your camp setup or emergency gear. The bed features triangulated lighting to eliminate dark spots, and integrated side scene lights make setting up camp in the dark a breeze.
Need to mount your rooftop tent or cargo setup? The Trailhunter comes with a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels, and you can opt for either light- or heavy-duty ARB bed racks. The 20-inch LED light bar integrated into the heritage-style grille isn't just for show – it's complemented by RIGID LED fog lamps that can switch between white and yellow light for different conditions.
Tech That Makes Sense
Inside, you're not roughing it. The available 14-inch touchscreen keeps you connected while the Multi-Terrain Monitor helps you spot obstacles before they become problems. The pre-wired auxiliary switches on the dash mean you won't have to tear apart your interior to add accessories later.
On the other hand, as you start to look deeper, Trailhunter is about having fun and looking good doing it. This truck has the technical merits to take you down pretty much any trail you want, but at the same time, I feel like it was designed equally for the "bro" who just wants to have the coolest-looking truck in the parking lot at work or to impress the other guys at the hunting camp. Features like the wireless speaker that charges up by sitting in the dash are a great gimmick that makes this truck that much more fun.
Is The Tacoma Trailhunter Worth It?
Honestly the answer to whether or not the Trailhunter is worth it comes down to your budget. This is a great looking truck with a lot of features that I love. However for the price ... yeah ... I'm having troubles making the justification myself. I said a similar thing about the new Landcruiser as well. Toyota is building out some premium vehicles but when you can get a Tundra TRD Pro for not much more expensive but offering way more space (especially in the virtually unusable back seat), it's hard to justify the expense here.
With that being said, Trailhunter is a unique piece in the portfolio and you'd spend thousands and thousands of dollars plus countless hours putting together your own truck with aftermarket parts.
Through Toyota's new Associated Accessory Products program, you can customize your Trailhunter further with over 100 accessories, all available through your dealer and able to be rolled into your financing. Want to add more storage solutions or recovery gear? No need to hunt through forums trying to figure out what fits.
Priced at nearly $70,000 (and significantly more with options - including the Moab Package that adds a whopping $12,479 by itself!), the 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter is what happens when Toyota decides to build the overlanding rig we all wish we had the time and expertise to build ourselves. It's more than just capable – it's thoughtfully engineered for real adventure use. Think of this like the Colorado ZR2 Bison except frankly this one feels more sporty and fun.
For guys who want to spend more time exploring and less time building, the Trailhunter hits the sweet spot. It's got the hardware to handle serious off-road use, the comfort features to make long trips enjoyable, and the flexibility to grow with your adventure needs. Toyota has effectively removed the barrier between dreaming about overlanding adventures and actually having them.
