TOYOTA TACOMA TRD PRO VS. TRAILHUNTER: TOUGHEST TACOMAS COMPARED

When it comes to rugged, off-road-focused trucks, few automakers can match the legendary Tacoma lineup from Toyota. The Japanese marque's extensive Tacoma range means there is a trim for just about every possible need. In 2024, the automaker has doubled down with two off-road heavyweights - the freshly revised Tacoma TRD Pro and the brand-new Tacoma Trailhunter.

These automotive marvels are the most capable and expensive Tacomas available, purpose built for two different types of off-road enthusiasts. While both share key features, like the i-Force Max turbo-hybrid engine and advanced suspension systems, they are designed for distinct purposes: the TRD Pro is a desert runner built for high-speed off-road action, while the Trailhunter was conceived for long-haul overland adventures. Let’s dive into how these mid-size trucks compare across key areas.

Design: Two Rugged Pickups With Attitude

Both the 2024 Toyota TRD Pro and Trailhunter boast unique rugged designs, but each Tacoma is styled to reflect their different personalities. The TRD Pro comes with 18-inch black alloy wheels, beefy 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires, a blacked-out grille with Rigid Industries LED fog lights, an ARB rear metal bumper, and lots of TRD Pro branding - just in case people forget what you're driving. Other standout design features include a hood scoop, a widened stance, and a TRD black performance dual exhaust system, giving the TRD Pro its menacing overall appearance. The high-clearance front bumper and TRD Pro skid plate not only make the Taco look mean, but they improve the truck’s approach angles, ensuring that you can tackle steep dunes or rocky trails without sacrificing your undercarriage.

In contrast, the Tacoma Trailhunter is outfitted with more utilitarian, adventure-focused design elements, geared towards buyers who want all the overlanding gadgets straight from the factory. Its stunning Bronze Oxide 18-inch wheels come wrapped in the same beefy Goodyear Territory R/T tires, ready to tackle long journeys over arduous terrain. Its load bed comes pre-fitted with an ARB modular utility bar with removable MOLLE panels for attaching new gear as the owner sees fit, and a roof rack is standard for hauling additional cargo or a rooftop tent. The Trailhunter’s high-mount air intake and Rigid Industries dual-color LED fog lights complete the package on the overland ready Tacoma.

Off-Road Features: Each Geared Toward Specific Needs

The TRD Pro and the Trailhunter represent the pinnacle of Toyota’s off-road engineering, each purpose built to master their different intended environments.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Off-Road Features

The Tacoma TRD Pro is outfitted with TRD tuned FOX QS3 internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs at the rear that allow for manual adjustment to the compression stiffness. The suspension package gives the TRD Pro a 2-inch lift overall. This combines with the trucks' reinforced rocker protection to instill the driver with confidence as they tackle high speed runs and jumps across any terrain.

The TRD Pro also features Toyota’s legendary Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control, a locking rear differential, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect to enhance articulation and improve traction on slower, more technical terrains. Whilst the TRD Pro is designed with speed and performance in mind, it is certainly capable in any off-road environment.

Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter: Off-Road Features

In comparison, the Trailhunter is designed with overland enthusiasts in mind, equipped with a specialized Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged monotube suspension system, which offers improved load-carrying capabilities for long journeys. The Trailhunter’s suspension is optimized for absorbing impacts over long distances, making it perfect for adventurers gearing up for the long haul across forests, mountains, or rocky trails.

The Trailhunter shares the same Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, rear diff, and front stabilizer bar disconnect, but with even greater articulation thanks to its suspension system. The Trailhunter gets unique high strength underbody protection, frame-mounted rock rails, and a high clearance exhaust tip, make the Trailhunter the go-to option for tackling tougher, more technical terrain where speed is less of a concern than durability and stability.

Towing, Payload, And Clearance Angles

Towing and payload capacities vary slightly between the TRD Pro and Trailhunter. The TRD Pro is capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds, which is more than sufficient for hauling off-road toys like ATVs or dirt bikes. With a payload capacity of 1,680 pounds, it's more than capable of handling off-road gear and moderate loads without compromising performance. Its approach, departure and breakover angles of 35.7, 25.3 and 27.4 degrees, respectively, are the best in the lineup.

The Trailhunter can also tow up to 6,000 pounds, but its payload capacity is slightly lower at 1,475 pounds; the Trailhunter is the heavier truck by 260 lbs, though. Its 35.2-degree approach, 22.3-degree departure, and 24-degree breakover angles, also come in just shy of the TRD Pro’s.

Powertrains And Performance: New Hybrid Impresses

Both trucks share the same powertrain: the powerful i-Force Max 2.4L turbocharged hybrid inline-four, which produces an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque in the TRD Pro. The Trailhunter makes the same torque but fractionally less power, at 323 hp. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this hybrid engine delivers exceptional power and efficiency. However, the Trailhunter is tuned with low-end torque in mind, which helps manage difficult trail conditions at low speeds like when rock-crawling. This extra torque at lower RPMs is crucial for climbing steep grades while maintaining more control of the truck.

The TRD Pro, on the other hand, is tuned for faster throttle response, delivering its power in a more linear fashion that suits high-speed driving. Whether you’re tearing through dunes or navigating fast desert trails, the TRD Pro’s powertrain provides the quick burst of speed and agility required for a more race-like driving experience.

Interior: Shouty TRD Pro Meets More Mature Trailhunter

Inside, both trucks offer exceptional build quality and comfort, but with a distinct focus. The 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro opts for a more sporty feel with SofTex-trimmed seats, featuring contrast stitching and camo-pattern inserts. It also includes heated and ventilated seats with power adjustments and a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel with a red center stripe. The TRD Pro introduces Toyota’s new Isodynamic Performance Seats, which are engineered to reduce body movement during high-speed off-road driving. These seats feature built-in shock absorbers to provide extra stability for the driver and front passenger, making them particularly useful for long days blasting across the Baja.

The Trailhunter cabin focuses more on practicality and durability. It features heavy-duty all-weather floor mats, an ARB accessory switch panel for connecting external gear, and a bed-mounted air compressor for overlanding convenience. While it still offers luxuries like heated and ventilated seats and a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, its interior is more utilitarian and restrained, with more storage options for long adventures. Additionally, its 60/40 split rear seats provide more room for gear storage.

Both trucks come equipped with advanced infotainment systems, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a JBL audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. However, the Trailhunter goes a step further with MOLLE storage panels integrated into the seatbacks for securing additional gear, perfect for overlanders who need every bit of space for their equipment.

Pricing: As Close As It Gets

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is priced more expensively of the two, starting at a whopping $63,900, reflecting its high-performance desert-running capabilities and advanced features like the Isodynamic Performance Seats. The Tacoma Trailhunter, starting at $62,900, is marginally more affordable while offering a more utility-focused package tailored for overlanding, with features like a factory-installed roof rack, ARB equipment, and onboard air compressor. However, both are far from cheap, but that's reflected in their capabilities.

Summary: Which Truck Should You Choose?

Choosing between the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Tacoma Trailhunter comes down to the type of off-road adventures you prefer. The TRD Pro is designed for those who crave speed and performance in challenging environments. Its advanced Fox suspension system and sporty tune make it ideal for desert racing and high-speed off-roading, and its Isodynamic seats ensure comfort even when tackling the roughest trails.

On the other hand, the Trailhunter is for serious overlanders who need a truck capable of carrying heavy gear and tackling tough, technical terrain over long distances but at slower speeds. With its enhanced Old Man Emu suspension system, added storage options, and factory-installed overlanding gear, the Trailhunter is the better option for extended adventures in remote locations.

Ultimately, both trucks offer exceptional capabilities, but their unique strengths mean that one will suit your off-road lifestyle better than the other.

Sources: Toyota

2024-09-16T09:37:13Z dg43tfdfdgfd