2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter and Beyond: A Break Down of the Off-Road Trims and Features

The new N400 Tacoma entered production earlier this month at two Mexican plants: TMMGT in Apaseo el Grande and TMMBC in Tijuana. An update for the Tacoma has been a long time coming, as the last time Toyota refreshed it was for the model year 2015.

So, what's new for the 2024 model? It now shares a variant of the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform found on the recently redesigned Toyota Tundra. Regarding its construction, the N400 comes with sturdier crossmembers, a rear high-lift jack point, and five rear suspension designs. Other changes include updated power trains, more modern features, and more trim levels.

We also get a diverse line-up for the Tacoma, with two cab and bed configurations: XtraCab and Double Cab. The Access Cab was discounted for 2024 due to poor demand.

Specs and Components

For the moment, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is available in six trim levels: SR (starting at $31,500 without the destination fee), SR5 ($36,200), TRD PreRunner ($38,100), TRD Sport ($39,400), TRD-Off-Road ($41,800), and Limited ($52,100). The hybrid-only TRD Pro and the all-new Trailhunter will enter production in April next year. These two trims, along with the Limited version, are the best you'll get for off-roading. Later in this article, I'll break each trim down and explain why they're the most suitable for going off the beaten path.

Before I go into detail with some of the models, let's discuss powertrains. First, you will get an eight-speed unit instead of the previous six-speed automatic. For the engine, regardless of grade and optional extras, the Tacoma sports a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, introduced last year on the Lexus NX 350.

The purists among you will be happy to know that you can opt for a manual transmission on the Tacoma. This is quite a rare decision among mid-size pickup manufacturers, as the only other pickup with a manual is the Jeep Gladiator.

The Tacoma's stick-shift system is called iMT2, which stands for Intelligent Manual Transmission. Some customers described the previous manual transmission as being unforgiving to learners. Toyota listened, and, as a result, the Tacoma is running the second iteration of the iMT2. It's available on the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road, as long as you opt for the Double Cab, 5-foot bed, and four-wheel drive.

The six-speed manual transmission comes with a few neat tricks. First off, you get an anti-stall system carried over from previous Toyotas. Imagine this: you're on a technical trail, and you let the revs get too low. The truck will attempt to prevent a stall by boosting your revs. This feature is very useful not only for off-roading but also for those learning to drive a manual.

The new feature you'll find on the 2024 Tacoma manual transmission is automatic rev-matching. Although we all aim for that perfect shift, it's hard to nail it every single time. Well, the Tacoma will rev-match for you.

Another carryover feature in the new Tacoma, one that will also improve your off-roading experience, is Clutch Start Cancel. As you probably already know, you need to push the clutch pedal in most manual cars to start the engine. The 2024 Tacoma lets you start it without pushing the clutch pedal. This not only makes the experience more convenient, but it might also help you get out of a sticky situation while off-roading. For instance, let's say your engine died on a hill. With this feature, the starter motor will move the truck forward as it starts the engine, so there's no rolling back as you try to work the clutch. As I said, this isn't a new feature, but it's surely nice to have.

There are four specs available for this engine. You'll find the least potent variant on the SR, outputting 228 hp and 243 lb-ft. (330 Nm). On the other hand, the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road equipped with the six-speed manual will provide 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet (420 Nm).

If that's not enough, the SR5 and other superior trims with the automatic offer 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet (430 Nm). Then there are the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims, which come with the i-FORCE MAX engine, getting 326 horsepower and 465 pounds (630 Nm) of torque. It's a hybrid engine fitted with a 48-hp electric motor powered by a 1.87-kWh battery located underneath the rear passenger seat. The i-FORCE MAX is the most powerful powertrain ever offered on the Tacoma.

One of the most critical components that will enable superior off-roading is the suspension. As you'd expect, the lesser trims of the Tacoma feature leaf springs. The best options regarding suspension are the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Limited. I'll talk about each later on in this article.

The i-FORCE Tacomas have up to 34.4-degree approach, 26.1-degree breakover, and 26.1-degree departure angles. In the TRD Off-Road, you get a running ground clearance of 11.5 inches (292 millimeters).

How about the Tacoma's fuel economy? Well, the hybrid setup is estimated to get 27 MPG (8.7 L/100km) on the combined test cycle, while the unassisted i-FORCE nets 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) in the SR and SR5 with the eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive.

Another critical factor in the off-road performance is the drivetrain. The RWD Tacomas come with an automatic limited-slip differential, while 4WD trims make do with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, as well as an automatic limited-slip differential and Active Traction Control. Moreover, the TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter are upgraded with an electronic locking rear differential.

The only model to boast full-time 4WD is the Limited trim, which also has a center locking diff on i-FORCE MAX models. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter are standardly equipped with remote sway bar disconnect, but you can also add it as an extra on the TRD Off-Road. This feature increased suspension articulation at the simple push of a button, 10% more compared to the N300. Moreover, even if you opt for a Toyota-approved lift kit, the electronic stabilizer bar disconnect will still be compatible.

When going overlanding, you'll want to carry as much as possible and have sufficient towing capacity, especially if you plan on attaching an off-road-dedicated trailer. The SR5, TRD PreRunner, and XtraCab grades have a towing capacity of up to 6,500 lb. (2,948 kg). Furthermore, the i-FORCE MAX models are limited to a lower 6,000 lb. (2,722 kg). Regarding payload, the i-FORCE MAX trims enable you to carry up to 1,710 lb. (776 kg), similar to the previous generation's 1,685 lb. (764 kg) payload.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The all-new Tacoma brings several significant updates to the cabin. An 8-inch touchscreen is the standard infotainment system in most Tacomas. You'll discover a larger 14-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, as well as on the Trailhunter and TRD Pro. What's more, every model includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What I feel is more important to touch upon when talking about the interior is cargo space. Gas models boast three times more storage space under the rear seat compared to the previous generation, and you can also fold down the rear setback for additional loading surface. One useful addition is Molle panels on the center console and door panels, allowing you to store all sorts of stuff.

Off-Road Features

Before we go any further, I'd like to explain some of the Tacoma's off-road features. I'll start with the Driver Aids Control Center. You'll find this system's selector to the left of the gearshift. All models now get a tow/haul mode besides last year's normal and ECT PWR modes. Moreover, mid-grade models are equipped with a new "3-Mode system" with Sport/Sport S, Eco, and Tow/Haul.

Top models get a "5-Mode" setup that adds Sport S+, Comfort, and Custom to the model I mentioned above. The Driver Aids Control center also features Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control functions, the latter of which acts as a low-speed cruise control that allows you to focus on the steering while the system maintains one of five selectable speeds.

Then, we have the Multi-Terrain Select system, which enables you to choose between dirt, sand, mud, snow, rock, and auto modes whenever 4H or 4L modes are engaged. This mode will affect how the powertrain and braking/stability control work together to achieve the best traction capabilities.

Another important feature is the Multi-Terrain Monitor. It works while driving forward and displays potential obstacles on your path on the vehicle's screen. The cool thing is that this is essentially an "invisible hood" feature – it presents a phantom outline of the tires and hoods so you can better see what's ahead.

One distinctive new feature on the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro is the segment-first IsoDynamic Performance seat. Long story short, these seats come with their own suspension system designed to keep you as stable as possible. They use an air-over-oil shock absorber system that dampens body movement and stabilizes your head and neck while off-roading. Furthermore, it can be tuned based on body mass and personal preference through levers on the seatbacks.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

The first option you can't go wrong with is the TRD Off-Road trim – after all, it's got "Off-Road" in its name. This trim builds on the TRD Sport and offers some serious off-roading capabilities. It comes with Bilstein monotube shock absorbers with a remote reservoir for extended travel and better heat dissipation. Moreover, it's got Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.

You can also opt for a hybrid 4WD-only TRD Off-Road as a Double Cab with either bed length. This grade also boasts a standard locking rear differential, an optional front stabilizer bar disconnect, and an extra manual box.

There are many TRD Off-Road Upgrade Packages available, with prices ranging from $4,625 to $10,230. The former provides 8-way power front seats, JBL Premium Audio with a portable speaker, AUX switches, and more. Other upgrades include a 2,400 W inverter, mudguards, and a moonroof.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

The TRD Pro is designed as a serious desert runner, described by its maker as "your do-it-all, full-on dirt destroyer.” It's equipped with an off-road suspension with three-way adjustable Fox QS3 adjustable Internal Bypass coil-overs, rocker protectors, a heritage grille, LED fog lights, and an aluminum front skid plate, as well as an underbody transfer case and fuel tank protection.

What's more, this hybrid-only trim comes standard with the front stabilizer bar disconnect, high-lift jack points, and 19-inch TRD Pro alloy wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Territory tires.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter

The Trailhunter is the new trim we get for the 2024 model year. Even though the TRD Pro is more than capable of off-roading, Toyota wanted the Trailhunter to fulfill a specific purpose: low-speed rock crawling.

This trim is available only as a hybrid. It sports frame-mounted rock rails, bronze forged aluminum front upper control arms, a bed utility bar with removable Molle panels, and an integrated air compressor. One of the most important components is the Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with remote reservoirs – it's tailored for off-road control and increased load-carrying capability. You also get a 1.5-inch rear and 2-inch front lift.

Other notable details are a high-clearance front bumper and ARB steel rear bumper with red recovery hooks, just like on the TRD Pro. Unfortunately, the Trailhunter isn't fitted with the IsoDynamic Performance Seats.

If you're looking to go overlanding in the Tacoma, this trim is your best bet. When setting up camp, you can make use of the integrated bed side scene lights, which will brighten the area around the bed.

You'll be able to tell the Trailhunter apart from other trims because of several exterior elements. You get a bronze-colored grille that integrates a 20-inch LED light bar and Rigid white/amber LED fog lights. Moreover, the LED headlamps have "Trailhunter" written on them. Another feature limited to the Trailhunter is a high-mount air intake "snorkel" located along the passenger-side A-pillar.

Late last year, Toyota announced an Associated Accessory Products (AAP) program, which provides a myriad of overlanding, camping, and adventure accessories. So, you can directly customize your Trailhunter (or any other Tacoma trims) straight from participating dealerships. However, The Tacoma (and Toyotas in general) are very aftermarket customization-friendly, so you'll find a bunch of other upgrade options.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited

The Limited trim is the fanciest Tacoma you could get your hands on in 2024. It features all the bells and whistles you could ask for, but still, $52K is an exorbitant price tag. If you want to purchase this machine, you'll only have to choose the powertrain (i-FORCE or the hybrid i-FORCE MAX) and the exterior color.

Surprisingly, there's one feature Toyota doesn't offer stock on the Limited: mudguards. You'll have to dish out an additional $60 for it, which, if you have the money for this high-end trim, won't do you much damage financially. Still, it feels like a bit of a rip-off to ask even more for this quite simple off-road addition.

One of the best parts about the Limited trim is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). This feature constantly adjusts compression based on changing road conditions. The front and rear shock absorbers have built-in actuators that optimize the damping force, offering a smooth and stable ride both on and off the road.