Until recently, vehicle manufacturers didn’t supply off-the-lot options for overlanders, so we’ve adapted by modifying vehicles to suit our needs. Little did we know Toyota secretly developed the solution many have been waiting for—the Tacoma Trailhunter, a rugged new platform designed for overlanders to “go far.”
Expedition Overland has filmed and produced global travel documentary series for over 14 years, and since our inception, Toyota vehicles—and more specifically, the Tacoma platform—have been a part of these expeditions. Because we’ve put together so many purpose-built Tacomas over the years, Toyota granted us exclusive access to the Trailhunter. Excited to put the 2024 platform to the test, we dreamed up some tests and challenges to prove whether this new platform is ready for our next set of expeditions!
Why put the Trailhunter to work at all? With any new platform, we must understand its capabilities to determine its expedition-readiness. Is the Trailhunter equipped to take on the rigors of local and international expeditions with XOVERLAND? Get ready to find out.
We’re launching an all-new 6-part series exploring the potential of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter, XOVERLAND-style! Throughout the episodes, which launch weekly starting on February 19, 2024, at 1 pm MST, we’ll put ourselves and the vehicle through a series of specifically designed challenges that go above and beyond the typical walkaround video or trail ride.
Ride with us—we’ll share the full details of the XOVERLAND Trailhunter Special below. But first, let’s look at what makes the Trailhunter platform so unique.
This series is proudly presented by Toyota, in partnership with onX Offroad, and in connection with Wilson Electronics (click the links for exclusive discounts)!
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
“Be dareful out there.” – Toyota
The beauty of the Trailhunter is it comes adventure-ready with standard integrated overlanding equipment and technology. Renowned Australian overland brand ARB worked with Toyota’s project development team to co-develop the Trailhunter, including Old Man Emu (OME) position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with rear external piggyback style remote reservoirs, a steel rear bumper, robust rear recovery points, and a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels.
XOVERLAND has had the honor of working with Toyota and its various teams within. Our biggest effort was to introduce the company to the many great overlanders out there, who they are, and what’s important to them. Bottom line: There needs to be a grade that allows an adventurous spirit to go further with their vehicles and stay out longer.
The 2024 Tacoma Trailhunter grade includes the following:
- i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Powertrain (producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque)
- 33-inch Rugged-Terrain tires and 18-inch bronze wheels
- ARB steel rear bumper with red rear recovery hooks
- Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with coil-sprung multi-link rear suspension
- High mount air intake
- Off-road features:
- Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM)
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Crawl Control
- Steel underbody protection
- Frame-mounted rock rails
- Electronically locking rear differential
- High-clearance trail exhaust
- On-board air compressor
- High-clearance front bumper
- 5- or 6-foot bed options
- RIGID Industries white and amber color-switching LED fog lights
- Integrated bed scene lighting
- LED bed lighting
In Episode 1 of XOVERLAND’s Trailhunter Special, we invite Toyota Lead Engineer Sheldon Brown out to Montana where we have built a test course at the XOVERLAND Ranch, specifically designed to see how the new platform performs under expedition-style circumstances.
But what about additional adventure and comfort accessories? Toyota’s new Accessories Portfolio allows customers to customize their Trailhunter straight from participating dealerships with the option of rolling them into monthly truck payments. This program currently includes over 100 accessories, including recovery gear, rack attachment brackets, and outdoor sporting equipment carriers. Specific products include an ARB bed rack, Esperance rooftop tent, awning, and recovery kit, the Dometic Go Water Hydration Jug and Faucet, and more.
Tune in to Episode 2 of the Trailhunter Series as we build the Trailhunter with Toyota accessories and head out on our first adventure test, floating it on a truck raft across a body of water!
“Being a long time Tacoma owner, and builder I am absolutely thrilled with the new platform. The Tacomaness was not lost, only enhanced. The Toyota engineers heard the feedback of many of the main improvements enthusiasts would like and in many cases went beyond. The powertrain is what we all wanted from a HILUX diesel and now that type of performance is securely planted in the Tacoma through the more powerful gasoline fueled iForce MAX powertrain with a future forward twist. All while satisfying the current regulations set forth on all US auto manufacturers today. Not an easy feat.”
– Clay Croft
XOVERLAND’s Trailhunter Special
The latest XOVERLAND series puts Clay’s big ideas together for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Trailhunter right here in Montana.
Join us for six weekly episodes on XOVERLAND Network and YouTube.
Ep. 1 | Series Intro | Monday, February 19
Clay invites Toyota Lead Engineer Sheldon Brown to the all-new XOVERLAND Ranch in Montana, where we build a test course to see what the from-factory Trailhunter can do.
Ep. 2 | Build It | Monday, February 26
In this episode, we build the Trailhunter with Toyota Accessories to determine whether the Trailhunter is expedition-ready. We also throw our first test at the Trailhunter, involving a long-time dream of Clay’s to float a vehicle across a body of water.
Ep. 3 | Crawl It | Monday, March 4
We head to the dunes to see how the new power plant and drive train perform in one of the toughest terrains, using onX Offroad Maps to perform a staged rally-style event through the dunes.
Ep. 4 | Tow It | Monday, March 11
In this episode, we attach a Patriot Campers X3 trailer behind the Trailhunter to see how it performs towing an overland trailer on highways and in rocky mountain terrain.
Ep. 5 | Eagles Nest | Monday, March 18
Now that we have a handful of tests behind us, we plan a longer, more remote overnight adventure into the vastness of central Montana, where we meet a bush pilot to enjoy a night with good friends.
Ep. 6 | Send It | Monday, March 25
In the last episode, we reflect on the series and throw a few more tests at the Trailhunter. Will the Trailhunter truly be ready for our future expeditions?
Where and How to Watch XOVERLAND’s Trailhunter Special
XOVERLAND Network, a place for premium adventure travel and overlanding content.
XOVERLAND YouTube Channel, click on the notification bell so you don’t miss an episode!
Sign up for The Insider, our weekly email, for behind-the-scenes content and our Overlander Adventure Checklist.
Follow XOVERLAND on our social channels for more updates.
This series is proudly presented by Toyota, in partnership with onX Offroad, and in connection with Wilson Electronics (click the links for exclusive discounts)!
