As with a lot of car-loving kids from my generation, I was enamored with 1985’s Back to the Future movie. But it wasn’t about the DeLorean, which is super cool. No, I wanted Marty McFly’s black jacked-up Toyota pickup. It’s become so iconic in its own right that Toyota created a new concept version a couple of years ago. Perhaps that’s why, here in the actual future, I’m enjoying the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter – a truck that can tackle hill and dale.
It looks like a big bad beast jacked up on its off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and bed side bars. The front is menacing with its snarling grille, angry LED headlamps, and black trim. Trailhunters get a bronze TOYOTA in the grille with matching 18” wheels. There’s even a snorkel attached to the passenger side pillar for fording deep streams! Around back, notice red tow hooks, trailer hitch receiver, and trailer wiring plugs. A power up/down tailgate seems like overkill, but the built in air compressor and power outlet come in handy for off-the-grid adventures.
Grab the steering wheel and heave yourself inside, because well, the step bars are mere decorations and it’s a long way up. Land in the big plush SofTex “faux leather” seats with gold stitching – heated and ventilated up front. Once plopped, check the 14” touchscreen, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and modish gold-lined TOYOTA lettering on the dash. The shifter feels carved from solid Lucite. Connect devices wirelessly with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and thump the JBL audio system until your head pounds. Four passengers fit better than five, but there’s space for your crew in the cab.
This pickup’s “i-Force Max” powertrain makes a flux capacitor seem simple. It starts with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, but that’s the easy part. It’s actually a hybrid with the electric motor placed between the engine and transmission. That allows the Tacoma to retain incredible off-road capability and the fortitude to tow up to 6,500 lbs. Total system output is a potent 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy won’t challenge a Prius, but is a respectable 22/24-MPG city/highway.
The Trailhunter package isn’t about fuel economy; it’s an all-terrain fiend. Sure, the fat tires and off-road suspension with remote reservoir soak up pavement like a chamois going after water, but those are really to tackle trails and fields. It laughs at snow. The truck has a locking rear differential for traction, disconnecting sway bar for wheel articulation, hill start assist to grip hills, and craw control that functions like an off-road cruise control. A big knob in the console controls the terrain management system, which configures the powertrain for virtually any condition from pavement to mud.
It’s an all-capable hiking buddy, but you may want to take a trip back to 1985 when you read the Tacoma Trailhunter’s price. Base Tacomas start at a reasonable $31,500, but came to $64,944 all-in with the hybrid powertrain, sumptuous interior, and all the off-road kit. Back in 2024, you might also consider the Chevy Colorado ZR2, GMC Canyon AT4, Nissan Frontier PRO-X, and Ford Ranger Raptor.
Storm Forward!
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