Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Vs. Trailhunter: Top 2024 Trims Compared

Editor’s Note: here’s our hybrid Tacoma review with drive impressions.

This guide covers:

• Hybrid performance
• TRD Pro – a quick overview
• Trailhunter – a quick overview
• Differences and key features
• Takeaway and shared spec list

Tacoma owners know that TRD Pro is the range-topping truck known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. But now, part of the next-generation 2024 Tacoma redesign, there’s a newcomer at the top: the Trailhunter – a factory-ready overlander unlike any Taco in the past.

Both burly, mid-size trucks are motivated by the same 326 horsepower hybrid powertrain and share other similarities you won’t find with the other six Tacomas (SR, SR5 we reviewed, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road we reviewed, and Limited), including distinct suspension upgrades, off-road tires, LED light bars, and more. Here’s a look at what makes these new 2024 Tacoma different – from each other and the entire 2024 Tacoma lineup.

Release date: Whereas the gas-powered 2024 Tacomas arrived late 2023, all hybrid-powered variants including TRD Pro and Trailunter should hit dealerships sometime in Spring 2024.

Hybrid Performance: The i-FORCE MAX for Both Trucks

Right out of the gate, TRD Pro and Trailhunter are exclusively hybrid-powered. Gone is the TRD Pro’s capable V6, replaced by one engine: the hybrid i-FORCE MAX. And before you get worked up about the missing gas mill, know this: it’s more powerful with 326 horsepower at 6,000 RPM while producing incredible torque rated at 465 lb.-ft. at 1,700 RPM.

Unfortunately, with an 8-speed automatic transmission for both trucks, there’s no 6-speed manual option; that’s only available with the Tacoma SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road. Also, expect slightly lower towing capacity with the new i-FORCE MAX. Below, a look at all four engine options and specs:

2024 Tacoma TRD Pro Quick Look

For as long as we can remember, the TRD Pro has been the top-of-the-line grade in the Tacoma lineup — right above the TRD Off-Road, then Limited. It checks off the boxes regarding off-road abilities, go-fast performance, and more upscale interior features. It’s one of the most popular Taco trims, and there’s a reason it’s known as the ultimate adventure machine in a compact size.

Even the outgoing 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro dialed it up with an increased front and rear suspension, new wheels, improved rebound shake, and FOX shocks. Off-road performance improves with 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass manual modal Quick Switch 3 (QS3) shocks with rear piggyback style remote reservoirs and FOX IFP Bump Stops.

• Here’s our complete 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro overview and specs.
• Here’s our 2024 TRD Pro YouTube video with some key specs.

2024 Tacoma Trailhunter Quick Look

From the dealership to the woods, the new Tacoma Trailhunter is ready to pounce right out the gate with essentially everything an adventurer needs from a small camping truck. Plus, with many aftermarket accessories available — both from Toyota and private manufacturers — Taco owners can further upgrade their mid-size pickups into proper overlanders to conquer the unbeaten path and escape the city for a few days. 

Over and above the TRD Pro, the Trailhunter is factory fitted with 2.5-inch Old Man Emu forged monotube position-sensitive shocks with rear piggyback style remote reservoirs, bronze-coloured Trailhunter forged aluminum upper control arms, 18-inch bronze-coloured Trailhunter wheels, the TRD Pro’s RIGID LED fog lamps but with switchable white/amber options, a high-mount air intake, a bed utility bar, and more.

• Here’s our complete 2024 Trailhunter overview and specs.
• Here’s our 2024 Trailhunter YouTube video.

TRD Pro and Trailhunter Differences and Specs That Set Them Apart

If you’re deciding between these two Taco heavy-weights, below are all the essential features you’ll need to know about, from standards on both and features they both share to necessary upgrades only available on the TRD Pro, and Trailhunter flavoured Tacomas.

TRD Pro’s New Standard IsoDynamic Performance Seat 

Right out the gate, there’s one distinct TRD Pro feature that’s too unique not to discuss separately at length — compared to Trailhunter and every other mid-size truck on the market. It’s these crazy, new seats. No, the new IsoDynamic Performance Seat isn’t some high-tech propulsion chair. But if that existed, it would probably look like this. 

Of all eight 2024 Tacomas, only the TRD Pro gets these new segment-first seats — driver and passenger. Essentially, the new seat uses an air-over-oil shock absorber system, allowing for vertical and lateral seat movement simultaneously to dampen body movement and stabilize the head and neck to keep alignment with the spine.

The goal is to improve driver focus by stabilizing the field of vision, improving comfort, and reducing fatigue when hitting rough terrain for extended periods. Occupants can manually tune the dampening based on their body mass individual preferences, and it can be bypassed if needed courtesy of levers on the seatbacks.

It’s the type of off-road feature that’s unnecessary with the more slow-and-steady, swamp-trekking Tacoma Trailhunter. Still, it would be an excellent upgrade for the TRD Off-Road, which comes in Double Cab configuration only. But we digress. 

JBL Audio with Removable JBL FLEX Portable Speaker

As with the Tacoma Limited, our trucks here have this audio system as standard. The portable speaker is a fantastic new feature, particularly for these two adventure-ready Tacomas. The speaker acts as a centre channel inside up front but is also removable for portable use at the campfire or inside the tent.

LED Light Bars

No other Taco gets standard LED bars. These lights look sleek and integrated into the new “TOYOTA” heritage grille. But, of course, they serve a more significant function out in the wild. The only difference is that the Trailhunter’s heritage grill is bronze, not black.

2400W AC Inverter

Looking to hook up a TV, WI-FI, or other devices out in the woods? We hope not — but if you do, TRD Pro and Trailhunter both come with a standard AC Inverter in the bed. Gas grades offer an available 400W AC inverter outlet in the bed and on the rear of the centre console, while i-FORCE MAX grades come standard with a 2400W AC inverter. 

RIGID LED Fog Lamps

RIGID Industries is a leader in LED lights and light bars, including fog lights. They fitted both Tacomas with their LED lights — but only the Trailhunter levels it up with white/amber switchable LED fog lamps (TRD Pro has white lights only).

Upgraded Suspensions

Across all eight Tacoma grades, the suspension is tweaked differently. The SR gets twin-tube shocks, the SR5 receives leaf spring rear suspension on XtraCab models, and the TRD Sport finds Red TRD sport-tuned, twin-tube shocks, and so on.

However, the TRD Pro and Trailhunter level it up significantly. TRD Pro gains 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass manual modal Quick Switch 3 (QS3) shocks with rear piggyback style remote reservoirs and rear FOX IFP Bump Stops. Trailhunter opts for 2.5-inch Old Man Emu forged monotube position-sensitive shocks with rear piggyback-style remote reservoirs.

Rear Differential and Front Stabilizer Bar

Both trucks get an electronically activated rear locking differential, which is only available with TRD Off-Road. The TRD PreRunner (also new for 2024) with a 4×2 drivetrain only comes with the electronically activated rear locking differential. Based on preliminary specs, TRD Pro and Trailhunter are the only grades with a front stabilizer bar disconnect. 

 Skid Plates: Aluminum Vs. Steel

You’ll only find standard skid plates with TRD Pro and Trailhunter. But they’re different. Whereas the TRD Pro comes with the aluminum front skit plate, Toyota fitted the Trailhunter with hot-stamped steel skid plates (front, transmission, and rear differential).

We’re not entirely sure why the more rough-and-tumble, Baja-going TRD Pro gets the softer aluminum for potentially more rock-bashing, while the Trailhunter finds the more robust steel, which is notoriously much less malleable than aluminum, according to trailtacoma.com’s resource on Tacoma skid plates.

Rocker Protector and Frame-Mounted Rock Rails

To compensate for the TRD Pro’s aluminum skid plate, it’s the only Tacoma with a rocker protector for added protection  — not equipped on Trailhunter. To compensate for the Trailhunter’s lack of a rocker protector, this overland exclusively gets frame-mounted rock rails welded directly to the Trailhunter’s frame, acting as a barrier between its body and trail obstacles.

Signature Headlamps, Rear Bumper, and Recovery Hooks

Unlike the lower grades, these ballers find improved signature headlamps up front. But with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter styling differences on each. Only TRD Pro and Trailhunter Tacoma are offered with an ARB steel rear bumper, including red recovery hooks.

High-Output Air Compressor (12V DC and USB-C Charging Points)

While 12V DC power access is available in both the bed and in the cabin, only the Trailhunter features an integrated high-output air compressor in the bed for airing large-diameter tires back up quickly after airing down for spending days or weeks on the trail.

Larger Screens, HUD, and Heated/Cooled Seats

As with its more flashy Limited sibling, the TRD Pro and Trailhunter get the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and new 14-inch touchscreen as standard. All three also find a head-up display (HUD) standard, along with heated and cooled front seats. (The lower grades get an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, not the 14-inch, and no HUD.)

Related – The Redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma Interior: 7 Features to Know About

Trailhunter’s High-Mount Air Intake and Bed Utility Bar

Aside from some Trailhunter tweaks, like the bronze grill and signature headlamps, it adds more overland-ready upgrades that are unavailable (and unnecessary) on TRD Pro.

A high-clearance trail exhaust tip is standard on Trailhunter, along with a low-profile high-mount air intake routed up the passenger-side A-pillar to source cleaner air to the i-FORCE MAX. Add to the mix a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels you won’t find with TRD Pro. 

Upper Control Bars

To help hold and align the TRD Pro and Trailhunter’s suspension geometry on the rough terrain, they each get Red “TRD” forged aluminum upper control arms and Bronze-coloured “Trailhunter” forged aluminum upper control arms, respectively. 

Auxiliary DC Switches

Unavailable in other 2024 Tacoma grades are Auxiliary DC switches for added functionality, which are found in our trucks here. Trailhunter comes pre-wired for accessories with three auxiliary toggle switches on the dashboard. 

Takeaway and Specs

Looking at the two, these brothers are from different mothers. The Trailhunter is ready to leave home for college, all neatly packed and ready to go; the TRD Pro could use another year off for “self-discovery” and worldly travels off the beaten path. Both are well-accomplished, capable, and fittingly badass, each with strong personality traits.

The first-ever Tacoma Trailhunter is a beast, but it’s designed more for weekend getaways and overlanding with exclusive features like the integrated high-output air compressor in the bed, ideal for things like a fridge and shower. Trailhunter and TRD Pro are the top-of-line Tacos for 2024, and both are powered exclusively by the hybrid i-FORCE MAX.

As with the TRD Off-Road and Trailhunter, the TRD Pro is only available in double-cab; no 2-door XtraCab options. These three (TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter) also get tons of available cameras installed so drivers can view potential obstacles looming on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor displayed on the 14-inch touchscreen that’s standard on TRD Pro.

End of the day, it comes down to your lifestyle and how you’re planning to play with your new Tacoma. The TRD Pro is a premium small truck that doubles as a bonafide desert-going machine—planning some water fording and mountain traversing en route to your secluded campsite? The new Trailhunter might fit the bill, especially with all the anticipated accessories and upgrades.

2024 Tacoma TRD Pro and Trailhunter shared specs:

• Engine: i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbo hybrid, 4-cylinder
• Power: 326 hp @ 6,000 RPM 
• Torque: 465 lb.-ft. @ 1,700 RPM
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Wheels: 18-in. black (TRD Pro wheels, Bronze Trailhunter wheels)
• Tires: 33-in. Goodyear Territory R/T tires
• Interior screens: 12.3-in. gauge cluster, 14-in. multimedia display, HUD
• Lighting: front integrated LED light bar, RIGID LED fog lamps, signature LED headlamps
• Off-road upgrades: front skid plate (TRD Pro: aluminum; Trailhunter: steel) ARB steel rear bumper with red recovery hooks, forged aluminum upper control arms, electronically activated rear locking differential, front stabilizer bar disconnect, and 2400W AC inverter