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Over the past few weeks, Toyota has been relentlessly teasing the next-generation Tacoma leading up to its official launch on May 19th. One of the more interesting details shared is the introduction of a new rugged trim level called Trailhunter.
Designed to be the ultimate trim for overlanding, the folks over on the Tacoma4G Forum used the teaser images and spy shots to render it into reality. The illustrations imagine the new Tacoma, whose design was already revealed in patent photos, with various off-road upgrades to give it that extra punch over the already capable TRD Pro.
Such upgrades include light bars, a front brush guard with light pods, and a bed rack with a pop-up tent. These modifications were all inspired by the Tundra Trailhunter concept, a vehicle Toyota brought to SEMA which they said would preview a new off-road line for future trucks and SUVs. Under the skin, the truck is also expected to feature beefier suspension, even more so than the TRD Pro.
More: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Revealed In Patent Photos, Looks Like A Smaller Tundra
Images: Tacoma4G Forum
Toyota has yet to fully reveal the new Tacoma, but thanks to the numerous teasers they put out, we already know a lot about it. For one, the TRD Pro will feature Fox QS3 adjustable shocks and rear disc brakes, the latter of which is a new feature for the Tacoma. It’s unclear whether the disc brakes will be available on the base model as well given that the teaser only showed the TRD Pro, but we have no reason to believe they wouldn’t.
The new Tacoma will also eschew its rear leaf spring setup in favor of traditional coil springs, which is also a novel feature for the midsize pickup, and should help to provide a smoother ride. Another teaser confirmed the truck will get a removable JBL speaker in the dash similar to the Rivian R1T, but the most recent teaser solidified something even more exciting: a manual transmission option.
See Also: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Debuts May 19, Teases Multiple Body Styles
Images: Tacoma4G Forum
Something else worth looking forward to is what’s powering the new Tacoma. Also hinted at in a teaser, the TRD Pro will be powered by Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, but it’s unclear if it’s based around a four-cylinder or V6 unit.
It’s expected that the lower-trim models will get four-cylinder engines, possibly including an electrified version based around the Hybrid Max unit found in the Crown sedan and Grand Highlander as an option.
