The Tacoma carries on into 2025 as a body on frame truck that's offered in 8 grades. There is also the option of 3 different configurations: XtraCab w/6’ bed, Double Cab w/5’ bed or Double Cab with 6’ bed. Powertrains include an i-Force 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder gas engine that delivers 278 horsepower with 317 pound-feet of torque and an i-Force Max Hybrid 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder that gets up to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It’s available with 3 drivetrains: 2WD, Part Time 4WD or Full Time 4WD. Either a 9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual is available.
For 2025, prices start at $31,500 for the base model and climb to over $63,735 for a TRD Pro or Trailhunter. Competition includes other mid-size trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier. I spent a week in the Tacoma Trailhunter that checked in at $66,405 this time around and here’s what stood out…
Exterior: (+)
Just at first glance, you’ll notice that the Trailhunter stands out from the rest of the Tacoma lineup with unique features. Trailhunters are 3.0 inches wider than the base Tacoma SR5, which itself is about 3.0 inches wider than the previous generation SR5 model. Up front it gets the same heritage grille as the TRD Pro with TOYOTA spelled across the center and an LED light bar underneath. It has LED headlights with Trailhunter badging in the side of the lights, color-changing Rigid Industries fog lights in the bumpers, red recovery hooks, and skid plates underneath.
Around the side you’ll notice the 18” bronze finished alloys wrapped in 33” off-road tires that give it good traction and a solid stance. It also has frame mounted rock sliders rather than tubular side steps which make it more difficult for shorter passengers to get into the truck. Trailerhunter badging is placed on the front doors and mounted in the bed of the truck is a modular sport bar with removable MOLLE panels. This sport bar really makes this truck stand out and gives it a baja vibe but is also utility focused as it can be used for mounting gear, bed tents, storage, and more. Around the back are LED taillights, a power tailgate, and a high-riding ARB steel rear bumper with red recovery hooks. Trailhunter models are available in five colors, that include: Bronze Oxide, Ice Cap, Celestial Silver, Underground, and Black.
Performance: (+)
The Trailhunter is equipped with the iForce MAX Hybrid powertrain, and I was thoroughly impressed. There is no need for enthusiasts to mourn the loss of the previous V6 as this powertrain delivers just fine. The iForce MAX Hybrid is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, making it a mild hybrid system rather than a full hybrid like Toyota’s Prius. This powertrain produces a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft of torque, which is a significant improvement over the standard gasoline-powered models. The hybrid system delivers strong, low-end torque, providing impressive off-the-line acceleration and making it a more efficient choice for towing and hauling tasks. It’s capable of getting from 0-60 MPH in approximately 7.1 seconds.
The iForce MAX Hybrid has more than enough power for both daily driving and off-road adventures, with the hybrid motor providing additional torque to make climbing hills or powering through challenging terrain a breeze. It offers great versatility, from smooth highways to rugged trails. The Tacoma also gets a new multi-link rear suspension for a smoother ride and better handling or a more cost-effective leaf spring rear suspension. Also standard is Drive Mode Select, with available modes that allow the driver to change the settings of the drive force, suspensions, steering system, etc., all at the twist of a dial. I enjoyed how it felt to drive the Tacoma around town and feel the new iForce MAX Hybrid powertrain does not compromise the former V6 Tacoma’s performance in any way.
Fuel Economy: (+/-)
Of course, when you hear the word hybrid you will likely assume that the vehicle is much better on fuel. In this case, you’d be partially correct. Tacoma’s with the hybrid powertrain will get an estimated 22/24/23 MPG city/highway/combined. These numbers are better than the non-hybrid’s average 21 MPG and even better than the prior generation’s V6’s average 18 MPG. However, at an average 23 MPG overall the Tacoma is still not an overly fuel-efficient vehicle, nor should you expect it to be.
Capability: (+)
The iForce MAX Hybrid trim doesn’t compromise on off-road capability. It’s available with the same off-road features that Tacoma is known for, including TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims. One stand-out feature is the all-new stabilizer disconnect mechanism. Standard on Trailhunter and TRD Pro and available on TRD Off-Road, it increases suspension articulation across the whole vehicle at the push of a button and is compatible with Toyota-approved lift kits.
The Trailhunter has a 35.2-degree approach, 24.0-degree breakover, and 22.3-degree departure angles with running ground clearance maxing out at 11 inches. TRD Pro models get slightly better overall off-road stats. Trailhunter drivers can view potential obstacles on the trail via the multi-terrain monitor that can display crisply on the available 14-inch touchscreen. Both trucks are rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds with the 5-foot bed, and the Trailhunter’s optional 6-foot bed drops towing capacity slightly to 5,950 pounds.
Other available Tacoma improvements include factory lifts, Bilstein monotube remote reservoir shocks, CRAWL control, center locking differential, up to 2400 Watt in-bed power supply, adaptive variable suspension, and more. Trailhunter models have 2.5” Old Man Emu forged monotube position-sensitive coil-overs and rear remote-reservoir shocks, providing a 1-inch front lift and a 0.5-inch rear lift for improved ground clearance. It also comes with an ARB steel rear bumper with recovery hooks with higher ground clearance and a low-profile high-mount air intake mounted to the A pillar to help keep dust, debris, and other particles away from the engine’s intake system. Underneath the truck are heavy-duty steel plates to protect the front, transfer case, rear diff, and fuel tank. There are also frame-mounted steel rock rails to guard the sides from boulders and hard hits.
For better visibility at night there is an integrated LED light bar within the grille that can be turned on when the high beams are on only. Trailhunter models also come standard with Rigid Industries color changing fog lights that can switch between amber or white for varying visibility. This is a Tacoma that you don’t need to modify unless you really want to.
Interior: (+)
Hopping inside, the Tacoma is filled with the latest technology and information screens that bring significant updates to the cabin. Trailhunter models come standard with the 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display that provides crisp graphics and camera visuals. Toyota’s latest audio multimedia system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and pairs well with the available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. Toyota’s updated system is a huge improvement and intuitive to operate. A USB-C data and charging port is integrated on the right side of the display, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. There is a vertical mobile device charger that is well placed and easily accessible to the driver. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with four different styles is standard on higher grades, while a 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades.
For those who love to jam out both in their trucks on the way to camp and at the campsite, Tacoma now offers a premium 10 speaker JBL audio upgrade, including a new externally coupled subwoofer for improved output and a JBL FLEX portable speaker. When docked on the dash, the JBL FLEX charges and operates as the center channel speaker. When undocked, the JBL FLEX portable Bluetooth speaker can play music from your Bluetooth device, run for up to six hours, pair with other Toyota JBL FLEX Portable Speakers, and be submerged in up to three feet of water.
Passenger Space (+/-)
Getting in the truck will take some effort for shorter individuals as the truck rides higher than some other mid-size trucks and the door opening is relatively small. The Trailhunter's front seats are designed for both comfort and functionality, especially during off-road adventures. They feature SofTex-trimmed upholstery, offering a leather-like feel that's both durable and easy to clean. Both the driver and front passenger seats are heated and ventilated, with 8-way power adjustability and 4-way power lumbar support, ensuring optimal comfort over long distances and varied terrains. Rear passenger space is tighter, but not terrible. Three adults would feel cramped, but three kids were reasonably comfortable in the back. Additionally, the rear seatbacks can fold 60/40, revealing behind-seat storage for added convenience.
Cargo (+/-)
The Tacoma offers a 6-foot or 5-foot bed depending on the configuration you choose, and both offer ample room for carrying tools, gear, camping equipment, or other large items. The bed length and bed width are similar to previous models, but the layout and features are refined to make loading and unloading more convenient. Depending on the specific trim and configuration, it offers a payload capacity ranging from 1,420 lbs to 1,710 lbs. While the payload capacity is lower than some competitors (like the Ford Ranger or Chevrolet Colorado), it’s still ample for most mid-size truck needs. The Tacoma is designed to haul moderate to heavy loads, making it an excellent option for personal use, camping, or light construction jobs. It comes with a variety of cargo-focused features that make the bed more versatile and easier to use such as a deck rail system, in-bed power outlets, built-in bed lighting, tailgate locking mechanism, and an optional spray-on bedliner. Access to the bed is made easier with the tailgate step that extends from the rear bumper and tailgate assist ensures the tailgate comes down gently.
Additional cargo storage is available under the rear seats and under the truck bed in some grades. While its payload capacity may not be the highest in the class, its cargo features make it a great option for work and play. The ability to add additional accessories like a bed extender or tonneau cover only increases the truck's versatility.
Standard Safety (+)
All 2025 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. New-to-Tacoma TSS enhancements are made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. This suite of features includes:
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist
In addition to TSS 3.0, other available features include Blind Spot Monitor, which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Other features include trailer brake controller, back up guide and straight path assist.
Final Statement:
The Tacoma has become a benchmark in the mid-size truck segment that is proving to stand the test of time. With the latest overhaul, it has only gotten better and more advanced. The new Trailhuntrer adds to the already diverse offerings of this truck with a read-built truck utilizing name brand accessories like Old Man EMU, RIGID Industries, and ARB that are key players in the overlanding community. This truck looks good, performs well, and is a swiss-army knife full of features.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
Exterior Color: Terra with Black Roof
Interior Color: Black Leather
Notable Options: Towing Technology Package ($850), Door Panel Scuff Protector ($135), Ball Mount ($70), Spray-On Bed Liner ($575), Mini Tie Down ($45)
Price as tested: $66,405 (with destination charge)
Pros: Capability, Versatility, Reliability, Overlanding Amenities, Comfortable Interior
Cons: Expensive, Rear Seat Space, Fuel Economy, Reduced Towing Capacity
