2025 Toyota Tacoma

For decades, Toyota's Tacoma has enjoyed favorable feedback and more notably top sales status within the mid-size pickup segment.  

That speaks volumes when considering the traditional Big Three American automakers crank out full-size light-duty pickups in huge numbers, supplying the three domestic amigos with sizeable profits important during these dynamic and fluid times within the industry.  

Toyota proudly boasts its own full-size entrant in the form of Tundra, but it's the world's top-selling automaker's (10.8 million vehicles in 2024) Tacoma that earned 'best-selling' mid-size truck honors for the past two decades. It's built upon Toyota's TNGA-F Global Truck Platform shared with Big Brother Tundra.  

This platform starts from a robust, body-on-frame design utilized within large pickups and sturdy sport utility vehicles. Some mid-size and compact pickups (Hyundai Santa Cruz, Honda Ridgeline) opt for uni-body frames popular with traditional sedans and coupes but lack the heavy-duty demands and work chops found in larger pickup trucks.  

Keeping its nose to the grindstone and not surrendering any sales without added sass, Tacoma introduced a complete fourth-generation redesign in the 2024 model year with a couple of new trims ushered in during 2025, including our tester this week, the rugged Trailhunter. Tacoma trim level choices expand to eight in 2025 with a wide assortment of builds based upon a wide variety of variants; two cab configurations (two-passenger XtraCab and four-door double cab), two bed lengths, two engine choices, two transmissions (six-speed manual available with the non-hybrid powertrain or eight-speed automatic) and 4 x 2 rear drive, part-time four-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive.  

Ultra off-road specialist Trailhunter trim packaging offer up in two Toyota products beginning in the 2025 model year: Mid-size Tacoma pickup trucks and Mid-size 4Runner SUVs. Visually, both stand tall with 33-inch rugged terrain tires atop 18-inch bronzed-finished wheels. Expect high clearance front bumpers and steel underbody protection with frame-mounted and fixed side rock rails rather than traditional power or fixed side running boards. Also, colorful, easy access red tow hooks adorn the lower front.  

The Trailhunter's heritage-inspired, bronze color front grille includes a lightbar and color selectable (amber or white) fog lights. Specialized Emu shock absorbers enhance lower speed functions without dissuading comfortable highway travel. 

Another unique visual exclusively incorporated into both Trailhunters; a passenger side, high profile, high-mount black snorkel, hugging and following the same 45-degree angle as the A-Pillar. The top end sucks in air while the bottom portion attaches to the side fender within a box-like port delivering dust-free air to the engine. If driving through the dry, arid desert or forging rushing streams it's handy; otherwise at higher speeds with the passenger-side window down, expect a gurgling induction noise not dissimilar to a water-logged snorkel or Star War's movie villain Darth Vader's heavy-paced breathing.  

Interestingly with the side windows powered up, the harsh gurgling muffles nicely thanks in part to acoustic glass. Light steering wheel feel and feedback from a particularly heavy truck gets a big thumbs up thanks to advanced electric power steering.  

Starting price for our well-equipped Tacoma Trailhunter exclusively sporting large double cab side doors, part-time 4x4, long bed and gas-electric hybrid engine under hood technology hit $63,235, one of the pricier trims. An $850 trailer towing/technology package represented the major factory option. Other add ons included a $575 black spray-on bed liner, $70 trailer ball mount and $70 door panel scuff protector. With a $1,495 destination charge, the bottom line ended at $66,405. The highest priced Tacoma in 2025 falls to the 'Baja Racing inspired' TRD Pro i-Force Max double cab 4 x 4 listing at $64,135 with an exclusive Mudbath exterior hue. At the other end of the spectrum, an entry 4 x 2 SR XtraCab checks in at $31,590.  

Two four-cylinder engines include a 2.4-liter, turbocharged double overhead cam four-cylinder i-Force cranking out 278 horses and 317 lb.-ft of torque. It's the standard of the two engines in most trims. Optional and included within this week's tester, an all-new, gas-electric hybrid i-Force Max powertrain sparked by electric motor increasing and horsepower to 326 with torque reaching 465 lb.-ft.  

This new parallel hybrid design connects a 48-horsepower electric motor positioned between the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The motor powers from a relatively small 1.87-kilowatt hour nickel metal hydride DC battery pack.  

Both engines remain content digesting regular, 87-octane fuel rather than pricier premium when filling the sizeable, 18.2-gallon tank. Tacoma's 2.4-liter hybrid averages 22 miles per gallon in city travel and 24 mpg highway. 

The hybrid design qualifies as a 'mild hybrid,' distinctly different from a full hybrid although the two often get lumped together creating confusion. Toyota's first-generation Prius, introduced 25 year ago here in the U.S., may be the most recognized 'full hybrid'.  

Full hybrids travel independently in pure electric mode for short distances at low speeds with no assistance from the gas engine. This design sometimes refers to as 'FHEV' with the F representing 'Full'. Lower priced mild gas-electric hybrids (MHEVs) available in Tacoma circa 2025 only assist the engine without directly powering vehicle. Mild hybrids boost horsepower significantly with less overall fuel economy impact. Both take advantage of regenerative braking where friction/kinetic energy created through the mechanical braking process recycles back into the under-vehicle DC battery pack for later reuse.  

Mild hybrid benefits within Tacoma reveal themselves within the 465 lb.-ft. of torque excelling slow-speed experiences and towing workloads. This torque number exceeds what Tacoma's outgoing V-6 engine produced in the third-generation effort.  

Tacoma Trailhunter includes four standard-sized side doors (a double cab format) and the choice of a five or six-foot bed. The five-foot bed arrives standard with the six-foot version a $400 option. Squarish black cladding protects square-shaped wheel wells from rock dings and other perils. Large, black strap-like handles adorn all four doors operatable when wearing thick, workman-like gloves. The spare tire stows under the flatbed region.  

Trailhunter's power-operated rear gate gently motors down with the push of a key fob button, a far left-side dashboard button or a gentle touch of a cupped sensor on the gate itself. This all but eliminates an unwanted 'thud' experienced with manually-operated rectangular gates that sometimes 'free fall' out of control. The 'TACOMA' name embosses on the outside.  

Grab bars mold to the front passenger interior A frame and both B frames assisting row two riders. In addition, a lower grab bar right of the center console assists when sitting. No A frame grab bar or ceiling bar awaits the driver.  

If desired, row two backrests manually fold flat onto cushions with the tug of a topside cloth lasso. Static cushions do not fold up as with some pickups largely due to the placement of the DC high-voltage hybrid battery stowed under seats and cooled by open horizontal air vents at both ends. Row two remains a rather tight fit with leg room negotiating sometimes needed with the bucket seats ahead but include access to dual cup holders and two Type C USB power outlets. However, headroom greatly improves from Tacoma's third-generation effort.  

Trailhunter includes the larger 14-inch multi-function center touch screen standard as do TRD Pro and Limited trims. This narrow, flat, rectangular design sits atop a mid-dash plateau. A smaller eight-inch size arrives in lower trims with the upgraded 14-incher optional in most trims. The bright, touch-sensitive screen arrives with a user-friendly design and vertical main menu along the left side. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with Qi compatible charging.  

Small, squarish air vents adorn each end of the dashboard's upper reaches while a pair of similar rectangle-size variants mount below the 14-inch multi-function center mounted flat screen. In between the center vents one finds a large on/off/volume twist dial. The HVAC center along the lower central dashboard includes two industrial-sized circular dials controlling dual zone front temperatures with seven up/down flat push pads in between controlling fan speed and blower direction along with front/rear defrosters. At night, this region illuminates with white backlighting.  

Near the topside rear-view mirror and map lights, one finds a drop-down storage caddie for stowing sunglasses. Also in this area, a power button opens and closes a small interior window within the larger rear glass (standard in Trailhunter, TRD Pro and Limited trims).  

Part-time, electronic four-wheel drive arrives standard within Trailhunter. Switch between two-wheel rear drive, four-wheel high and four-wheel low via a semi-circular tab between front bucket seats. Also between bucket seats and skewed towards the rear, side-by-side beverage holders and a mid-size storage bin/arm rest hinged at the back. Towards the front, a single vertically standing pad allowing wireless charging of Smartphones.  

A Multi-Terrain Select dial also between the front bucket seats works in tandem with the part-time 4 x 4 selector. The MTS does not engage when switched to two-wheel high (an error message flashes within the instrument panel) so drivers much choose four-wheel high. Four-wheel high MTS includes a variety of terrain modes from which to choose (mud, sand, deep snow, dirt, auto) adjusting engine throttle and brakes. 

 Built-in crawl control (summoned from the same dial) mimics highway friendly cruise control with a fixed rate speed allowing a constant, slow, steady pace without physically operating the brake or accelerator pedals. This operates solely in four-low with five available modes (lo, lo mid, mid, mid high and high). 

Multi-terrain monitors visually assist drivers as they navigate rough conditions with front, side or rear-view video feeds appearing within the center screen. In addition, drivers may electronically lock the rear differential when in deep mud situations so back wheels spin at the same speed by pressing an iconed button aft of the mechanically sliding eight-speed automatic transmission shifter.  

The tall standing buckets and generous ground clearance provide drivers with excellent road visibility and road command. However, the side roll bar (in place of flat-styled running boards) and 11 inches of ground clearance requires a hearty first step to reach the interior and may not be suitable for the mobility challenged. During on-road travel, coil spring multi-link rear suspension adds a level of comfort.  

Gray colored seats, dashboard and doors include gold stitching. Bucket seats build with extensive cushioning and offer excellent back support. All four doors include a pair of molded beverage holders and extra storage opportunities.  

Tacoma's gas-electric hybrid system reflects 25 years of Toyota development and research while continuing as an industry leader. The i-Max Force Max hybrid engine (standard within Trailhunter) works as advertised and remains highly recommended. Historically, Tacoma delivers solid release values.  

Tacoma Trailhunter brings a variety of available trim levels to weekend getaways as one of the most capable and refined offerings in its segment, but at a price.  

The 2025 Tacoma, as with just about all Toyota products circa 2025, qualifies for no-cost ToyotaCare, covering normal scheduled maintenance (oil changes, etc.) for two years (or 25,000 miles) at participating Toyota dealers along with 24-hour roadside assistance also covered for two years (and unlimited mileage).  

At a Glance: 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter 
Price as tested: $66,405 
Engine: 2.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid  
Horsepower: 323 
Wheelbase: 145.1 inches 
Overall Length: 226.2 inches  
Overall Height: 74.7 inches 
Overall Width: 77.9 inches  
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway 
Curb weight: 5,410 pounds 
Maximum Towing Capacity: 6,000 pounds 
Maximum Payload Capacity: 1,705 pounds 
Powertrain Warranty: Five years/60,000 miles 
Hybrid Battery Coverage: Ten years/150,000 miles and transferable to next owner 
Assembly: Guanajuato, Mexico