Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro vs Tacoma Trailhunter - Off-Road Showdown in Toyota's New Midsize Trucks

[@SansooIan]

$63,900 before markups. Quick math: $6,400 down (10%) + tax and interest (7.64) 60 Months Payment: $1260 @12.5% of take home pay you should be earning $157,500 annually to be looking at this car (assuming the appropriate taxes are coming out of your paycheck). National average wage (US Census): $63795. Percentage making $150k annually: approx. 8.3% 5 Year price increase Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: 2019 MSRP: $42,960 2024 MSRP: $63,900 49% increase Wage growth 2019-2024: 1.7% (Source: US Treasury) These price increases far outpace inflation and wage growth. Toyota is targeting 8% of total market. Or people who just want to act fiscally irresponsible.

[@Jtwizzle]

Thats insane! I never saw the value in the old pro much less this new one with its outrageous price tag.

[@TeensierPython]

I did the same math when I was looking at trucks. Even these midsize trucks are now full size priced. Nothing good ever lasts.

[@TeensierPython]

It’s even worse because of the crazy markups I’ve seen on these things.

[@dvader3263]

There are over 20 million millionaires in the USA. If you count their spouses or family members, that number could easily be 40 or 60 million millionaires in the USA. Then there are millions of people who make great salaries under $1,000,000.00 with high six figure incomes. You forgot to mention all of these people who can afford the price of an average new vehicle.

[@Jtwizzle]

@@dvader3263 Few making that kind of money will buy these trucks.

[@Offshore1977]

Would be nice if they could offer the TRD Pro without those ridiculous seats. And while they’re at it, drop the price 10k.

[@Dusdaddy]

Agreed. Also, they need to offer a rear-seat delete option. So if you want, can have better storage back there without the seat.

[@MegaCityOne]

I think the seats are optional. I think

[@lorenzoronpedrique2952]

Totally agree

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

to much luxury car opts does it really need a sunroof

[@Dusdaddy]

@@MegaCityOne We all thought that. But they're not optional.

[@nicholassmith7048]

18:48 100% agree and that's exactly why the Off-road button on the Ineos Grenadier, that deactivates all the exterior sensors, with one press of a button, is one the best features.

[@winstondeocampo699]

The best “Truck” channel around. Thanks for putting these 2 thru their paces. Props to pops for pushing it 👍🏼

[@Wellh0wrya]

For middle class brothers and sisters… the decision to buy these ridiculously expensive vehicles will keep. You. Poor.

[@dnah02]

Exactly I seen the prices and I am like who wants to pay that making regular middle class folks money? Oh the I want an expensive car payment that will keep me living paycheck to paycheck robbing myself from being able to save and invest aggressively.

[@dnah02]

Kinda reminds me of my old job where folks were talking about trucks and BMW purchases and I am like you don't make a higher 6 figure income to afford that. Go get you a honda or Toyota SUV like a RAV4 or Highlander call it a day

[@AddingLifeAdventure]

I could never afford these trucks when I was young with a mortgage payment. They must be targeting GenX

[@MrMikeDao]

​@@AddingLifeAdventureor targeting higher income middle class that are financially responsible? Not hard to be debt free

[@Keefer24]

@@MrMikeDaofinancially responsible people don’t buy overhyped over priced junk. They tend to not have car payments at all if they can. So you basically explained why these trucks are sitting on every single lot everywhere. Getting a car payment is not being debt free, you kind of make no sense with your statement 😂🤡

[@gilbert8667]

Got the Off Road Tacoma, loving it so far, came from a 2009 Pre Runner. The Off Road is a very capable truck, while these are the top of the line models, I'm more than positive my Off Road could run these trails just as well.

[@showmemorefunthings9208]

Tires make the biggest difference.

[@chrisdemas8246]

Agree. Less than 40k for my 23 TRD OR. I think that’s great value by today’s standards.

[@Jay-me7gw]

100% your truck could run these trails just as well. You have a locker. As long as you have good tires there is really nothing about these two trucks that offer any major benefit. Toyota is capitalizing on the whole Overlanding fad where people thing they need to spend egregious amounts of money bolting lots of stuff to their truck. They are doing it for you.

[@gilbert8667]

@@Jay-me7gw the lockers a cheat code😅

[@kevinstarski1598]

Truck King, I'd add some driving through washboards as well to compare suspension. A lot of "getting to" places includes miles of washboarded roads or otherwise rocky, compacted ones, so it would be a nice addition to your channel I think

[@AddingLifeAdventure]

I really enjoy your reviews. This one ranks pretty high. Great job!

[@tylermacconnell217]

Compressor is cool. Sport rack in the bed is goofy and the air seats are gimmicky. Very capable off road, but Toyota needs to focus on reliability as of late.

[@icare7151]

🎯 Toyota has lost its way.

[@ps3alphagamer12]

It just comes with turbo charging. You’re giving up a lot of longevity and adding a lot of complexity as well as manufacturing complexity, not to mention epa standards that continue to give engineers massive headaches in regards to design, material use and budget. Another point is that every manufacturer went through or is going through this phase of transition to forced induction fords early V6 ecoboost’s were absolute JUNK, now we have Ram that most recently made the switch to inline six twin turbo which which I’m sure will show its ugly side once the market picks up, leaving GM being ultra late to the party with them hanging onto V8’s for dear life they have the least amount of turbo experience out of the big 3 with their only real potential turbo power plant being the V6 found in their ct4 blackwing leaving them to definitely have to either modify that for trucks or start from scratch and hopefully going for a inline setup like ram

[@tylermacconnell217]

Your statement that Ford’s early EcoBoost V6 engines were junk is categorically false. Problems? Some, yes. Junk? Not at all. There are many early EcoBoost F150’s with over 200k miles on them.

[@ps3alphagamer12]

@ it’s a true statement you’re on borrowed time after 150k miles assuming you take good care of your vehicles, now factor in the average person who will at most only do oil changes (within 10k miles or more) , brakes and tires. 98% of non totaled f150s with a first gen eco boost are either completely killed out or on their second set of turbos to ride out another 50k miles until the inevitable KABOOM

[@richshan529]

Watching that high speed off-roading was very cool!!! Looks like a lot of fun!

[@JacobCohen-u9h]

Wow these trucks are really nice. I’m going to buy a ZR2

[@germanjimenez5968]

Great presentation. Now I know the difference. I might not get one, but with the information you provided, I can pass it on to my friends or anyone who is interested in buying one. Thanks for the great details and presentation.

[@JSEME]

While you’re under the truck on the ramp(love that you do that), maybe take a few seconds to show if those skid plates cover the oil drain plug. Looks like they do on the trail hunter but you don’t mention it. Truck people care about that kind of thing. Removing a heavy skid plate to change your oil sucks. Just a suggestion. Love your channel.

[@kx8960]

Agreed, there should be a hole there, or at least an access cover. Fairly easily fixed with a hole saw though, and then chamfer the edges for less chance of getting hung up.

[@daveallen7767]

Add an oil drain valve & route a hose off the side of skid plate. Hopefully can reach around plate to activate drain then be able to tell positively that you've closed it

[@kx8960]

@@daveallen7767 So, you're giving your truck the "Reach-Around"...got it!🤣🤣

[@davidballantyne762]

Great video guys. I love the back to back comparison of these two trucks, as there has been a lot of buzz about these but it’s hard to know which is best. As you guys proved, it depends on your needs. Practicality (trailhunter) versus pure sport truck fun (TRD Pro).

[@TimSaundersC4]

Great review as always! I really enjoy watching these comparisons even though I know I'll never be able to afford one of these trucks. It's crazy how expensive they’ve gotten especially for something you'd take off-road. Keep up the awesome content!

[@hourbee5535]

I’m keeping my vehicle. It’s paid off and does everything I need it to.

[@nicholassmith7048]

Yep, the best vehicle is a paid-off one.

[@DaVilyXiong]

Exactly

[@SDpapa]

I'll wait 3, 4 years and get the end of lease returns. $70K for a non full size truck is insane.

[@SirRecon]

Best 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO vid out there so far, great side by side comparison, you guys definitely stand out from the rest of the KZbinrs. I hit like as soon as I saw you guys ripping down that trail, lol

[@orlandolobos3685]

I would buy the trail hunter long bed

[@paulm6481]

Magnificent video brought to you by King of Trucks, King Tacoma and Trucks King and his old man

[@211Gus]

All that damn tech lol. I got a new Ranger earlier this year. After the first camping trip on mild trails the truck freaked out flashing a bunch warning lights at me-ABS, Driver Assist, and Stability control. Turns out it was just upset the forward sensors were dirty. Never had an issue off-road with my old F150 in all the years of hitting the dirt.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Wow your dad did some great high speed off roading. Im impressed!!!!

[@mini2nut67]

I loved the underbody inspection on the ramps. You would think they would be identical expect for the shocks but the protection is totally different. Excellent review guys!

[@TeensierPython]

Damn. There is still no space in those back seats 😂

[@freddufresne2702]

It was really fun seeing you guys rally driving these trucks 😊

[@DCPEvo]

These are damn close to 6 figure trucks in Canadian Dollars and probably in reality are after markups. Impressive!

[@X379]

Awesome review, guys. You're really doing a thorough and professional job. I can't afford these but I enjoy seeing the new tech in detail.

[@lukiw7044]

I love how You drive it fast into this woods. I would choose TRD PRO for high speed off road. Greetings

[@dangerfield85]

Dad with the Home Hardware hat 🔥🔥🔥

[@stalkev]

Those isodinamic seats. I think it's a bit much to pay $65000 for a truck, and you have to use a baby bicycle pump to adjust them in the back. It should be a switch to adjust them and some sort of compressor connected to where it makes the change for you. You air up with a switch, or you air down with a switch. It's probably an expensive thing to replace. But thank you for sharing.

[@highplainsdrifter9849]

Both Tacomas look so nice. Best looking midsized trucks on the market.

[@kalijo1]

I'll take the Colorado ZR2 or Ranger Raptor for looks. These Toyotas look like Transformers stuck in auto mode.

[@TRDTalk]

Trailhunter. Current Pro is full of gimmicks just to raise the price. They should be options.

[@alexgarcia3900]

Then just buy an sr5, lol 😆. That's the point of the trailhunter. Get the accessories on the sr5 if anything.

[@germanjimenez5968]

That's the reason I like the Nissan Frontier Pro4x. It's sweet and simple. It is not too difficult with too much technology. You are right about toyota not designing a truck with the technology that will differentiate off-road and street roads.

[@paulm6481]

Frontier only appropriate for credit challenged boy 🤣🙄

[@aaronberg5708]

​@paulm6481 bro if toyota had a penis, youd def be sucking it. Yoda disease. Man, these tacomas are having so many problems and lost their 6cyl? What the fuck does a frontier owner have to be jealous of. Go back and check the frontiers track record. They are built better, all around. I know you won't coz you're a typical toyota brain washed loser. Tacoma fell off.

[@powertools2375]

No Nissan for me. But good for you

[@TimeisReel]

I really want to like this Truck. They look great. But so many compromises. 1st why build a new platform and not make the rear seat usable. Basically its just storage. Especially on the TRD Pro with those seats. Why not have the long bed be a option on every model. TRD fake hood scoop. No Sunroof option on the Trail Hunter (US). And the plasticly interior. And they are both 65-70k...!!! But in 2034, they will be a Bargain...

[@showmemorefunthings9208]

Midsize trucks are built to fit in a garage. Because of this, most do not have very good space behind the driver and passenger seats. Purchase a fullsize truck if you need more space for passengers. The long bed is not an option because most people do not purchase a long bed mid size truck in general when they need more bed space. They purchase a fullsize truck. If Toyota offered a long bed on every model, it would cannibalize the tundra sales. That's not a very smart business move. Plus, as mentioned previously, the midsize is designed to fit in a garage. Hope that helps answer some of your questions.

[@TimeisReel]

@@showmemorefunthings9208 But it is a New Platform and the Rear Seat (especially on the TRD PRO) makes it a 65k two seater. And the Trail Hunter gives you the "option" if you want it of a longer bed which should be the "option" across the line. And the Build quality was disappointing especially for a Toyota. And we are talking about 65-70k. That is what is really killing it...

[@paulm6481]

People like you are full of shit. If you want bigger truck go buy an F150.

[@TimeisReel]

Uh oh, Paul paid 65k for a Taco...

[@aaronberg5708]

And so many problems with this gen

[@jayps421]

I'm going with Trailhunter, more accessories, more functional, option for a 6 for bed etc... TRD Pro has a nice suspension, but most people aren't going to be driving an 80k truck that fast, plus those iso seats take up precious leg room that these trucks already lack.

[@SKhan-iw7vt]

last 7 mins are the reason why im a subscriber. Only ones to push the trucks to the limits

[@EdMiller-2016]

Nobody treats a new truck like that...and it's not what they are made for. Go crashing around at high speed like that and the dealer will laugh in your face if you break it.

[@Mr7O5]

I’d just like a SR5 with a set of TRD rims

[@chileshemubanga3594]

Hey Stevie i really enjoy your reviews & watching this test like others,has been a blast!.love the 2025 Toyota tacoma design i might mention.my personal choice is the Trailhunter.

[@nunyabiznes32]

Best comparison so far. Thanks!

[@grisa12345]

Great video, super Informative. I’m surprised by how much beefier the TH is underneath and combined with the compressor it would be my choice. Gotta say though, the prices are a tough pill to swallow, given what else is out there and Toyotas early reliability issues on these. I have a 2024 Rubicon 4xe and a 2024 F150 Raptor-both on 37s, and Toyota just doesn’t compete at that level.

[@markspence3750]

I work in a hospital, where everyone makes $60,000-150,000/year (not doctors) and they would never, EVER spend $70,000 on any truck whatsoever.

[@CraigSmith568]

Between these two I would choose the Trailhunter. If I'm actually buying a truck I would look at a lower spec model or another manufacturer.

[@melissasmess2773]

Nissan 👍🏻

[@icare7151]

I would combine the best of both into one truck: Kent’s Trail Hunter Pro: Trail Hunter Enhancements: 1: Use TRD Pro Hood with Functional Hood Scoop keeps engine cooler 2: Use TRD Pro Adjustable Shocks 3: Use TRD Pro front Bumper 4: Use TRD Pro seats

[@TheMikeshannon]

Subbed for the awesome content. Great comparison with these with more than just "here's how they look in a parking lot"

[@TruckKing]

Welcome!

[@Offshore1977]

All 2024 4Runner still offers steel gas tank skid plate. What’s up with that Tacoma plastic gas tank skid plate.

[@J.Young808]

If it is HDPE then it’s really sturdy and slides over rocks better. If you look at some of Lite Bright Nation’s videos they put those skids on their Jeep Wrangler and Bronco build.

[@markstacy9708]

The drive shaft and pay load/towing differences are because of the different bed/wheel base length.

[@martrv75]

The question is how you get into the back seat

[@sevenrpm]

I love that they still kept the awesome hood props for these truck. For the awesome price.

[@nicholassmith7048]

It's the Trailhunter for me; it's more honest, less gimmicky and more versatile. Its proper bed length, rock rails, greater underbody protection and air compressor seal the deal.

[@markomedian]

You guys are so entertaining and use the trucks as they’re meant. Great job!

[@TruckKing]

Thanks 👍

[@stevenpeterson7234]

It's funny how in the Nissan Titan you got stuck but yet in the Tacoma pro/hunter you have momentum.... weird!! Thanks Steve!!

[@dannykrauskopf7404]

Excellent episode as always!!! 😁

[@germanjimenez5968]

One thing I like about Toyota is the technology of off-road trucks. Very impressive.

[@caramelopapi6221]

I would get the TRD Pro over the Trailhunter but I would customize it with a better skid plate and install an air compressor or option to have it in upon purchase. I love this video, great work man. Keep it up 👍

[@TruckKing]

Thanks - I think the skid plate is a good idea on these trucks.

[@AnthonysResurrectionGarage]

I’ll take three Nissan Frontier but my 2024 Nissan Titan pro4x with a v8 was actually less expensive than out the door than the msrp on both of those.

[@SimonGonzalOS]

Ain't that pathetic how expensive these trucks are now. The titan is a steal

[@joseeduardo4327]

Best looking midsized I think. Also, I like that the 4cyl doesn’t sound as bad as most

[@zeroninehundred]

They have multiple off road trims, sure. They need one more trim for the *on road* lineup of Tacomas. That X-Runner would sure be nice to see.

[@stevekniess3665]

Alot of competition in the midsize segment. Really good choices gmc chevy ford and Toyota all have multiple off road options would be a tough choice for me if needed a midsize truck

[@incognitext8041]

I love Toyotas and for modern off road toyotas nothing beats the fj cruiser.

[@BBond88]

Wow. Great video. Pro all day for me.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

BAD ASS prices, sorry I don't know morse code.

[@Airloki]

Great video. Thank you. I would choose trail hawk

[@Arexodius]

Really enjoyed this review and I think you made really good points about the virtues of the new Tacomas and also their differences. That built-in compressor on the Trail Hunter is a great option I think. Although, with a 2.4 kW outlet in the bed, you can use an even more capable portable compressor with our without an air tank to exceed the built-in compressor even on the TRD.

[@earlkoropatnick1928]

Thank you. I will be buying the Trail Hunter.

[@Mrplaywell]

Made in Mexico with cheap labor, lower quality (see the Car care nuts channel), deleted front bump stops (was cringing thinking dad was going to bust a shock tower), cheap hood prop rods, the Pros seats and rear legroom are for $hit, the hoods on both vibrate/flex visibly, transmissions are very sketchy, longevity with the power train is obviously reduced and hugely overpriced. Hard pass.

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Good comparison. Looking into the TrailHunter 4Runner. Not into high speed off-road. Will be trailering and it will be off-road quite a bit. Have a 5th gen and I installed a OME suspension with a lot of gear inside. The extra power and longer wheelbase should help. Newer tech and better fuel economy won't hurt either. Wish they weren't so expensive. It is getting out of hand!

[@paulm6481]

King Tacoma for Truck King. Simply nothing else better in the world. Period.

[@noxnyc23]

Damn that looks so much fun .

[@J.Young808]

I wish I had places like this to drive at..

[@ntro-p]

Great video! Two things that could've been incluided: 1) You should've included some rock crawling on both trucks, as a TRD Pro owner myself I've been curious to see if our suspension can match the Trailhunter's in some rock crawling scenarios. 2) To test the ISODynamic seats, you should've ran the seats in ON ROAD mode one way through the high speed mud scene, and OFF ROAD mode on the way back. That's how I was able to notice the ISODynamic seats definitely did make a difference in providing a more comfortable ride. Whether or not people consider them worth it is a different story. Nonetheless, solid video and great comparison!

[@shifter8207]

That hard tonneau cover has been around forever. Bakflip makes them you can get them for almost everything

[@chaddavis6301]

I noticed the TrailHunter you’re using is equipped with a sunroof. Are you able to get them with a sunroof in Canada? I don’t believe you can here in the US. All the other trims you can just not the TrailHunter.

[@terencetampan5811]

Do you clean the under body of the trucks before returning to the dealer ?

[@billcampbell8426]

And the roof rack is not standard.. Very few Ive seen have them.. As opposed to 25 4Runner which comes with ARB rack

[@AGermanMan]

Every one likes what they like - me - the GMC Canyon AT4 is gorgeous, but these do look much better than previous versions.

[@billcampbell8426]

Planning on TH.. Looking to 25 model now.. Ditch the ARB rack on back for AluCab Canopy cover and Prinsu Cab rack instead of Toyota (maybe ARB) cab rack..

[@allenmcdonald1652]

Great video! All of yours are good, but this comparison was excellent! I have a 2020 trd pro and hate the idea of the iso whatever seat which makes the rear seat fit children only. However I knew very little about the trailhunter and I learned a lot. Are the rock rails on the trail hunter steel? If so that’s a great addition because I have the raptor steps on mine and they are aluminum and will NOT take a blow from a rock! Also love the compressor system on the trail hunter. Keep up the great content!

[@comradecaptain5710]

Great comparison of two different types of Tacos. I'll never buy either one, but thanks for a very informative review.

[@germanjimenez5968]

If I purchase one, it's will be the TRD. The suspension and speed are my comfort.

[@darrinlagasse3388]

PRO for me, just so damn expensive. Going for GMC AT4 instead.

[@darrinlagasse3388]

And that color is HOT

[@huronv9500]

I hope Toyota lets us chose in the next model year on items such as the Pro seats, bed length and if we want the outside intake on the trail hunter because if I was getting a new one, I would want the Pro for the shocks, but not the seats do to all the room they take up and I would like to have the 6 foot bed, but I don't want the outside intake.

[@akihiro88]

This was hilarious at the end. 😂

[@chuckcompton-nv4eh]

Wouldn’t buy either one. Wayyyy too expensive. Ridiculous!!

[@kushing8]

Glad to see some amount of water crossing with these hybrid trucks, because this is one of my concerns.

[@navyryder]

What are you going to do with that rack in the back? Is there a purpose it?

[@nightowl3582]

My local dealership has these both going for just under 80K. 75K for the TRD Pro and 78K for the Trail Hunter. Never thought I'd see prices like that on a Taco.

[@Luvium2939]

Take them through some real challenging trails !

[@leixkay]

i love the TRD Pro, it looks beautiful and tough. can you send that used one to me?

[@healthyamerican]

Mid size truck deserves a mid size engine... Not a baby engine on steroids

[@Kuya_Gil]

I'm content with my 3rd Gen. 2017 TRD sport Tacoma.. I don't do off- roading. I just want a reliable truck that didn't cost 80+K.

[@todd0695]

Nice trucks, but for the money I'd much rather buy a full-sized truck that can also tow and haul significant loads, easily spin 37s, etc.

[@9663mu]

TH should have 35s to make it more unique

[@kelsangwangyal6690]

Sounds like you nearly drove the manual shift ❤❤❤

[@MrOri]

Steve a little correction. Trailhunter ONLY long bed😄

[@humblebee-nj]

I chose to go with a trailhunter. But I wish it had a step bar instead of a straight bar. Since there is no handle grib on the driver side, it's really hard to get in and out of the driver's seat..

[@fistfull1]

Agreed ,bought 24, Trd,pro,August 2oth,I'm 58,in & out ,I'm dragging my nutsack,my truck has that rocker panel protector, it's useless, for comfortable in & out ,literally have to remember to jump out of truck otherwise I'm swallowing my ball sac lol

[@germanjimenez5968]

Both are beautiful trucks. Both have aggressive attitudes. I will take both. But, I would rather have the Nissan Frontier Pro4x 2025. Lol. Nissan kept it sweet and simple. 😊😊😊 BTW, good presentation. I enjoyed your reviews. Keep up the good work, young man 👨

[@mattmcconnell4193]

Great looking trucks, wonder about the long range reliability of the engine. Like the Trailhunter because of the 6 ‘ bed … but the price is what takes all of them out of the conversation…

[@baltazarkosa29]

great comparison, dude - well done!

[@johndeere8594]

Toyota should make a replica of the 1997 Toyota FWD extra cab. With the 22RE motor. Five speed or automatic. No computers,no electronics. For twenty five thousand dollars.They wouldn’t be able too keep one On the lot.

[@DuyNguyen-bh1of]

Amazing review. Thanks for sharing and keep on trucking!

[@TruckKing]

Thanks for watching!