🧵 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter vs TRD Off-Road — Real Comparison Before the Road Trip

[SmokyMtnTaco]

Hey everyone — Rob here from @SmokyMtnTaco


I’ve been running a 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter Hybrid for a while now, but I decided to rent a 2025 TRD Off-Road to see how it really stacks up — same roads, same driver, no dealership fluff.


Before the big road trip, I did a full side-by-side comparison in my driveway:

• Power delivery: hybrid torque vs turbo lag
• Suspension feel: Old Man Emu vs Bilstein
• Build & materials: heavier Trailhunter vs lighter TRD panels
• Real-world MPG results after 800 miles
• And yeah… I’ve got thoughts

Watch the full video here:



Why it matters:
Toyota didn’t just tweak trim levels — these trucks feel completely different.
If you’re deciding between trims or just curious what Toyota changed for 2025, this is the real-world comparison you’ve probably been looking for.


Products mentioned:
I’ll list a few in the YouTube description, but if you’re hunting for discount codes or gear links, they’re all on my site:
https://smokymtntaco.com


Let me know which one you’d choose — TRD Off-Road or Trailhunter?

Drop me a note on the website and let me know what you would like to see in a future video!

Stay blessed and stay taco’d,
— Rob / @SmokyMtnTaco

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[306trd]

I still just can't see the value proposition of the Trailhunter when you can get a 3/4-ton diesel for the same money.

 

[Rmarin4272]

Comparing those two is a HUGE difference. My TRD Off-Road has 3 aux switches, full powered seats driver and passenger, heated seats, heated steering wheel, trailer braking, duel climate, 3-way garage door opener on rear view mirror, all weather floor mats (lasfit still much better).

It seems my trim is leaps above that ‘rental’.

I’ve taken it through some rugged roads in the Arizona high country and it was a beast. Loving my OR.

Would still love to put $20k in it though!!

 

[lauren01]

Test drove several including an TRD Pro (they insisted I try it) and after exploring several models, easily settled on Trailhunter. Also drove several Tundras, Land Cruisers, 4Runners, used manual and automatic Tacomas. Went to dealerships in Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, and Madera. Fortunately I didn’t need a truck in a hurry. My next favorite was a Tundra 1794 with TRD package.

 

[MT-Taco]

Well, the $20K savings I choose the TRD OR with SDM and upgrade package. Added $7.5K from the aftermarket. Since you’re asking, I would put it up against a TH anytime in the real world.

 

[Nardo]

I still just can't see the value proposition of the Trailhunter when you can get a 3/4-ton diesel for the same money.

completely different use cases

 

[Briscoelab]

If you want a TRD OR with the hybrid, SDM, and the premium interior package, the Trailhunter is a compelling option. For just a little more, you get a lot of value. 1. Nicer suspension. 2. Rock rails. 3. More than decent underbody protection. 4. Prewired onboard air. 5. Factory wired light bar and nice fogs. 5. wider fender flares and nice wheels (IMO). 6. Nice steel rear bumper and recovery points.

Disadvantage is that you lose the sunroof and you have the hassle of selling that stupid (IMO) chase rack. haha

I was interested more in a non-hybrid TRD OR Premium, with SDM, to begin with. But those proved difficult to find in my area. I was able to snag a LB Trailhunter for a decent discount and am happy with the choice. Not happy about the terrible fuel mileage though But that's another thread.

 

[lauren01]

If you want a TRD OR with the hybrid, SDM, and the premium interior package, the Trailhunter is a compelling option. For just a little more, you get a lot of value. 1. Nicer suspension. 2. Rock rails. 3. More than decent underbody protection. 4. Prewired onboard air. 5. Factory wired light bar and nice fogs. 5. wider fender flares and nice wheels (IMO). 6. Nice steel rear bumper and recovery points.

Disadvantage is that you lose the sunroof and you have the hassle of selling that stupid (IMO) chase rack. haha

I was interested more in a non-hybrid TRD OR Premium, with SDM, to begin with. But those proved difficult to find in my area. I was able to snag a LB Trailhunter for a decent discount and am happy with the choice. Not happy about the terrible fuel mileage though But that's another thread.

I agree with all your points. On the style item, all you ARB Chase rack haters, ship them to me. I will do experimentation to figure out better ways to to a T track or other method. I will give you free access to the data for your trouble.

 

[Briscoelab]

seems fair! Haha to each their own, seriously. I took mine off for a bed cover that was needed for road trips until my GFC topper was built.

But I found a person that was super happy to buy mine.

Fuel economy has been just horrible though. 16.5-16.8mpg for my first 2k miles with stock tires. Then 16mpg with 275/70r18 until recently when them air temps have dropped. Now I’m at 15.5 with mixed driving. 5900 miles.

I love this truck. But it gets worse fuel mileage than a previous Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, lifted 2.5”, with 35” tires and a 3.6l v6. lol. I also had a similar gladiator with the 3.0 diesel that would get 22mpg into a headwind at 75mph, but that was cheating

We need that rotopax just ton on out of gas ;)

 

[lauren01]

seems fair! Haha to each their own, seriously. I took mine off for a bed cover that was needed for road trips until my GFC topper was built.

But I found a person that was super happy to buy mine.

Fuel economy has been just horrible though. 16.5-16.8mpg for my first 2k miles with stock tires. Then 16mpg with 275/70r18 until recently when them air temps have dropped. Now I’m at 15.5 with mixed driving. 5900 miles.

I love this truck. But it gets worse fuel mileage than a previous Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, lifted 2.5”, with 35” tires and a 3.6l v6. lol. I also had a similar gladiator with the 3.0 diesel that would get 22mpg into a headwind at 75mph, but that was cheating

We need that rotopax just ton on out of gas ;)

I’m surprised your mileage sucks so bad. I also have a Trailhunter, 6’ bed and ReTrax XR Pro bed cover. Mileage is around 21 average with slightly more highway than in town when we are not towing. When we are towing, we get about 14 mpg. When it’s purely highway, I have gotten as high as 26 mpg, but I found that the tires were over inflated to 47 psi. Now I have them at about 31 psi. At that psi when it is 50/50 highway and city I am getting 19 mpg. I track mileage in Fuelly for all of our vehicles. I am in California close to sea level and mostly temperatures in the 60s and 70s since I got the truck in August.

 

[Briscoelab]

Yeah, it's pretty brutal... but manageable. I live in the upper midwest and it can be VERY windy. I also commute daily on mixed highway and city streets with moderate to heavy traffic. So, lots of accelerations and high speeds. All the torque of the hybrid make s you want to get into it All of that is working against me.

It also seems all of the Toyota truck based platforms take a hit in cooler temps if they have a hybrid... which I'm just starting to get up here. I'm sure that has contributed to my 0.5mpg drop over the last could weeks. We also have a LC250 and it's taken a dip as well.

 

[lauren01]

A yeah, been babying mine most of the time since I’m still getting used to driving it.
The truck also has the OTT Stage 1 tune. That is said to typically help with one to two MPG.

 

[rijc99]

You needed the premium package and a bundle of cash representing the difference sitting on the passenger seat.

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