2027 Toyota Tundra Receives the Trailhunter Upgrade, but forgoes the ‘Snorkel’ Feature.
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Toyota offers a wide range of off-road trucks and does not categorize every 4×4 in the same way. For the 4Runner and Tacoma, it provides a high-speed TRD Pro model for those who love desert driving and a Trailhunter trim aimed at overlanding enthusiasts. We anticipated that the upcoming full-size 2027 Toyota Tundra would also feature the Trailhunter trim, and it does, but with a few differences. Rather than being its own trim, the Trailhunter is a package available for the Tundra SR5, and it lacks the prominent high-rise air intake.
However, this does not mean the Trailhunter package is a subpar enhancement. In fact, I would argue that it strikes the right balance. Instead of restricting vital off-road features, it offers them at a more accessible price, omitting unnecessary luxuries. While you may not receive leather in a Trailhunter-equipped Tundra, you will benefit from Old Man Emu suspension, recovery hooks, skid plates, and 265/70 Michelin LTX Trail tires (which are equivalent to 31.6 inches in diameter) mounted on 18-inch wheels.
Toyota has also included its specialized off-road technology in this truck. It still comes with Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and an electronically locking rear differential. In that respect, it's quite similar to the TRD Off-Road package, although that variant comes with Bilstein shocks and Falken Wildpeak tires.
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Additionally, if you want a snorkel, you can add one. It’s important to note that the 4Runner and Tacoma Trailhunter have a stylish intake that Toyota specifies is not a snorkel. It isn't watertight; instead, it elevates the air intake height to help prevent dust and debris from entering the system. Plus, it produces a lot of turbo noise.
Tundra SR5s equipped with the Trailhunter package also feature bronze wheels and unique badges, making them visually distinct from the countless other versions of the truck.
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Another key difference between the full-size Tundra and other Trailhunter models is the powertrain—specifically the absence of a hybrid option. While the 4Runner and Tacoma come with a standard electrified 2.4-liter turbo-four, the Tundra SR5 is offered only with a gasoline-powered twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6. This engine delivers a robust performance with 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, but those desiring the hybrid version with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque will need to choose a different trim.
Overall, I'm fine with the Tundra's Trailhunter upgrades being on the less aggressive side. This allows you to avoid spending TRD Pro prices—over $75,000—to access the features you desire while bypassing those you don’t need. Many may still opt for the higher-end models, but at least there's an option for those who prioritize sensibility over extravagance.
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2027 Toyota Tundra Receives the Trailhunter Upgrade, but forgoes the ‘Snorkel’ Feature.
Instead of introducing another high-end off-road variant, Toyota created a Trailhunter package for the Tundra SR5.