Dunes, Turbos, and Traitors: Testing the 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter at St. Anthony

I recently hauled the new 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter out to the massive St. Anthony Sand Dunes, and it was an absolute trip. Huge shout out to Hatch Adventures for letting me borrow this beast—it’s easily one of the most talked-about rigs I've ever driven.

The "Whole Foods" Factor

Before hitting the sand, I did some "urban off-roading." Let’s be real: this truck looks incredible parked in front of Whole Foods. I lost count of how many people approached me around town just to ask about the build. It has that magnetic presence that makes everyone stop and stare.

The Trailhunter Experience: Precision & Sound

Once we hit the dirt, the first thing that hits you is the snorkel. Hearing that turbo spool up right outside the window is addictive; it gives the Tacoma a mechanical soul that sounds better than any previous generation.

When things got technical on the rocks, the camera system was a game-changer. It felt like playing a video game—spotting lines and parking on jagged edges with total confidence. The Tacoma never struggled once; it just hummed along with surgical precision.

The Bronco Raptor: A Moment of Betrayal

Then things got interesting. A random guy at the dunes was cool enough to hand me the keys to his 2025 Bronco Raptor for a rip around the bowls.

I’ll be honest: I felt like a traitor, but the raw power of the Braptor is on another level. I was hitting 55 mph on the sand, screaming through the dunes with a level of speed the Tacoma just couldn't match. It’s a different kind of animal—one built for pure, unadulterated desert speed. While the Tacoma never got stuck and was incredibly capable, the Bronco definitely won the "fun in the bowls" category.

The Golden Rule of Sand

One final piece of advice for anyone heading to St. Anthony: Roll your windows up before you start making those massive rooster tails. Trust me, sand in the upholstery is a permanent souvenir you don't want.