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Hey everyone, dropping some photos and thoughts from a recent road trip taking the new Trailhunter from the California Bay Area out to the Grand Canyon. Wanted to share some real-world impressions on usability, handling, and fuel economy for anyone looking to road-trip theirs.
Ride & Handling
Suspension: The ride is incredibly comfortable on the ARB Old Man Emu shocks.
Highway Cruising: Because of the high ground clearance and boxy aerodynamics, extreme windy stretches at speeds above 70+ mph can make you feel a little less in control. Drop it down to 60-65 mph, though, and you won't even feel the crosswinds.
Cornering: Coming from a sports car background (switched from a BMW M4
), I definitely had to adjust my expectations. I sometimes have to slow down on winding sections, especially going downhill at higher speeds (65+ mph).
Fuel Efficiency (MPG)
Observed fuel efficiency varies heavily depending on your speed and inclination:
Flat Highway (60-70 mph): On mostly flat driving, you can easily fetch around 20 mpg.
High-Speed Cruising (80-85 mph): Efficiency reduces significantly to 16-17 mpg.
The Best: Got an incredible 34 mpg on a 30-mile stretch from Grand Canyon Village to Williams, which is mostly downhill.
The Worst: Dipped down to 13 mpg on a heavy climbing stretch at 75 mph heading back from Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon.
Wind & Snorkel Noise
There is noticeable wind noise on the breezier stretches of the highway. However, once you get used to the snorkel intake noise—which is actually pretty cool—the regular wind noise isn't an issue. You quickly reach a point where you don't even realize it's there.
Off-Road Performance
We ventured onto some dirt roads and light off-road trails, and this thing is an absolute beast. On off-beaten paths, whether you are moving at high or low speeds, the suspension is spectacular to say the least. The cabin stays remarkably compliant and comfortable.
Utility & Gear Integration
The 120v rear socket was the MVP of the entire trip. I run an ICECO electric cooler plugged into a small portable battery, which stays plugged directly into the truck's outlet. While driving, the socket charges the battery. When the truck is off, the battery keeps the cooler running for up to 12 hours.
The Result: A seamless, permanently moving fridge. Having instant access to chilled beverages, ice cream, and fresh food anywhere in the middle of the Arizona desert heat is an absolute game-changer.
Styling & Looks
The looks on this truck are incredible. Almost everyone stops to admire it at gas stations and scenic overlooks. The Trailhunter, with its factory lift and overall aggressive styling, is an absolute looker and gets a ton of attention on the road.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the car and my purchase decision—I don't regret it for a single bit. Though the Trailhunter is definitely expensive, it is an amazing value considering what it has to offer out of the box with all the extra factory goodies, capabilities, and the looks.
Ride & Handling
Suspension: The ride is incredibly comfortable on the ARB Old Man Emu shocks.
Highway Cruising: Because of the high ground clearance and boxy aerodynamics, extreme windy stretches at speeds above 70+ mph can make you feel a little less in control. Drop it down to 60-65 mph, though, and you won't even feel the crosswinds.
Cornering: Coming from a sports car background (switched from a BMW M4
), I definitely had to adjust my expectations. I sometimes have to slow down on winding sections, especially going downhill at higher speeds (65+ mph).Fuel Efficiency (MPG)
Observed fuel efficiency varies heavily depending on your speed and inclination:
Flat Highway (60-70 mph): On mostly flat driving, you can easily fetch around 20 mpg.
High-Speed Cruising (80-85 mph): Efficiency reduces significantly to 16-17 mpg.
The Best: Got an incredible 34 mpg on a 30-mile stretch from Grand Canyon Village to Williams, which is mostly downhill.
The Worst: Dipped down to 13 mpg on a heavy climbing stretch at 75 mph heading back from Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon.
Wind & Snorkel Noise
There is noticeable wind noise on the breezier stretches of the highway. However, once you get used to the snorkel intake noise—which is actually pretty cool—the regular wind noise isn't an issue. You quickly reach a point where you don't even realize it's there.
Off-Road Performance
We ventured onto some dirt roads and light off-road trails, and this thing is an absolute beast. On off-beaten paths, whether you are moving at high or low speeds, the suspension is spectacular to say the least. The cabin stays remarkably compliant and comfortable.
Utility & Gear Integration
The 120v rear socket was the MVP of the entire trip. I run an ICECO electric cooler plugged into a small portable battery, which stays plugged directly into the truck's outlet. While driving, the socket charges the battery. When the truck is off, the battery keeps the cooler running for up to 12 hours.
The Result: A seamless, permanently moving fridge. Having instant access to chilled beverages, ice cream, and fresh food anywhere in the middle of the Arizona desert heat is an absolute game-changer.
Styling & Looks
The looks on this truck are incredible. Almost everyone stops to admire it at gas stations and scenic overlooks. The Trailhunter, with its factory lift and overall aggressive styling, is an absolute looker and gets a ton of attention on the road.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the car and my purchase decision—I don't regret it for a single bit. Though the Trailhunter is definitely expensive, it is an amazing value considering what it has to offer out of the box with all the extra factory goodies, capabilities, and the looks.
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