This would make a great pickup or SUV.
Toyota has submitted a trademark application to the United States with the name Trailhunter. This moniker indicates that a ruggeder model is in the works. The paperwork was submitted by the automaker on March 10th, and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on March 13.
The Trailhunter is not mentioned in the trademark paperwork. Toyota registers it under the “automobiles, structural parts thereof” category.
Further research revealed that Toyota does not yet have any filings for Trailhunter in the US. This suggests that this model is intended to be exclusive to the US. This could refer to a special edition, trim level, or a model.
The Trail editions were introduced by Toyota at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show (gallery above). These accessories were off-road-oriented, including lockable beds storage for pickups and a roof rack to support the SUV.
Trailhunter could extend the Trail with more off-road gear. The company might combine the rugged capabilities of the TRD Pro models with accessories to haul more gear into wilderness.
There are many other options. Toyota is working on a new Land Cruiser. The new Land Cruiser is not expected to be available in the United States before the second half 2022 of 2023 for the 2023 model years. However, the company may reserve Trailhunter for an extra rugged version of this SUV.
The USPTO takes several months to grant trademark requests. Therefore, Trailhunter is unlikely to be seen on any Toyota model before 2022 or 2023 model year. The Corolla Cross should be available by then, as well as the next generation RAV4, new 4Runner, and the replacement for the Tundra. These models may all be good candidates for Trailhunter.