The SEMA Show is where some of the wildest builds come out to play, and rising to the occasion this year is Toyota , which has slapped snow tracks onto all of its body-on-frame products to create what it calls the Snowhunter concepts. Yes, concepts, which means they likely aren't coming to a Toyota showroom any time soon, but it's still a fun exercise. Specifically, the Land Cruiser, 4Runner, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra have been made to look like miniature tanks, all in the name of "winter exploration."
๐ The Core Development
On top of the tracks, common additions include Rigid lighting, TRD rear billet control arms, in-house lift components, and Predator steps that make getting in and out easier. (There's gotta be a better name for that last one.) They all get equipment to accommodate all the equipment that comes with arctic adventure. The SUVs all get a Prinsu roof rack with accessory panels plus a Thule Pulse 2 cargo box, while the pickups get bed-based rack systems: Toyota's TrailLift Pro bed system for the Tundra and a full-length bed rack with MOLLE panels on the Tacoma.
๐ Background & Sector Context
The add-ons have also been mildly tailored to fit each vehicle's purpose. The family-oriented Sequoia, for example, gets a front TRD skid plate, running boards, and the cargo box, whereas the rough-and-tumble Land Cruiser receives rock rails, skid plates, and a ski rack.
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
Of course, it all looks incredibly cool, which means they accomplish what I suspect was the real mission of these builds. They're all decked out in white snow-camo liveries and look like they could conquer blizzards of apocalyptic proportions. These Snowhunter concepts are indeed concepts for now, but you might recognize that name as a play on "Trailhunter," an off-road trim of Toyota trucks that is sold to the public.
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
Speaking as a Canadian, there's a decent subset of off-road customers that don't actually go off-roading in a recreational sense โ they just want something that will get them to work easily during the two days a year most everybody else is urged to stay home. Snow tracks likely won't make it to production since they're not road legal in most jurisdictions, but toned-down Snowhunter trims of Toyota's beefiest rigs could be a hit in northern markets.
