For generations, the Toyota Tacoma has defined accessible off-road adventure and long-haul dependability. At the 2025 SEMA Show, Toyota pushed that legacy into new territory with the reveal of the Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept, a hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric overlanding rig engineered to explore deeper, tread lighter and rethink what’s possible beyond the pavement. Producing 547 horsepower, emitting only water, and even capturing that water for campsite use, this concept showcases Toyota’s forward-thinking approach to backcountry travel.
Zero-Emission Performance With Real Off-Road Muscle
Built on the robust TNGA-F platform, the Tacoma H2-Overlander replaces internal combustion with a second-generation Toyota Mirai fuel cell stack paired with three frame-integrated hydrogen tanks holding 6 kg of hydrogen. In operation, hydrogen combines with oxygen in the fuel cell to create electricity and water vapor—nothing more. A 24.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack augments the system, providing the instant torque and regenerative capability of a battery electric vehicle while maintaining the quicker refueling benefits of hydrogen. Together, the battery and fuel cell power a 225-kW front motor and a 188-kW rear eAxle, sending that near-silent 547 hp to the ground through a front limited-slip differential and a rear electronic locking differential.
Craig Cauthen, manager of TRD’s Emerging Technologies Group, said the team set out to blend Toyota’s off-road roots with advanced technology. “We wanted to keep that theme of TRD’s off-road heritage and desert racing while incorporating cutting-edge powertrain technologies,” he explained. “This vehicle showcases the ability of the TRD team that goes beyond just what we can do on the racetrack.”
Suspension, Cooling, And Capability For The Backcountry
To ensure that electrified power could translate into genuine trail readiness, TRD equipped the concept with a billet long-travel suspension system paired with heavy-duty Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks adapted from Tundra development. These components increase articulation and improve shock absorption across punishing terrain. A Tundra-derived front brake package sharpens stopping performance, while custom 17×8.5-inch wheels wrapped in 35×12.5R17 off-road tires deliver the bite needed for unpredictable trail surfaces. A TRD-developed cooling system that integrates elements from the Tacoma TRD Pro and Lexus RZ manages temperatures across both hydrogen and electric systems and ensures stability during long, demanding off-road cycles.
Water From Thin Air: TRD’s Patent-Pending Recovery System
Among the concept’s most innovative elements is its patent-pending TRD exhaust water recovery system. Because the fuel cell’s only byproduct is water, TRD engineered a method to capture, filter, and store it for campsite use. The result is essentially distilled water—free of minerals and suitable for washing or showering. Toyota notes that it is not intended for drinking, but for remote overlanders where water can be scarce, the ability to generate clean water from the powertrain offers meaningful utility.
A Mobile Power Station For The Trail
Powering remote adventure is a central theme of the Tacoma H2-Overlander. Integrating a 15-kW power takeoff system, the concept can supply enough electricity to run something as substantial as a home off-grid. It can also charge two electric vehicles simultaneously through its dual NEMA 14-50 outlets. Toyota describes this capability as a “buddy system” approach, ensuring fellow travelers—especially those driving BEVs—will not be left stranded in the backcountry.
Engineering A Hydrogen Tacoma On A SEMA Deadline
Developing the Tacoma H2-Overlander was a formidable challenge. TRD engineering teams in California and North Carolina collaborated intensively, relying on advanced CAD models, 3D-printed guides, and a cross-functional approach to reimagine a gasoline-powered Tacoma as a fully integrated hydrogen 4WD concept in a matter of months. “Time was our greatest challenge,” Cauthen said. “The question became: ‘What can we do on a tight timeline to be prepared for SEMA with a fully integrated vehicle that used to run on gasoline and now runs on hydrogen?’” The accelerated development cycle led to several TRD firsts, including the water recovery system and a TRD-tailored roboformed tailgate created with Toyota Motor North America Stamping.
Exterior Purpose-Built For Overland Exploration
The exterior of the H2-Overlander reflects its purpose-driven mission. A custom overlanding camper crafted with recycled carbon-fiber aero panels improves efficiency without sacrificing durability. Heavy-duty bumpers with integrated recovery points fortify the truck’s extremities, while a winch and dual swingouts expand its recovery and cargo handling capabilities. The bed features integrated tiedowns and a dedicated recovery board storage system. DOT-compliant lighting, including front lightbars, fog lamps, and camp illumination, ensures visibility and functionality in remote and low-light environments.
Hydrogen As A Trail-Ready Future
Mike Tripp, group vice president for Toyota Marketing, emphasized the broader significance of the concept. “The Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept embodies Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality—showing that there’s more than one road to a cleaner future,” he said. “At SEMA, under our theme ‘Powered by Possibility,’ we’re demonstrating that hydrogen isn’t just viable, it’s a core consideration in Toyota’s vision for what’s next. This concept proves that clean energy and real-world capability can go hand in hand.”
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