Toyota Still Bets on Hydrogen With the 2025 Tacoma H2 Overland SEMA Concept Pickup
On display at the 2025 SEMA Show, Toyota shows off a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered truck concept that can also provide clean water for camping.
If there is one thing that makes overlanding in a Toyota Tacoma great, it's that it allows you to get away from the noise and bustle of suburbs and cities. For some, though, the internal combustion engines (ICE) in both our vehicles and power generators can detract from the serenity they’re trying to embrace. While electric cars reduce lots of that noise, Toyota is taking a bet on a hydrogen fuel cell Tacoma concept pickup for the 2025 SEMA Show. And there are a few points it makes in this concept truck that seem credible and worth considering.
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The 2025 Toyota Tacoma H2 Overland concept is, in a way, essentially the off-road version of the hydrogen-powered Mirai. But while it uses that sedan's same hydrogen stack, the similarities begin to cease there. For one, the Tacoma has four-wheel drive using a 302-hp (225-kW) front motor with a limited-slip differential and a 252-hp (188-kW) rear eAxle with an electronic locker. Toyota claims this is good for a combined output of 547 hp. And considering electric motors offer maximum torque at “zero” rpm, this could become one amazing rock climber. Cooling won’t be a problem thanks to a mix of Tacoma TRD Pro and Lexus RZ parts made to address that issue. This unique setup keeps the battery and hydrogen-power systems thermally stable while under load.
The stack powers both axles and charges a 24.9-kWh battery; the hydrogen gas is supplied by three 4.4-pound tanks for a 13.2-pound total capacity. The Toyota Mirai has a capacity very close to that (it’s just shy of 1 pound less) and it gets roughly 300 miles of range when not driving it irresponsibly or always driving it on the highway. But it probably weighs less than the Tacoma H2 Overland concept since the pickup carries extra gear and a rooftop tent.
There are also two party tricks the hydrogen stack setup in the H2 Overlander brings to the trail. The first is the ability to output 15 kW of vehicle to load (V2L) power via its two NEMA 14-50 outlets (the 240-volt outlet you typically use for your electric dryer or stove in your house). This is enough power to charge two electric vehicles simultaneously or power your home when the electricity is out.
The second is an innovative water-recovery system for the hydrogen stack. This not only saves the aqueous byproduct from being wasted but also distills it. Unfortunately, you can’t drink it as it removes all the electrolytes and minerals your body needs, but the recovered H20 can be used for washing and showering. Considering many of the places you might go overlanding are short on water, this is a huge advantage neither EVs nor combustion vehicles can provide.
As for the truck itself? Toyota Racing Development (TRD) went the extra mile and built a full set of billet control arms for the front and rear suspension. The eAxle rear is also centered using a TRD billet track bar, and these pieces are anodized in a brilliant blue, matching the H2 Overland's hydrogen theme.
These aluminum billet arms are also not only tougher than the stock arms but are part of the long-travel kit that includes a set of Fox Racing 2.5 Performance Elite shocks. The additional travel allows the Tacoma H2 Overland to articulate over challenging terrain while absorbing the bumps and rocks with ease. A custom set of 17-x8.5-inch Method Race 703-HD Bead Grip wheels are used in conjunction with General Grabber X3 tires that measure out to 35x12.50R17, including the swing-out, rear bumper mounted spare tire. Under the front wheels are upgraded brake calipers and rotors for the improved stopping power needed to handle the extra weight of the gear and hydrogen setup.
For the body, TRD created new heavy-duty off-road bumpers with integrated recovery points, an integrated front mount for the Warn VR Evo winch, and rear swing-outs for the spare tire and water storage tank. Around the Tacoma H2 Overland are DOT-compliant lights for the front lightbars, fog lights, and camp lighting from Rigid Industries. On top of the roof and bed rack is a pop-up tent ready to house its owners when they find that perfect spot well away from the busy world.
With all the cool features and advantages the 2025 Toyota Tacoma H2 Overland promises, there is one that’s still a huge problem. Where do you fuel it? That is the main challenge for all hydrogen vehicles, and it doesn’t matter if they are away from civilization or in the middle of an eco-progressive city like Los Angeles. While Toyota speaks of hydrogen's wonders—and we don’t fully disagree with the points it makes—the infrastructure just still isn’t there and isn’t as easy to implement as chargers for battery-electric vehicles.
It's a wonderful idea and some good steps have been taken toward making hydrogen production cleaner and more plentiful. But hydrogen infrastructure still has miles to go while EV infrastructure is miles ahead. If you want to check out Toyota’s attempt to bring hydrogen-powered overlanders into the world, you can see the 2025 Tacoma H2 Overland concept at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 4–7.
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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