Toyota Turns New 4Runner Into Cool Pickup and Surfer’s Dream
Toyota always has something special and retro-cool for the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This year’s edition runs November 5-8 and will feature this awesome concept that combines the open-air spirit of the first-generation 4Runner with the cutting-edge technology and design of the all-new 2025 4Runner.
Just like the original, which went by the name “Hilux Surf” in Japan, the vehicle can morph from SUV to pickup thanks to a removable top and was designed as the ultimate rig for surfers. In fact, 4Runners were quite popular on the beaches of California back in the 1980s.
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The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is based on a 2025 4Runner TRD Limited equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine delivering 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is distributed by way of a full-time four-wheel drive system, with an electronically controlled dual-range transfer case. A custom exhaust gives the factory powertrain a more satisfying exhaust note.
As you might imagine, however, creating a “factory” 4Runner that looks and performs equally well with the top off as it does with the top on posed a number of challenges. To gain real-world insight, a practice run was done on a previous-gen 4Runner.
“Engineering a legitimate, removable top; going from a 4-door to a 2-door while maintaining functional windows; flipping the front passenger seat for improved rear seat access; and adding 2-inches of width to both sides were all just tip of the iceberg issues,” said Marty Schwerter, lead builder and Director of Operations at Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Centersaid. “What makes this build so stellar has less to do with the changes themselves and more to do with the amazing way that they all work together—the result is truly greater than the sum of the parts.”
The removable top was built in-house, blending traditional fabrication with CAD and modern 3D printing technology to shape cutlines that perfectly mirrored both sides of the body. Toyota claims it can be easily removed by a single person.
Inside, the weatherproofed cabin includes soft, waterproof flooring and a front passenger seat that flips forward to allow easy access to the rear seating area. There’s a custom surfboard “Travel Quiver” made specifically for this concept, which pairs perfectly with the roof rack.
Other modifications to the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept include a long-travel suspension, steering upgrades, custom front axles and Toyota Tundra rear-end housing. At each corner, 37-inch all-terrain tires wrap 17x8.5-inch custom wheels, completing the muscular appearance. And don’t you just love that purple paint job with blue wave graphics on the sides?