TOYOTA 4Runner TRD Surf Concept
Inspired by the California beaches of the 1980s
The first-generation Hilux Surf (4Runner) was a huge hit among young people in the United States in the 1980s due to its affordable price and ease of use, and became an icon of surf culture in particular.
The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, unveiled at the 2024 SEMA Show, was developed with inspiration from Southern California’s vibrant surf culture. Toyota Motorsports Garage, which developed and produced the car, boasts that it combines the rugged and open spirit of the original 4Runner (Hilux Surf) with the cutting-edge technology and design of the new 4Runner, which underwent a full model change this year.
The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is inspired by the 1980s, when surfers on Southern California beaches searched for the perfect wave and the 4Runner (Hilux Surf) was a popular model for young people. Marty Schwelter, lead builder and operations director at Toyota Motorsports Garage, explains the image as follows:
“The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept was developed based on my own experiences cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in a Toyota compact pickup. I sought to capture the spirit of the original 2025 4Runner and envision a concept that embodies sun-filled days.”
“The new 4Runner, with its rugged exterior and powerful inline-four engine, reminded us of the original. We thought it had the potential to be the ultimate beach cruiser. We created something that respects the past while also being relevant in the modern era. The removable roof is a must-have. We focused on making it both stylish and functional.”
Developed based on the 6th generation “4Runner”
Based on the sixth-generation 4Runner, which was announced in 2024 and has not been introduced in Japan, various improvements have been made, including a removable roof.
The base model is the 2025 4Runner TRD Limited. The 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder iForce Turbo engine produces 281 PS and 430 Nm of torque, and delivers its immense power to the road via an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled dual-range transfer case.
The team at Toyota Motorsports Garage worked hard to transform the latest 4Runner into the perfect beach-style vehicle, creating a factory-quality pickup that looks great both open and with the detachable roof, and performs well.
“The removable roof design complies with current traffic regulations, and we’ve changed from a four-door to a two-door design while retaining the opening rear window, and we’ve added a folding passenger seat for improved rear seat access. These are just a few of the refinements we’ve made to the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept.”
“What makes this pickup so great isn’t the various modifications themselves, but how they all fit together so well. It’s not just the sum of its parts, but how each one works together in synergy.”
Detachable roof that complies with traffic regulations
The detachable roof has been developed to a production-level quality, complies with current traffic regulations, and can be easily installed by an adult.
To create a detachable roof that could actually be used, the development team built a prototype based on the fifth-generation 4Runner. The removable roof was manufactured in the Toyota Motorsports Garage using a method that combined CAD and the latest 3D printing technology. It is designed so that even one person can easily change the roof from open to closed.
The car is equipped with a long-travel suspension system. Its billet aluminum front upper and lower arms provide a smooth ride while handling even the toughest terrain. It also features upgraded steering, a custom front axle, and a Toyota Tundra rear end housing. Massive 37-inch tires are mounted on 17×8.5-inch custom wheels.
Specially made surfboards
A custom surfboard called the “Travel Quiver” was also created for the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, which can be mounted on the roof rack or in the luggage compartment.
Ready for any adventure, the weather-resistant interior features soft, waterproof flooring and forward-folding front seats for easy rear seat access. Another special accessory is the custom “Travel Quiver” surfboard, created exclusively for the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept. This cool surfboard can be stored on the roof rack or in the cargo area.
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, expressed confidence in the completeness of the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept.
“The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept not only showcases Toyota’s engineering prowess, but also reflects the passion and creativity of our team members as they continue to push the envelope. Who wouldn’t love a concept dedicated to surf culture?”
