LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2024) – At the 2024 SEMA Show, Toyota unveiled the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, a vehicle embodying the free spirit of Southern California’s surf culture. This concept, born from the Toyota Motorsports Garage, merges the raw, open-air appeal of the original 4Runner with the advanced engineering of the all-new 2025 model. It serves as a powerful homage to the adventurous lifestyle that defined a generation, and perhaps hints at future directions for Toyota’s off-road offerings, even sparking thoughts of what a “Toyota Trx” could represent in their lineup.
The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is deeply rooted in the history of the Toyota 4Runner, a vehicle that became synonymous with the 1980s So-Cal beach scene. Surfers, always in pursuit of the perfect wave, found the 4Runner to be the ideal companion. Marty Schwerter, the project’s lead builder and Director of Operations at Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center, drew upon his own youthful experiences cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in a Toyota mini pickup to shape the concept. He recognized the spirit of the first-generation 4Runner in the 2025 model and aimed to create a concept that would capture the essence of those sun-drenched days.
“The 2025 4Runner reminded me of the original, with its rugged look and powerhouse 4cyl engine. I knew it had the potential to be the ultimate beach cruiser,” Schwerter explained. “We wanted to create something that would resonate today while paying homage to the past. The removable top was essential, just like the original, and we ensured it was both functional and stylish.”
Alt text: Front view of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, showcasing its rugged design and open-top configuration at the 2024 SEMA Show.
Starting with a brand-new 2025 4Runner TRD Limited, the team equipped the concept with the iForce 2.4L turbocharged engine. This powertrain delivers 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. A full-time four-wheel drive system, complete with an electronically controlled dual-range transfer case, distributes power effectively. A custom exhaust system was added to enhance the factory powertrain’s sound, providing a more engaging driving experience.
Schwerter’s team immediately focused on elevating the already capable 4Runner into the ultimate beach vehicle. However, engineering a “factory-quality” 4Runner that maintains its aesthetic and performance whether the top is on or off presented significant engineering challenges.
“Designing a truly removable top, converting a 4-door to a 2-door while keeping functional windows, flipping the front passenger seat for better rear access, and widening the body by 2 inches on each side were just some of the initial hurdles,” Schwerter noted. “The brilliance of this build lies not just in the individual modifications, but in how seamlessly they integrate. The final product is truly more impressive than the sum of its parts.”
Alt text: Side view of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept demonstrating its two-door conversion and the sleek lines of its removable roof.
Every aspect of the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept was meticulously designed to celebrate its coastal inspiration. The removable top transformation was approached with extreme precision. A practice run on a GEN5 4Runner provided valuable insights before work commenced on the concept. The team dedicated several days to ensure perfect alignment. The removable top was fabricated in-house, combining traditional techniques with CAD and advanced 3D printing to create precise cut lines that mirrored both sides of the body for a flawless fit. Designed for easy removal by a single person, this feature delivers the open-air freedom characteristic of the 4Runner heritage, and a feature that enthusiasts of vehicles like a hypothetical “Toyota TRX” might appreciate for maximizing their outdoor experience.
Balancing ruggedness with style, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept features a long-travel suspension system. This includes billet aluminum front upper and lower A-arms, engineered to conquer challenging terrains while ensuring a comfortable ride. Steering enhancements, custom front axles, and a Toyota Tundra rear-end housing complement the bespoke suspension. The concept rolls on 37-inch tires, mounted on 17×8.5-inch custom wheels, completing its assertive stance and off-road-ready look.
Alt text: Detailed shot of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept’s custom wheel and long-travel suspension, emphasizing its off-road capabilities.
Prepared for any adventure, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept boasts a weatherproofed interior. Soft, waterproof flooring and a front passenger seat that folds forward for easy rear seat access enhance practicality. Custom accessories include a surfboard “Travel Quiver” designed specifically for this concept, which integrates seamlessly with the roof rack, perfect for catching waves or simply enjoying the beach lifestyle.
The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept also exemplifies Toyota’s collaborative spirit, uniting teams from TRD North Carolina, TMNA Production Engineering, Service Parts and Accessory Development (SPAD), AAP, and Motorsports and Engagement Marketing to bring this vision to life. This collaborative effort underscores Toyota’s commitment to innovation and pushing design boundaries, while tapping into the passion of their team members.
“This vehicle not only demonstrates Toyota’s engineering capabilities, but also the enthusiasm and creativity of our team members who are committed to innovation. And, after all, who isn’t drawn to a concept inspired by surfing!” remarked Mike Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Marketing.
The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept was showcased at the 2024 SEMA Show from November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in the Toyota booth (Central Hall, Booth 22200). Visitors were invited to explore this groundbreaking concept and witness how Toyota continues to celebrate its heritage while embracing the future of automotive adventure, potentially paving the way for future models that capture the same spirit of performance and off-road prowess that enthusiasts might associate with a “Toyota TRX”.
Vehicle referenced is a special project prototype vehicle, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota that may void the vehicle’s warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal.
