LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2024) – Toyota has unveiled a vehicle that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Southern California’s surf culture and the adventurous soul of the 4Runner: the 4Runner Trd Surf Concept. This exciting concept, revealed at the 2024 SEMA Show and crafted at the Toyota Motorsports Garage, blends the iconic open-air appeal of the first-generation 4Runner with the advanced engineering and design of the all-new 2025 model. The TRD Surf is more than just a concept car; it’s a tribute to a lifestyle, a nod to the golden era of surfing, and a vision for the future of beach-ready SUVs.
The inspiration behind the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is deeply rooted in the 1980s, a time when the original Toyota 4Runner became synonymous with the Southern California beach scene. Surfers, in pursuit of the perfect wave, flocked to the beaches in their trusty 4Runners. Marty Schwerter, the lead builder and Director of Operations at Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center, drew upon his own memories of cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in a Toyota mini pickup to bring this vision to life. He recognized the echoes of the first-generation 4Runner in the design of the 2025 model and saw an opportunity to create a concept that truly embodied those carefree, sun-drenched days.
“The 2025 4Runner reminded me of the original, with its rugged look and powerhouse 4-cylinder engine. I knew it had the potential to be the ultimate beach cruiser,” Schwerter explained. “We wanted to create something that would resonate with today’s drivers while also honoring the legacy of the past. For us, the removable top was essential – just like the original 4Runner – and we focused on making it both functional and stylish.”
Starting with a brand-new 2025 4Runner TRD Limited, Schwerter and his team embarked on a journey to transform this already capable SUV into the ultimate beach machine. The TRD Surf Concept retains the impressive iForce 2.4L turbocharged engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The power is managed by a full-time four-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled dual-range transfer case. A custom exhaust system enhances the factory powertrain with a more pronounced and satisfying sound.
However, the transformation to a true “beach boss” presented significant engineering challenges. Creating a vehicle that looks and performs flawlessly both with and without its top required meticulous planning and execution. Schwerter highlighted the complexity of the project: “Engineering a legitimate removable top, converting a 4-door to a 2-door while maintaining functional windows, flipping the front passenger seat for better rear access, and widening the body by two inches on each side were just some of the major hurdles. The real magic of this build is how all these modifications come together seamlessly. The final product is truly greater than the sum of its parts.”
The removable top was central to the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept’s design. To ensure precision and functionality, the team first conducted a practice run on a GEN5 4Runner to gain practical insights. The actual work on the TRD Surf Concept involved days of careful alignment and fabrication. The removable top itself was constructed in-house, utilizing a blend of traditional fabrication techniques with CAD and modern 3D printing. This hybrid approach allowed for the creation of perfectly mirrored cutlines on both sides of the body, ensuring a flawless fit. Designed for easy removal by a single person, the top provides the open-air freedom that is a hallmark of the classic 4Runner experience.
Beyond its stylish and functional removable top, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept boasts serious off-road credentials. The long-travel suspension system features billet aluminum front upper and lower A-arms, engineered to conquer challenging terrain while maintaining a comfortable ride on the road. Steering enhancements, custom front axles, and a Toyota Tundra rear-end housing further complement the upgraded suspension. The concept rolls on 37-inch tires mounted on custom 17×8.5-inch wheels, contributing to its aggressive and muscular stance.
The interior of the TRD Surf Concept is as practical as it is stylish, designed to withstand the elements and cater to the needs of surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. The weatherproofed interior features soft, waterproof flooring, making cleanup after a day at the beach a breeze. The front passenger seat is designed to flip forward, providing easy access to the rear seating area – perfect for loading surfboards and gear. A custom surfboard “Travel Quiver,” specifically designed for this concept and mounted to the roof rack, completes the surf-ready aesthetic.
The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is also a testament to the collaborative spirit within Toyota. The project brought together teams from various departments, including TRD North Carolina, TMNA Production Engineering, Service Parts and Accessory Development (SPAD), AAP, and Motorsports and Engagement Marketing. This cross-departmental collaboration highlights Toyota’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of automotive design.
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, emphasized the broader significance of the concept: “This vehicle not only demonstrates Toyota’s engineering capabilities, but it also reflects the passion and creativity of our team members who are committed to innovation. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a concept that celebrates surfing?!”
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is on display at the 2024 SEMA Show from November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Toyota booth (Central Hall, Booth 22200). SEMA Show attendees are encouraged to visit the Toyota booth to experience this exciting concept firsthand and to see how Toyota continues to honor its rich heritage while embracing the future of automotive adventure.
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.
