2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept – SEMA2024

Toyota’s Latest Concept at SEMA 2024

Each year, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas brings together auto enthusiasts, industry leaders, and some of the boldest automotive innovations from around the world. This year, Toyota has created a buzz with its latest concept: the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept. This vehicle, showcased in the Toyota booth at SEMA 2024, blends the best of both worlds – the iconic features of the first-generation 4Runner that gained popularity in the 80s with the advanced engineering and style of the upcoming 2025 4Runner TRD Limited. But this isn’t just another concept vehicle; it’s a homage to Southern California’s vibrant surf culture and the adventurous spirit that the original 4Runner became known for.

Toyota’s Motorsports Garage team, led by Marty Schwerter, designed this concept vehicle to capture the essence of the SoCal surf scene while enhancing the off-road capabilities that make the 4Runner a go-to choice for adventurers. In keeping with Toyota’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept combines rugged performance with cutting-edge technology, offering a new take on the classic removable-top SUV style that first made waves decades ago. From custom-engineered parts to a unique design aesthetic, every detail of this concept has been crafted to celebrate the free-spirited, go-anywhere vibe that characterizes the SoCal lifestyle.

A Tribute to SoCal Surf Culture

Southern California is more than just a destination; it’s a way of life. With endless coastlines, warm weather, and a vibrant surf scene, the area has cultivated a culture that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination. For decades, the 4Runner has been a staple at SoCal beaches, blending the versatility of an off-road vehicle with the laid-back style of a beach cruiser. The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is Toyota’s tribute to this enduring culture, designed not only to turn heads but also to embody the adventurous spirit that defines SoCal.

The concept vehicle’s standout feature, the removable roof, harkens back to the days when 4Runners were a common sight parked along the Pacific Coast Highway, surfboards strapped to the roof and the ocean breeze sweeping through the cabin. This throwback design captures the nostalgic feel of the original 4Runner while adding modern refinements that appeal to today’s drivers. With the ability to cruise down the beach with the roof off, drivers can experience the open-air freedom that made the first-gen 4Runner so popular among surfers and off-road enthusiasts alike. Toyota has created something that resonates with both the surf culture and the off-road community, making the TRD Surf Concept a true reflection of SoCal’s beach life.

4Runner’s Legacy: From the Beach to the Trails

The Toyota 4Runner has held a unique place in automotive history since its debut in the 1980s. Designed initially as a compact, rugged SUV, the first-generation 4Runner quickly became popular not only with off-road enthusiasts but also with SoCal beachgoers who needed a vehicle capable of navigating both sand and surf. The 4Runner’s versatility, durability, and compact, open-air design made it ideal for surfers looking for a vehicle that could carry boards, gear, and friends with ease. For years, it was common to see 4Runners lined up along the beach, their tops removed, basking in the sun as their owners chased waves up and down the coast.

The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept pays tribute to this legacy by integrating the same go-anywhere spirit into a modern, highly capable SUV. By taking inspiration from the first generation’s removable top and blending it with today’s advanced engineering, Toyota is not only honoring the past but also adapting it for the future. The TRD Surf Concept takes the familiar lines and compact feel of the original 4Runner and adds width, power, and precision to tackle SoCal’s varied landscapes – from sandy beach trails to rugged inland terrain. It’s as if Toyota has bottled the essence of the 80s 4Runner and infused it with the power and reliability of modern automotive technology, creating a vehicle that celebrates the best of both worlds.

This dedication to honoring 4Runner’s history is what makes the TRD Surf Concept truly unique. It isn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a fully capable SUV designed to perform as well off the road as it does cruising along the beach. The TRD Surf Concept represents a bridge between past and present, capturing the open-air freedom and rugged appeal that defined the original 4Runner, while equipping it with the power, technology, and design necessary to meet today’s adventure demands. The fact that Toyota chose to revive this specific design aspect – the removable top – speaks volumes about its commitment to embracing 4Runner’s history while moving boldly into the future.

Prerunner Influence: The 4Runner as an Off-Road Icon

Southern California isn’t just famous for its beaches; it’s also home to one of the most vibrant off-road communities in the world. Prerunner trucks, built to “pre-run” rugged Baja courses in advance of races, have evolved into icons of off-road culture. These vehicles are known for their long-travel suspension, lifted stance, and ability to conquer rough terrain at high speeds. With the TRD Surf Concept, Toyota has skillfully blended the beach-friendly elements of a classic 4Runner with the aggressive features of a prerunner, creating a concept vehicle that can handle both the surf and the desert.

One of the standout features of the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is its long-travel suspension system. Designed to handle challenging off-road terrain, this suspension includes custom billet aluminum A-arms, which add strength and flexibility to the ride. The concept also boasts steering upgrades and custom front axles, ensuring that it can tackle the toughest landscapes without sacrificing comfort. This suspension setup, combined with Toyota Tundra rear-end housing, gives the TRD Surf Concept the durability and stability needed for serious off-roading, whether it’s a sandy beach or rocky trails.

Equipped with 37-inch tires mounted on custom 17×8.5-inch wheels, the TRD Surf Concept also has the rugged, aggressive stance that defines prerunner vehicles. These tires not only enhance the concept’s muscular look but also provide the traction necessary for unpredictable off-road conditions. With features that cater to both on- and off-road use, the TRD Surf Concept is a vehicle that’s just as comfortable on city streets as it is racing down a dusty trail. It embodies the versatility and durability that SoCal’s off-road community demands, with the aesthetic appeal of a true surf-inspired cruiser.

By incorporating prerunner-style modifications, Toyota has elevated the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept from a stylish beach vehicle to a legitimate off-road machine. This concept isn’t just a nod to surf culture; it’s a testament to the robust off-road capabilities that the 4Runner name has always stood for. From the moment you see it, the TRD Surf Concept looks ready to tackle whatever adventure lies ahead, embodying the spirit of exploration that drives off-road enthusiasts and surfers alike. For anyone familiar with SoCal’s off-road scene, this vehicle is more than just a concept – it’s a symbol of a lifestyle where the beach and the desert coexist in harmony.

Engineering a Modern Classic: Design and Functionality

Bringing the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept to life wasn’t just about creating a beautiful vehicle – it was about engineering a fully functional SUV that could thrive in SoCal’s unique environment. Toyota’s design team took on the challenge of blending the rugged look of the original 4Runner with the precision and capabilities of the 2025 TRD Limited model. The most iconic aspect of this transformation? The removable roof, a feature rarely seen in modern SUVs but a defining trait of the original 4Runner.

Converting a modern four-door SUV into a two-door with a removable top was no small feat. The engineering team faced significant hurdles, from ensuring structural integrity with the top removed to maintaining the functionality of the vehicle’s doors and windows. Every inch of this build required thoughtful planning and precision. The transformation began with a test run on a fifth-generation 4Runner to work out the mechanics, after which the team meticulously crafted a removable roof tailored to the 2025 model. Using a blend of traditional fabrication, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D printing, Toyota’s team crafted cutlines that seamlessly mirror the body, ensuring a tight, secure fit that’s easy for one person to handle.

This intricate design also required a reconfiguration of the seating layout. Toyota engineers flipped the front passenger seat forward to improve access to the rear, adding a layer of functionality often overlooked in concept vehicles. Additionally, to ensure the vehicle maintained its iconic shape and structure, the team expanded the body by two inches on both sides, making room for the 37-inch tires and giving the vehicle a more muscular stance. These enhancements don’t just improve the vehicle’s performance off-road; they contribute to the overall aesthetic, merging the nostalgic, open-air feel of the 80s with the bold, assertive look of modern off-road machines.

Under the hood, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is equipped with a powerful iForce 2.4L turbocharged engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is channeled through a full-time four-wheel-drive system featuring an electronically controlled dual-range transfer case, allowing the TRD Surf Concept to shift seamlessly from beach cruising to off-road exploration. A custom exhaust further enhances the concept’s character, giving it a distinct, satisfying exhaust note that commands attention. This combination of power, technology, and design showcases Toyota’s commitment to producing a concept vehicle that’s as functional as it is stylish.

For Toyota, creating the TRD Surf Concept was about more than just adding eye-catching modifications. It was about crafting a vehicle that could embody the 4Runner’s legendary durability and versatility while giving it a fresh, surf-inspired twist. Every detail, from the reinforced frame to the advanced drivetrain, reflects Toyota’s commitment to quality and innovation. The TRD Surf Concept doesn’t just look like a vehicle ready for adventure; it’s built to tackle any challenge SoCal can throw at it, blending design and function in a way that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Embracing the SoCal Surf Scene: The Perfect Beach Cruiser

Southern California is a paradise for surfers, with iconic beaches like Malibu, Huntington, and San Onofre drawing wave chasers from around the globe. This area’s lifestyle is deeply tied to the surf culture, where vehicles aren’t just a way to get from point A to B – they’re a part of the adventure. For years, surfers have sought vehicles that not only reflect their lifestyle but also support it, from carrying boards to tackling the sandy roads that lead to their favorite spots. The Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is Toyota’s answer to that need, delivering a vehicle that brings function and fun to beach-goers in a way few others can.

One of the most thoughtful features in this concept is the waterproofed interior, a practical upgrade that speaks directly to the needs of surfers. The waterproof flooring allows drivers to transition seamlessly from catching waves to hitting the road without worrying about sand, saltwater, or damp gear damaging the vehicle’s interior. Toyota’s engineers even designed a custom flip-forward front passenger seat, making it easier to climb into the rear seats and store boards, wetsuits, and any other equipment required for a day at the beach. This attention to detail shows that Toyota didn’t just build a vehicle for show; they designed it with the real-world needs of surfers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind.

The TRD Surf Concept also features a custom surfboard “Travel Quiver,” designed specifically to pair with the removable roof and sturdy roof rack, making it easy to secure surfboards for the journey. This detail captures the essence of SoCal’s surf lifestyle, where having a reliable way to transport boards is almost as important as the boards themselves. Whether it’s a solo trip to a secluded surf spot or a beach day with friends, the TRD Surf Concept is designed to adapt, offering ample space and flexibility. The removable roof also transforms the vehicle into an open-air beach cruiser, allowing drivers to experience the coastline with the wind in their hair and the sun overhead – an experience that every 4Runner owner in the 80s knew well.

Toyota has taken the concept of a beach cruiser to a whole new level by combining it with the off-road capabilities the 4Runner is known for. With its all-terrain tires, robust suspension, and powerful engine, the TRD Surf Concept is just as prepared for the rugged paths leading to hidden surf spots as it is for coastal highways. This versatility aligns perfectly with the Southern California lifestyle, where the terrain can shift from sand to dirt within a matter of miles. The TRD Surf Concept isn’t just another off-road SUV; it’s a vehicle that allows drivers to live out their surf-and-adventure dreams without compromise.

In creating the TRD Surf Concept, Toyota has managed to capture the true spirit of SoCal’s surf culture while enhancing the 4Runner’s ability to go anywhere, do anything. It’s not just about hitting the waves or tackling the trails; it’s about embracing the freedom to explore, to follow the coastline, and to experience life beyond the pavement. For Toyota, this concept isn’t just about honoring the past – it’s about inspiring future adventures, giving drivers a vehicle that embodies the best of SoCal’s beach scene and off-road heritage.

Collaboration at Its Core: Toyota’s Team Effort

The creation of the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is not only a showcase of Toyota’s engineering capabilities but also a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines the company’s approach to innovation. Bringing this concept to life required input from multiple departments within Toyota, each contributing its expertise to create a vehicle that truly captures the essence of the 4Runner’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of design and performance. This unified effort involved teams from Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center, TRD North Carolina, Service Parts and Accessory Development (SPAD), AAP, and Toyota’s Motorsports and Engagement Marketing department.

At the heart of this project is Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center, where lead builder and Director of Operations Marty Schwerter and his team worked to transform the all-new 2025 4Runner TRD Limited into the TRD Surf Concept. Schwerter, drawing on his own experiences of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in a Toyota mini pickup, envisioned a vehicle that could handle both beach days and rugged trails. His team’s goal was to honor the 4Runner’s legacy while creating something that resonates with today’s drivers. The passion and dedication that Schwerter’s team brought to this build are evident in every aspect of the concept, from the removable roof to the long-travel suspension, making this vehicle a true reflection of Toyota’s adventurous spirit.

But the TRD Surf Concept wouldn’t be what it is without the contributions of TRD North Carolina, which provided performance insights and support to ensure the concept was as functional as it is stylish. SPAD and AAP were instrumental in integrating custom parts and accessories, like the waterproofed interior and surfboard “Travel Quiver,” making the TRD Surf Concept a well-rounded vehicle ready for real-world use. Toyota’s Motorsports and Engagement Marketing department also played a crucial role in aligning the concept with Toyota’s branding and consumer appeal, ensuring that the TRD Surf Concept would resonate with fans of both the 4Runner and Toyota’s broader brand values.

This collaborative effort reflects Toyota’s commitment to creating vehicles that are not only expertly crafted but also deeply connected to the communities and lifestyles they’re designed for. The TRD Surf Concept wasn’t developed in a vacuum; it’s the result of countless hours of planning, testing, and collaboration among Toyota’s talented team members who share a passion for pushing boundaries and creating vehicles that inspire. From engineers to designers and marketers, everyone involved in this project brought their own expertise to the table, resulting in a vehicle that feels authentic and cohesive.

For Toyota, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is more than just a concept car – it’s a celebration of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision. This vehicle represents not only the 4Runner’s heritage but also Toyota’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and community. By bringing together multiple departments and working as a cohesive unit, Toyota has created a vehicle that feels true to its roots while opening new doors to adventure. The TRD Surf Concept is a powerful reminder that even in a world of rapidly evolving technology, teamwork and passion remain at the heart of Toyota’s success.

We Hope it Comes to Light

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is more than just a throwback to the 80s or a modern-day beach cruiser – it’s a carefully crafted symbol of Toyota’s dedication to preserving the legacy of the 4Runner while embracing the future of automotive design. At the 2024 SEMA Show, this concept vehicle stands as a testament to what happens when tradition meets innovation, merging the adventurous spirit of SoCal surf culture with the rugged, off-road capabilities that have always defined the 4Runner.

For Toyota, creating the TRD Surf Concept was about capturing the freedom and thrill that have made the 4Runner a staple in both the off-road and beach communities. By reviving the removable roof, Toyota has returned to the roots of the 4Runner, allowing drivers to experience that open-air freedom reminiscent of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway with the ocean breeze rushing through the cabin. At the same time, modern engineering and technology have made this vehicle ready for today’s demands, equipping it with advanced features that enable it to conquer a wider range of landscapes than ever before.

The TRD Surf Concept also serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and creativity in automotive design. By bringing together multiple departments, Toyota has demonstrated how teamwork can lead to innovation that is both respectful of the past and ambitious for the future. The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept isn’t just a nostalgic nod to a bygone era – it’s a forward-thinking design that speaks to the desires of today’s drivers who crave adventure and value authenticity. It’s a vehicle that feels at home on the sandy shores of Malibu as much as it does on a rocky desert trail.

As Toyota continues to explore new possibilities in automotive design, the TRD Surf Concept is a shining example of how the company honors its heritage while looking forward. The 4Runner has always been about adventure, exploration, and freedom, and this concept vehicle takes those values to new heights, inspiring drivers to live boldly and embrace the spirit of SoCal’s surf and off-road culture. With its debut at SEMA 2024, Toyota invites enthusiasts to experience the TRD Surf Concept up close, and in doing so, they share a glimpse of the future – one where the legacy of the 4Runner lives on, reimagined and ready for the next generation.