Toyota Tacoma TRD ProRunner #84 Race Concept Truck

The 2024 SEMA Show brought a wave of anticipation for desert racing and off-road fans as Toyota lifted the curtain on the highly-anticipated #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept. This new concept vehicle, designed for high-speed racing and extreme desert conditions, embodies Toyota’s long-standing dedication to off-road innovation and performance. It’s not just another truck on display—it’s a testament to Toyota’s commitment to pushing the limits of design, durability, and power.

For SoCal Prerunner readers, the ProRunner represents more than just a show-stopping concept; it signals Toyota’s understanding of what the off-road community demands from a race-ready truck. From the first glance, the ProRunner immediately stands out, boasting aggressive styling, desert-ready features, and a robust build that hints at the high performance hidden under its rugged exterior.

The ProRunner’s debut is a bridge between traditional prerunners and manufacturer-backed desert racing trucks, reflecting the off-road culture’s core values: capability, resilience, and the thrill of conquering rough terrains. Toyota has tapped into the spirit of prerunner culture—vehicles modified or designed specifically to take on the most unforgiving landscapes with power, agility, and style.

Setting the Stage for Something Big

Toyota’s unveiling of the #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept wasn’t just about showing off a truck—it was a nod to the off-road enthusiasts who take pride in vehicles that blend functionality with performance. This ProRunner isn’t only about Toyota’s engineering prowess; it’s a tribute to the passion that drives off-road enthusiasts everywhere. With a design that combines the best of Toyota’s racing legacy and modern off-road capabilities, the ProRunner promises to capture the hearts of fans who seek the ultimate desert-racing machine.

What Makes the ProRunner Special

The #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept is more than just a visual statement—it’s an engineering showcase of what Toyota can achieve when it brings its legacy and innovation together. This ProRunner concept is packed with features that cater to off-road racing’s rigorous demands, making it as functional as it is iconic. Here’s a closer look at what makes this truck a standout in the desert racing world and how it draws inspiration from prerunner builds that fans know and love.

Suspension and Shock Upgrades

One of the first features that grabs attention is the advanced suspension system, including the TRD Pro’s FOX Quick Switch 3 (QS3) Internal Bypass shocks with 2.5-inch aluminum housings and rear remote reservoirs. These shocks are built for durability and control, allowing the ProRunner to glide over rocky terrain and endure the punishing vibrations of high-speed desert racing.

For prerunner enthusiasts, the shock and suspension system is a make-or-break element in any build. The FOX QS3 shocks mirror the setups found in custom prerunners—those vehicles modified specifically for Baja-like conditions, where every bump in the road is a test of engineering. By including these shocks, Toyota is signaling that the ProRunner isn’t just for show; it’s designed to perform.

Full Skid Plating for Ultimate Protection

Underneath the ProRunner is a complete set of skid plates, armored to protect critical areas like the front end, transmission, and rear transaxle. This feature is crucial for vehicles built to navigate rough, unpredictable terrain, where a single rock or sharp edge could wreak havoc on unprotected parts. Prerunner builds often include similar modifications to safeguard against the elements, and the ProRunner follows this principle to the letter.

Skid plates, which help defend against the terrain’s harsh impacts, are standard in serious prerunner builds, and seeing them on the ProRunner is a testament to Toyota’s understanding of off-road essentials. It’s a direct connection to what off-road enthusiasts and desert racers consider crucial for survival on challenging trails.

Custom Roll Cage and IsoDynamic Seats

Safety is a top priority in any race vehicle, and the ProRunner doesn’t disappoint. The addition of a custom roll cage enhances structural rigidity and protection for the driver and navigator, both of whom are secured with multipoint race harnesses in IsoDynamic Performance seats. This setup ensures that the ProRunner can take on the roughest terrains without compromising on safety.

In prerunner culture, where safety and durability go hand in hand, custom cages and reinforced seating are essential elements. Toyota has built this ProRunner with those same needs in mind, aligning with the expectations of drivers who take on punishing courses and demand stability as they push limits.

Reinforced Bed Design

The ProRunner’s 6-foot aluminum-reinforced bed is purpose-built, housing a dedicated fuel cell and a bed-mounted spare tire carrier for easy access and better weight distribution. By swapping out the tailgate with a net, Toyota has taken a cue from prerunner modifications, emphasizing weight savings and functionality.

For the off-road enthusiast, the rear bed setup isn’t just for show. It’s a practical addition that allows for easy refueling and quick tire swaps in the desert. Prerunner fans know that every pound counts, and Toyota’s design team has tapped into that insight by removing unnecessary weight while maximizing the utility of the ProRunner’s bed.

Toyota’s Legacy in Desert Racing with Jimmie Johnson

Toyota’s deep-rooted legacy in off-road racing has earned it a special place in the hearts of desert enthusiasts, and the #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept builds on that legacy by teaming up with a true icon: Jimmie Johnson. While Johnson is best known for his remarkable NASCAR career, his roots trace back to dirt bikes and off-road races, including legendary competitions like the Baja 1000. This partnership brings Toyota full circle, reconnecting with Johnson’s early days in off-road and reflecting Toyota’s heritage in the desert racing world.

From the Baja 1000 to Today’s ProRunner

Off-road fans are no strangers to Toyota’s past dominance in races like the Baja 1000, with racing icons like Ivan “Ironman” Stewart helping cement Toyota’s reputation as a trusted brand in the desert. The ProRunner pays homage to this history by incorporating classic design elements and practical racing modifications that echo Toyota’s earlier Baja-focused vehicles. The concept truck not only aligns with Toyota’s historical design ethos but also integrates modern features that enthusiasts demand, creating a seamless blend of past and present.

For prerunner fans, the nostalgia here is potent. These enthusiasts remember Toyota’s early successes in the desert and how those vehicles paved the way for the off-road culture we see today. The ProRunner draws from this heritage, standing as a symbol of Toyota’s dedication to performance and durability over decades.

Jimmie Johnson’s Personal Connection to Toyota Trucks

Jimmie Johnson’s connection to Toyota goes back to his teenage years when he took his driving test in his uncle’s Toyota pickup. His relationship with the brand is one of personal history and professional triumphs, which adds another layer of meaning to the ProRunner. Johnson’s return to off-road racing with Toyota is a nod to his roots and a powerful reminder of how his journey began.

“Toyota trucks and I go way back,” Johnson says, underscoring his connection to a brand that resonates with desert racers and off-road enthusiasts. This sentiment is likely shared by many prerunner fans who have a similar attachment to their own trucks. Johnson’s story isn’t just about a race car driver and a vehicle—it’s about a shared history and passion for off-road driving that continues to inspire generations.

A Legacy of Performance

With the #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept, Toyota reaffirms its commitment to the off-road community and its role as a key player in desert racing. By connecting with Johnson and tapping into his legacy, Toyota shows that it’s more than just a manufacturer—it’s a brand with a deep-seated respect for the history and culture of off-road racing.

In the prerunner community, where history and legacy are just as valued as performance, this dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. The ProRunner isn’t just a concept truck; it’s a reminder of the long-standing relationship Toyota has cultivated with off-road enthusiasts. By honoring this legacy while looking forward, Toyota has crafted a concept that resonates on multiple levels—both with those who grew up idolizing off-road legends and with a new generation eager to leave their mark.

A Retro Look with Modern Improvements

The #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept isn’t just engineered for performance—it’s crafted with a visual style that pays homage to Toyota’s racing heritage while embracing a modern aesthetic. This unique look, designed by Kyle Williams, combines elements from different eras of Toyota’s off-road history, resulting in a truck that stands out from the pack and appeals to both seasoned fans and new off-road enthusiasts.

Classic Colors, Bold Design

At the heart of the ProRunner’s design is its “Mudbath” base coat—a color exclusive to the 2025 TRD Pro models—layered with matte black graphics that give the truck a rugged, no-nonsense appearance. The iconic TRD color stripes in yellow, orange, and red wrap around the body, creating a visual link to Toyota’s storied past. These stripes are instantly recognizable to fans of off-road legend Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, whose Toyota trucks became synonymous with desert racing excellence.

For the prerunner community, this kind of retro-inspired design is more than just a look; it’s a celebration of Toyota’s legacy in off-road culture. The blend of old and new pays respect to Toyota’s racing heritage, while still appealing to today’s off-road enthusiasts who crave both performance and style.

Chrome and Retro Accents

In a nod to the past, the ProRunner features chrome-finished side mirrors and door handles, details that remind us of classic truck styling while contrasting with the truck’s otherwise matte finish. This combination of modern and retro elements gives the ProRunner a unique aesthetic that’s rare among today’s off-road trucks. It’s a look that resonates with fans of the prerunner style, where small visual details often reflect a builder’s personal touch and appreciation for off-road history.

These chrome accents make the ProRunner feel like more than just a concept; they anchor it in the broader off-road narrative that has evolved over decades. Prerunner fans who customize their trucks often add similar details to create a look that’s both eye-catching and rooted in the culture’s history.

Functional Design with a Bold Personality

Toyota’s design team didn’t just focus on looks; every element serves a purpose. The ARB Sport Bar with custom lighting provides visibility for night desert runs, a feature any off-road enthusiast can appreciate. Lighting is essential for navigating unpredictable desert terrain, and Toyota’s addition of custom lighting nods to prerunner setups where high-quality, durable lights are a must-have.

The ProRunner’s brushed aluminum-finished TRD Pro wheels, wrapped in BFGoodrich tires, complete the truck’s rugged yet sleek look. These wheels are built for performance, but their brushed aluminum finish adds a touch of sophistication that ties into the ProRunner’s blend of retro style and modern engineering.

In the prerunner community, these wheels would be seen as a perfect example of functional design that doesn’t compromise on style. Just as many off-road enthusiasts choose components that enhance both aesthetics and performance, Toyota’s choice of wheels for the ProRunner reflects the balance prerunners strive for: a vehicle that looks as powerful as it performs.

Prerunner vs. ProRunner: How Toyota’s Concept Bridges Two Worlds

The #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept isn’t just a showpiece; it’s a powerful embodiment of Toyota’s ability to merge factory innovation with the core values of the off-road community. This ProRunner draws directly from the prerunner ethos—vehicles designed for pre-race testing on desert terrain that can handle high speeds, rough landscapes, and tight turns with ease. Toyota’s concept bridges the gap between enthusiast-built prerunners and a professionally crafted racing machine.

A Shared DNA: Performance-Driven Modifications

Prerunners are often built from the ground up, taking stock trucks and adding high-performance modifications, including upgraded suspensions, skid plates, and reinforced roll cages, all designed to withstand the rigors of off-road racing. The ProRunner follows this formula, incorporating TRD Pro performance components and the FOX Quick Switch shocks, which give it the capability to handle tough terrains, much like a traditional prerunner.

For prerunner enthusiasts, Toyota’s choices signal that the ProRunner is meant to perform, not just look the part. By taking the classic two-door Tacoma XtraCab configuration and building it to racing specifications, Toyota has created a truck that mirrors the purpose-built modifications so common in prerunner builds. The result is a truck that can tackle the same obstacles, with factory-installed reliability.

Skid Plates and Weight-Saving Modifications

Both prerunners and the ProRunner rely heavily on protective skid plates, and Toyota has added a full set to the ProRunner’s underside to shield the front end, transmission, and rear transaxle. This protection is crucial for off-road vehicles that encounter everything from sharp rocks to unexpected drops. In addition, the ProRunner’s tailgate net, which replaces the traditional tailgate, is a weight-saving choice inspired by off-road builds where every ounce matters.

This attention to weight and protection shows Toyota’s understanding of prerunner principles: to endure harsh conditions, vehicles need strategic modifications that improve both performance and durability. It’s a trait that makes the ProRunner equally appealing to desert racers and to fans of functional, purpose-driven design.

Aesthetic Parallels with Functional Purpose

While prerunners are often customized to reflect an owner’s personal style, Toyota’s ProRunner was designed with a unique visual identity that holds to the core values of the off-road community. The ProRunner’s color scheme, chrome accents, and custom lighting reflect the same attention to detail that prerunner enthusiasts put into their own builds, where aesthetic choices often serve a purpose, such as visibility or weight distribution.

The ProRunner’s combination of retro colors, modern styling, and durable components creates a vehicle that appeals to prerunner fans who prioritize both appearance and functionality. For these enthusiasts, a vehicle isn’t just a means to navigate the desert; it’s a canvas for self-expression and a testament to the love of off-road culture. Toyota has captured that spirit by blending style and substance in a way that resonates with the community.

Factory-Built Reliability Meets Custom Spirit

Perhaps the greatest difference between prerunners and the ProRunner is in their origins. Prerunners are typically custom-built in small shops or garages, reflecting the personal choices of their builders. The ProRunner, on the other hand, comes directly from Toyota, a testament to what’s possible when a major manufacturer embraces the off-road ethos. For enthusiasts, this represents a bridge between custom builds and factory reliability—an ideal combination for those who want a high-performance off-road vehicle without the need to make extensive modifications themselves.

This is very similar to how the Ford Raptor is positioned in Ford’s lineup. An off road ready vehicle from the factory which has seen remarkable success.

Toyota’s ProRunner delivers the thrill of a prerunner with the reliability of a factory-engineered vehicle, creating an option for drivers who want the best of both worlds. It’s a concept that could inspire prerunner enthusiasts and traditional truck owners alike, showing that factory vehicles can have the same passion-driven modifications and high performance as the custom builds that define the community.

Factory-Built Off-Road Trucks

Toyota’s #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept marks an exciting evolution in factory-built, race-ready off-road trucks. By combining race-inspired engineering with homage to its legacy, Toyota has created a vehicle that honors the prerunner ethos while offering the reliability of a factory build.

Toyota is not alone in this trend. Alongside the ProRunner, Toyota also introduced the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept at SEMA, showcasing a vehicle built for the beach and desert alike. These new concepts put Toyota in good company with other factory-built off-road legends, like the FOX Factory Silverado and Ford Raptor. Both the Silverado and Raptor offer off-the-lot performance that rivals custom builds, underscoring the growing interest from major manufacturers in delivering rugged, ready-for-anything trucks that appeal to a diverse range of off-road fans.

The ProRunner bridges the gap between custom prerunners and factory engineering, setting a high bar for what enthusiasts can expect in the future of off-road racing. With this concept, Toyota has shown that high performance, rugged durability, and aesthetic appeal can all come standard—making the ProRunner an inspiring addition to the world of off-road trucks.