2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept

Toyota introduced the 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, a vehicle inspired by the iconic surf culture of Southern California, at the 2024 SEMA Show. Built by Toyota's Motorsports Garage, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept combines the open-air spirit of the original 4Runner with the advanced technology of the 2025 model, creating a tribute to the adventurous beach lifestyle that defined a generation.

• Toyota presented the 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept at the SEMA Show, celebrating Southern California's 80s surf culture.

• Inspired by the first-generation 4Runner, this concept integrates the open-air appeal of the original with the updated design of the 2025 model.

• Marty Schwerter, of Toyota's Motorsports Technical Center, based the concept on his experiences along the Pacific Coast Highway, emphasizing a removable top reminiscent of early 4Runner models.

• Powered by an iForce 2.4L turbocharged engine, the concept delivers 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, alongside a custom exhaust for a distinctive sound.

• Toyota designed the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept to function as both a 2-door and 4-door, overcoming engineering challenges to ensure structural stability with the removable top.

• The design includes a long-travel suspension system with billet aluminum A-arms and 37-inch tires, making the 4Runner concept ready for a range of terrains.

• Toyota used a combination of traditional and advanced techniques like CAD and 3D printing for precise fitment and ease of removal of the top.

• The interior is weatherproof with waterproof flooring, featuring a custom surfboard "Travel Quiver" and easy access to rear seating through a flip-forward passenger seat.

• The concept is a collaborative effort among Toyota's TRD North Carolina, TMNA Production Engineering, SPAD, AAP, and other teams, illustrating Toyota's integrated approach to concept development.

• Displayed at Toyota's Central Hall booth at the SEMA Show, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept reflects Toyota’s focus on automotive innovation and cultural heritage.

A Nod to 80s So-Cal Beach Life

Drawing from a period when the Toyota 4Runner became a staple at Southern California beaches, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept channels the coastal spirit of the 80s. Marty Schwerter, Director of Operations at Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center, explained how his own experiences driving along the Pacific Coast Highway inspired his vision, which merges the rugged aesthetic of the first-generation 4Runner with the advancements of the 2025 model. Schwerter emphasized the importance of the removable top, a nod to the original design.