Toyota 4Runner Surf Concept – SEMA 2024
At the 2024 SEMA Show, Toyota introduced the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, a bold tribute to Southern California’s surf culture. Built by the Toyota Motorsports Garage, this concept merges the rugged, open-air spirit of the original 4Runner with the cutting-edge technology of the 2025 model, creating a vehicle that embodies the adventurous lifestyle of the 1980s beach scene.
Inspired by an era when 4Runners lined the beaches of So-Cal, the concept captures the vibe of surfers chasing waves along the Pacific Coast. Marty Schwerter, Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center Director of Operations, shared that his vision for the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept was rooted in personal memories of driving the California coast in a Toyota pickup. “The 2025 4Runner reminded me of the original with its rugged look,” Schwerter explained. “We wanted a design that was both nostalgic and functional, and a removable top was essential—just like the original.”
Starting with a 2025 4Runner TRD Limited, the concept’s iForce 2.4L turbocharged engine produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, distributed via an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with a dual-range transfer case. A custom exhaust adds a unique sound signature to this capable powertrain.
The transformation required intensive modifications, including a shift from a 4-door to a 2-door model, a wider body, and the design of a custom removable top. Schwerter’s team tackled challenges in creating a “factory” appearance and performance that would hold up with the top both on and off. “Engineering a true removable top, flipping the passenger seat for better rear access, and widening the body by two inches were just the beginning,” Schwerter shared. “The magic is in how all these elements work together.”
To perfect the removable top, the team conducted a trial run on a fifth-generation 4Runner before shaping and fitting the final design using CAD and 3D printing. The top is lightweight and can be removed by a single person, providing open-air freedom in line with the 4Runner’s heritage.
This surf-ready concept combines style with performance, featuring a long-travel suspension system with billet aluminum A-arms, enhanced steering, custom front axles, and a Tundra-based rear-end housing. Massive 37-inch tires on custom 17x8.5-inch wheels complete its striking look, ready to tackle any terrain.
Inside, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept boasts a weatherproofed, easy-to-clean interior with waterproof flooring and a forward-flipping passenger seat for convenient access to the rear. Designed with the beach lifestyle in mind, the concept includes a custom surfboard rack—perfect for catching waves.
Developed collaboratively across Toyota’s teams, including TRD North Carolina and the Motorsports and Engagement Marketing divisions, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept embodies the passion of Toyota’s engineers. Mike Tripp, Toyota Marketing’s group vice president, shared, “This concept is a celebration of Toyota’s heritage and the creativity of our team. And really, who doesn’t love a surf-inspired 4Runner?”