The Toyota TRD Surf Concept take it Toyota 4Runner 2025chop off most of the roof, revamp the interior with some weatherproof seats, and attach a roll bar over the rear seats. Basically, it’s the first 4Runner we met in 1984, reimagined for 2024. Because it’s built specifically for the SEMA show in Las Vegas, this concept also has suspension bits and huge tires. It’s pretty much my dream truck.

The “Surf” name recalls the popularity of 4Runners with the SoCal surfing scene, as well as the 4Runner model name in Japan and other countries (Hilux Surf). After all, the early 4Runners/Hilux Surfs were just Hilux trucks with rear seats.

I got a little teaser of this yesterday and was so excited about the idea that I posted it Toyota’s short “making-of” clip less than one business day ago. But these final product images of the world’s first 2025 4Runner convertible were just too cool not to share.

Toyota say “the removable upper was built in-house, combining traditional CAD manufacturing and modern 3D printing technology to shape cut lines that perfectly mirrored both sides of the body, creating a perfect fit. Designed to be easily removed by one person, this feature offers the freedom of the outdoors synonymous with the 4Runner heritage.”

Those Turbo badges in the door are also stamped on the outside. It’s not just stickers.

Toyota 4Runner Surf: roof off

Toyota 4Runner Surf: Open Roof

Toyota 4Runner Surf: Details

It gets away from one person easily, doesn’t it? I really hope we get a clip of this from someone at the SEMA show, because making a hardtop truck that size that someone could lift themselves would be one heck of an accomplishment. My International Scout has a removable fiberglass hardtop, and getting in or out of the vehicle is a four-man job. I don’t even think the early 4Runners were that easy to pick up!

The concept has “soft, waterproof flooring,” which I think would be like a boat when you’re caught in the rain or dripping in soaked surf gear.

Underneath, there’s a long-travel suspension setup with tubular aluminum upper and lower A-arms (a prerequisite for SEMA styling points), custom axles, a rear end from a Tundra, and 37-by-17 tires by 8.5 inches. the wheels.

I’m sure many other commentators and critics will say this, but dear Toyota, please put this into series production. Unfortunately, it would probably be too expensive to make the crash compliance and weather sealing to mass market standards for us to see on the streets, but a boy can dream. I bet Toyota might still be too upset about having to replace them all Tundra engines and Tacoma Transmissions to give the green light to such a thing, anyway. But it sure is fun to see the construction.

It looks a lot better than I would have expected, considering a small team pulled it off in weeks, not years. And hey, maybe a cottage industry will emerge making a limited run of these as an aftermarket arrangement.

Do you have photos of a first generation 4Runner with the roof closed? There aren’t many great ones out there! Email the author at [email protected].