Toyota came out swinging at the 2024 SEMA Show, dropping a lineup of concept vehicles that fuse their rich history with cutting-edge off-road performance. These builds aren’t just about looks—they’re fully capable rigs that showcase Toyota’s continued push into the world of custom off-road engineering. From rally-inspired GR86 builds to an overland-ready Tundra, each concept is a nod to Toyota’s roots in adventure and innovation while hinting at what could be on the horizon for enthusiasts.
Among the headliners are the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept, a reimagined homage to Toyota’s historic rally days, and the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept, a tribute to So-Cal’s beach culture blended with the rugged charm of the all-new 2025 4Runner. Toyota’s team spared no detail, combining advanced technology with classic designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia and push the boundaries of performance. These concepts represent Toyota’s “play anywhere” ethos and offer fans a glimpse into how they’re rethinking vehicle design to meet the demands of the modern off-roader. We’ll break down each concept, from what’s under the hood to the details that make them worthy of any trail or tailgate party.
#84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept
Built as a vision of a dedicated off-road Tacoma, the ProRunner showcases features from the TRD Pro lineup combined with a classic XtraCab setup, specifically modified for high-speed off-road conditions. “We started this project with a vision to showcase the performance, capability, and versatility of the new Tacoma,” said Paul Doleshal, group manager of motorsports for Toyota Motor North America. “The #84 Tacoma TRD ProRunner Race Concept is a vision of what a dedicated race-truck could look like within the Tacoma lineup.”
The concept vehicle also marks Toyota’s new partnership with Legacy Motor Club and legendary NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson, who began his career in off-road racing before transitioning to stock car racing. Johnson expressed his personal connection to Toyota, saying, “When I was 16, I took my driver’s test in my uncle’s Toyota pickup, so Toyota trucks and I go way back.” Built to compete in the Stock Mid-Size off-road race class, the ProRunner concept is equipped with TRD Pro’s FOX Quick Switch 3 shocks, reinforced skid plates, a custom roll cage, and IsoDynamic Performance seats for both driver and navigator.
Kyle Williams designed the truck’s livery, incorporating retro elements like the iconic TRD stripes and chrome accents alongside the exclusive “Mudbath” color. The truck pays homage to Toyota’s off-road racing history and is a nod to Johnson’s off-road roots. Mike Tripp, Toyota’s vice president of marketing, noted, “The TRD ProRunner Race Concept represents a key achievement in Toyota’s partnership with Legacy Motor Club, and highlights Jimmie’s legacy by connecting his history with Toyota’s extensive off-road racing tradition.”
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RAV-X Rally Concept
Developed by Toyota’s Service Parts and Accessories Development (SPAD) team, the RAV-X transforms the standard RAV4 into a high-performance crossover designed to handle challenging terrain. “The vision behind the RAV-X was to create a halo vehicle concept for the RAV4 lineup,” said Jakin Wilson, senior engineering manager at Toyota SPAD. “By leveraging the knowledge and capability from years of high-performance off-road vehicle development, the engineers created a concept that is true to the off-road enthusiast.”
Starting with a 2024 RAV4 PHEV, SPAD engineers enhanced the vehicle’s off-road capability with a long-travel suspension, boosting ground clearance by two inches and widening the track width by 6.3 inches. Adjustable 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, custom-forged control arms, and high-clearance skid plates further equip the RAV-X for rugged use. The concept also features a Dakar-inspired front bumper, integrated cooling ducts, and bespoke fender flares, giving the RAV-X both the functional components and aesthetic appeal associated with high-speed desert racing.
Toyota’s vice president of marketing, Mike Tripp, called the RAV-X “a bold statement of what’s possible when innovation meets performance.” This concept highlights Toyota’s vision of pushing the boundaries for small crossovers, giving enthusiasts a preview of what might be achievable in future models.
Land Cruiser “ROX”
Developed by Toyota’s North American Calty Design Research studio, the ROX concept pays homage to the brand’s heritage while showcasing a new approach to outdoor exploration. “We asked ourselves how we could make an even more exciting experience for our Land Cruiser enthusiast,” explained Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research. With more than 50% of the vehicle reinvented, including custom body panels and a functional open-air cabin, the ROX combines tradition with the future of off-road capability.
The Land Cruiser ROX takes inspiration from Toyota’s Dakar Rally heritage and off-road racing, featuring robust customizations like a TRD-enhanced independent suspension, a 4-inch lift, and widened fender flares for improved ground clearance. Custom high-lift steel bumpers, a triple-bar roof rack with molle panels, and oversized tires on 18-inch machined billet wheels emphasize the ROX’s rugged versatility.
The interior is fitted with Heritage Orange leather and custom webbing for outdoor gear, alongside an open mid-gate and sliding soft top that merge the cabin with the surrounding environment. Exterior Chief Designer Adam Rabinowitz noted that the ROX design drew from the “topless” Land Cruisers of the past, echoing a nostalgic yet modern open-air experience.
Toyota’s marketing vice president, Mike Tripp, sees the ROX as a celebration of the Land Cruiser’s adventurous spirit. “This ambitious, one-of-a-kind build, is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to pushing boundaries,” he said.
GR86 Rally Legacy Concept
Built on the GR86 with Performance Package, this concept is a modern nod to the iconic Celica GT-Four models of the ’80s and ’90s. The GR86 Rally Legacy swaps out its stock powertrain for the turbocharged, 3-cylinder GR-FOUR AWD drivetrain from the GR Corolla, aiming to capture the spirit of Toyota’s storied rally past. “The aim is to evoke memories of the legendary rally car that enthusiasts have admired on rally stages and in popular racing video games,” noted Paul Doleshal, general manager of Motorsports and Assets at Toyota Motor North America.
The transformation from GR86 to rally-ready icon was no small feat. Engineers modified the GR86’s chassis to fit the GR Corolla’s larger, transverse-mounted G16E-GTS engine, designing a custom subframe, engine mounts, and a revamped front suspension. The GR Corolla’s AWD system called for custom coil-overs, control arms, and a recalibrated steering rack to adapt the setup to rally terrain. At the rear, Toyota replaced the standard GR86 rear end with the GR Corolla differential and housing, ensuring balanced power distribution and handling.
In terms of performance, the G16 engine received race-inspired upgrades, including a performance intercooler and oil cooler, managed by a race-tuned ECU. While the concept maintains the GR Corolla’s 300 hp and 273 lb.-ft of torque, the build hints at the potential for more power with further tuning.
The GR86 Rally Legacy Concept’s Halo White exterior features vintage Toyota Gazoo Racing livery, complete with rally mudflaps and a GT-Four-inspired spoiler. Inside, racing seats, a full white roll cage, and six-point harnesses complete the track-ready aesthetic. “We did this build for our GR and Toyota Rally fans—it’s a fantasy car come to life,” shared Mike Tripp, Toyota’s group vice president of marketing.
Ultimate Tailgate Tundra
Inspired by Toyota’s role as the NFL’s Official Automotive Partner, this custom creation aims to redefine tailgating by bringing the game-day excitement directly to fans. “This build is more of an audio-visual experience than a typical tailgate setup,” explained Tyler Litchenberger, Toyota’s Vehicle Marketing and Communication manager.
The Ultimate Tailgate Tundra transforms effortlessly into a sports fan’s dream watch party. At the touch of a button, a custom staging shell rises from the bed on four electric actuators, unveiling five 55-inch weatherproof screens positioned for optimal viewing from any angle. A canopy covers the setup, offering 185 square feet of shade to ensure fans can enjoy the broadcast without glare, even in bright sunlight.
Audio was another priority for this build. The Tundra’s JBL Club Marine Series audio system, designed for outdoor endurance, includes amplifiers, tower speakers, and subwoofers to deliver crisp and powerful sound. The setup offers rich audio quality that amplifies the tailgate experience, creating an atmosphere of game-time excitement.
On the tech side, the Tundra’s on-board satellite WiFi keeps fans connected to live game broadcasts, while a generator powers the entire setup, making the vehicle a fully self-sufficient entertainment hub. Blending Toyota’s rugged reliability with cutting-edge tailgating tech, the Ultimate Tailgate Tundra embodies Toyota’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience and brings the excitement of the stadium right to the tailgate lot.
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4Runner TRD Surf Concept
Built by the Toyota Motorsports Garage, this concept pays homage to the original 4Runner that became a symbol of 80s beach life and adventure. Marty Schwerter, Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center Director, spearheaded the project, inspired by memories of cruising California’s Pacific Coast Highway. “The 2025 4Runner’s rugged look reminded me of the original,” Schwerter said, “and I knew it could be the ultimate beach cruiser.”
Starting with a 2025 4Runner TRD Limited, the team enhanced its 278-hp, 2.4L iForce turbo engine, adding a custom exhaust for a deeper sound. Power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive system, bolstered by a dual-range transfer case for off-road versatility. Schwerter’s team transformed the 4Runner’s body into a two-door with a removable top—a hallmark of the original 4Runner, emphasizing both style and utility. Achieving this meant engineering solutions like a single-person removable top, switching to a two-door configuration with functional windows, and widening the chassis.
The design is both rugged and refined, equipped with a long-travel suspension system, billet aluminum A-arms, custom front axles, and a Tundra rear-end housing, all topped off with 37-inch tires on custom 17×8.5-inch wheels. Inside, the waterproofed flooring and flip-forward passenger seat cater to active beachgoers, while a custom surfboard quiver and roof rack add functionality for coastal adventures.
Toyota’s collaborative effort is evident in every detail, with contributions from TRD North Carolina, TMNA Production Engineering, and other departments. The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept captures the spirit of Toyota’s adventurous heritage, blending nostalgia with a fresh, capable design built for the modern beach lifestyle.
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