Both off-road-focused concepts promote open-air driving with the removal of their roofs and D-pillars
October 31, 2024 at 11:43
- Toyota will showcase two heavily modified SUVs at the 2024 SEMA show in Las Vegas.
- The Land Cruiser Rox concept is an open-air off-roader with an exposed cargo area.
- The 4Runner Surf concept is a two-door SUV inspired by the Hilux Surf from the ’80s.
Update 10/31: Toyota has unveiled the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept ahead of its SEMA debut, showcasing a series of extensive modifications that reimagine it from a practical five-door SUV into a two-door beach cruiser built for the sand.
Toyota gave a pretty wild makeover to its ladder-frame SUVs for this year’s SEMA show. The Land Cruiser ROX Concept is a pickup version of the new SUV reimagined with an arsenal of custom parts, while the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is a beach-bound two-door throwback with unmistakable ‘80s vibes.
Starting with the Land Cruiser ROX, this is a brainchild of Toyota’s Calty Design Research studio. Here, the team went all-in on an open-air vision of Toyota’s new generation off-roader, a machine designed to immerse occupants in the environment around them.
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First off, they’ve hacked off the C-pillar, obliterated the D-pillar, and ditched the roof entirely. To keep things from crumbling under pressure, they’ve built in a bespoke framework to offset the lost rigidity. A panoramic roof topped with a reclining soft top leaves nothing between you and the sky while the study also features custom half-doors without glass windows, wide fender extensions, and larger wheels with off-road tires.
Toyota didn’t hold back on the heavy-duty gear either. Steel front and rear bumpers, along with reinforced skid plates and brush guards, are all in the mix. Out back, there’s a functional tailgate and a new spare wheel carrier, providing a hassle-free access to the exposed cargo area. According to the company, more than half of the vehicle has been replaced with new parts, which is an impressive feast for a one-off concept.
CALTY Toyota Land Cruiser ROX
Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept
The next SEMA concept is based on the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Limited. This project, helmed by Toyota’s Motorsports Garage, reimagines the ladder-frame SUV as a two-door semi-convertible off-roader with roots in the original 4Runner and the Japanese-spec Hilux Surf from the 1980s.
To nail the beach cruiser aesthetic, the SUV will shed its roof and D-pillars in favor of a hardtop that can be removed by a single person. It’s a setup that recalls the freewheeling spirit of the original while adding a modern twist. A custom roof rack, purpose-built to haul surfboards, stays true to the Surf’s legacy, with a roll bar ensuring the safety of the rear passengers.
The rear door delete requires the development of flip-up front seats, providing access to the rear bench. Furthemore, the 4Runner received wide fender extensions, a TRD front bumper, a vented hood, Turbo stampings on the doors, and a bespoke sea-inspired livery. The interior has blue-themed upholstery, cyan accents, and waterproof wood-style flooring.
The concept retains the turbocharged 2.4-liter powertrain, eight-speed automatic, and full-time 4WD system of the donor car. Modifications include a louder exhaust, upgraded steering, custom front axles, a long-travel suspension, and a Tundra-sourced rear housing. Finally, the off-road credentials are further improved by the 37-inch tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels.
The 2024 edition of SEMA kicks off at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 5.