For a time, the streets roared with the presence of 2WD sport trucks, machines meticulously lowered and tuned by enthusiasts obsessed with stoplight sprints rather than rugged trails. These street trucks, symbols of a bygone era, seemed to fade into memory as the automotive world shifted towards tougher, lifted vehicles. However, Toyota might just be reigniting the spark.
At the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Toyota Engineering and Calty Design Studio teams unveiled a concept that veered sharply from the off-road norm: a modernized Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept. This wasn’t just another rugged truck; it was a street-focused beast born from the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma platform, hinting at a potential resurgence of the sport truck.
The Inspiration Behind the X-Runner Concept
Adam Rabinowitz, chief designer at Toyota’s Calty Design Research, Inc., articulated the team’s exploratory mindset. “There were lots of street trucks in the early 2000s and they all faded,” Rabinowitz noted. This concept serves as a “curiosity check,” questioning whether a market still exists for street trucks, or if the automotive landscape has irrevocably shifted to favor solely rugged, lifted vehicles. This concept isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a strategic probe into untapped market potential.
However, the X-Runner Concept is more than just a market feeler. Fueled by the overwhelming consumer excitement surrounding the launch of the 2024 Tacoma, Toyota’s R&D and Design teams seized the opportunity to demonstrate the vast possibilities of the new Toyota New Global Architecture-F (TNGA-F) platform.
Sheldon Brown, chief engineer at Toyota Motor North America, emphasized the platform’s versatility. “On the heels of the Tacoma launch, we wanted to showcase the diverse possibilities of the new truck’s architecture,” Brown stated. The TNGA-F platform empowers Toyota to efficiently develop diverse vehicle types, dramatically reducing development time. For engineers and designers, projects like the X-Runner are the very essence of automotive passion.
Performance Prowess: Engine and Drivetrain
The heart of the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept is a modified i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, unleashing a potent 421 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This significant power upgrade transforms the Tacoma into a true performance machine. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a robust Tundra solid axle, featuring a 4.30:1 final drive and an electronic locking differential for optimal traction. A custom side exhaust system, exiting just beneath the rocker panel, adds a distinctive auditory and visual signature to this street-focused truck.
Notably, the engine modification showcased in the X-Runner Concept will soon be available as a TRD Performance Package upgrade, starting with new Tundra models next year. This hints at Toyota’s commitment to bringing performance enhancements from concept to reality.
Chassis and Handling Upgrades
To effectively manage the enhanced power and achieve its street truck persona, the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept underwent substantial chassis modifications. The overall track width was widened by over 3 inches, and the frame was reinforced to ensure structural rigidity. The most striking change is the adoption of a Tundra air-suspension system, allowing for an aggressively low ride height while maintaining load-carrying capability.
The front suspension geometry was revised with lengthened upper and lower control arms, mirroring the Tundra’s setup. The lower arms were custom-designed to accommodate the vehicle’s slammed stance. At the rear, upper and lower arm lengths were also extended to integrate with the Tundra rear axle housing, axle shafts, and bearings, ensuring consistent width and strength front to rear. To sharpen the Tacoma’s already commendable on-road dynamics, stiffer springs were implemented, paired with custom-valved, 2.5-inch Bilstein® aluminum bodied shocks featuring remote reservoirs at each corner. These enhancements ensure that all 421 horsepower translates into confident and controlled performance. Finally, the wheel wells are filled by one-off, 21×9.5-inch carbon fiber wheels from Lacks Enterprises®, boasting forged aluminum centers and wrapped in Michelin 285/45R21 Sport Tires, completing the truck’s aggressive street presence.
Design and Styling Cues
Despite the significant performance and chassis transformations, the design team consciously preserved the core Tacoma design language. The Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept retains the interlocking shapes and fluid forms that define its “chiseled liquid” DNA. The concept features an assertive front fascia, accentuated by Tacoma XB LED Projector headlights with unique “X-Runner” laser-ablated lenses. Custom aero-fairings adorn the front and sides, incorporating functional vents that channel cooling air to the X-Runner’s substantial 13.9-inch Tundra front brakes, crucial for enhanced heat management during performance driving. The functional hood scoop serves a purpose beyond aesthetics, actively drawing cool air into the engine bay. The rear design is purposefully clean, punctuated by smoked taillights for a touch of modern aggression.
The majority of the body is finished in the iconic Speedway Blue, a subtle homage to the original X-Runner that debuted this distinctive hue at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. A matte black finish on the hood, A-pillars, and roof echoes the TRD Pro styling, while red accents highlighting the hood lines, scoop, and wheel hubs signal the truck’s high-performance street intent.
Interior and Driver Experience
Inside, the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept maintains the familiar Tacoma ambiance while seamlessly integrating performance-oriented enhancements. Paddle shifters are incorporated for a more engaging driving experience, and custom X-Runner accents subtly reinforce the concept’s unique identity.
Market Potential and Toyota’s Vision
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, encapsulates the concept’s broader significance within the Tacoma lineup. “There is a Tacoma for everyone, with eight grades in the 2024 Tacoma lineup,” Tripp explained. The X-Runner concept vividly illustrates that “TRD is about performance, about going fast.” It showcases the platform’s expansive capabilities, demonstrating what Toyota could achieve by pushing the Tacoma beyond its traditional off-road and everyday roles, imbuing it with undeniable “street cred.”
The Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Concept is currently on display at the Las Vegas Convention Center, inviting public feedback and gauging interest in a potential resurgence of the street truck segment. It serves as a powerful statement of Toyota’s commitment to thrilling performance across diverse automotive domains, whether on the road, track, or trail.
Vehicles shown are special project prototype vehicles, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota that may void the vehicle’s warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal.
