Jump LinksEngine and PerformanceStyling AestheticsHow Does the Past Compare with the Current Era?Why We Wish Toyota Would Make It a RealityThe street truck segment has experienced a resurgence in recent times, with trucks focused more on road-going performance over hauling cargo and off-road capability. These have become more attractive to the enthusiast demographic who remember the heyday of American street trucks like the GMC Syclone and Chevrolet S-10 SS that gave comparable muscle cars and coupes a run for their money, whether at the track or quarter-mile.Toyota’s X-Runner nameplate was applied to a sports-oriented version of its best-selling midsize truck, the Tacoma, in the 2000s, and only a few years ago, the Japanese brand briefly resurrected it for a concept exercise. If you were completely unaware that the Toyota X-Runner concept existed and that this nameplate had an opportunity to make a comeback, we’ll discuss this concept in greater detail, compare it to the last production model to utilize this nameplate, and discuss whether we feel Toyota had the potential to make a production version a reality.All details regarding the X-Runner Concept come from the manufacturer's respective online media centers. All information quoted here is correct at the time of writing, as sourced from the automaker. The Toyota X-Runner Concept: What Is It? 2023 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner ConceptThe X-Runner Concept at the center of attention here is the one that debuted in 2023 at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This concept, based on the latest iteration of the Toyota Tacoma, was intended from the ground up to be an experimental ‘showcase’ (as with many vehicle concepts commissioned/designed by manufacturers for SEMA).For the 2023 edition of the SEMA show, the X-Runner concept was one of four "special builds" prominently featured at Toyota’s booth that year, joined by two builds based on classic FJ Cruisers and a ‘Blue Beetle’-inspired Tacoma; the X-Runner stood out as the only non off-road-inspired build of the four."We want to demonstrate that Toyota is an exciting, innovative company capable of taking our stock vehicles and building them out to do incredible things... The brainstorming sessions pointed to a street truck build, a modernized X-Runner Concept, based on the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma."- Toyota USA Engine and Performance ToyotaUnder the hood, this modified fourth-gen Tacoma utilized a 3.4L twin-turbocharged V6 as part of its X-Runner-inspired changes, upgraded to produce 421 hp and sending power through a ten-speed automatic transmission — with an electronic, lockable rear differential onboard that can split power between the rear wheels.Various modifications were also performed to the existing Tacoma’s platform and running gear, consisting of various brake and suspension components from the larger Tundra pickup truck. Toyota states these include the Tundra’s rear axle assembly, air suspension system, and brakes (with their own custom settings/changes specific to this X-Runner build), alongside custom Bilstein dampers with remote reservoirs to ensure the truck is well adapted to the higher power outputs of the V6 powertrain, both in straight lines and in corners."The X-Runner Concept benefits from a modified i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 421 horsepower with 479 lb-ft of peak torque. A Tundra solid axle with 4.30:1 final drive and an electronic locking differential splits the torque to the rear wheels, while a custom side exhaust exits just below the rocker panel... 2.5-inch Bilstein® aluminum bodied shocks with remote reservoirs at each corner to help the driver put all 421 horsepower to the ground. "- Toyota USA Styling Aesthetics Toyota The team behind the X-Runner Concept build also ensured it looked the part, with prominent changes that emphasized its street-truck character aesthetically and functionally. Key changes made to the exterior include a custom, one-off widebody kit consisting of fenders with functional vents (providing additional cooling to the brake components), customized LED front headlights featuring ‘X-Runner laser ablation lenses’, alongside a bespoke front fascia made up of a unique front grille and bumper housing an LED light strip.Notably, the body is largely finished in Speedway Blue: the same factory color that the original Tacoma X-Runner is most known for, as well as its signature ‘press’ color when it was first unveiled in 2004. Red accents have also been applied to select areas like the badges and front section, including the ventilated front hood (that features a hood scoop not just for pure show, but channels more cooling air into the engine bay). The concept Toyota X-Runner truck also rides on a set of bespoke 21-inch carbon fiber wheels, all of which feature forged aluminum centers and rides on a set of Michelin sport tires in a street-style 'stanced' setup and a lower ride height.Toyota While not receiving the same level of modifications as observed on the exterior, several touches by the Toyota build team were also implemented to make the X-Runner’s cabin unique over a standard Tacoma, including different colors applied throughout the upholstery, ‘X-Runner’ details, and a pair of extended paddle shifters on the steering wheel."The aggressive front fascia is completed with Tacoma XB LED Projector headlights with 'X-Runner' laser ablation lenses. Front and side body work features custom aero-fairings with functional venting that cools the X-Runner’s 13.9-inch Tundra front brakes, providing higher heat capacity. The functional hood scoop is purpose-built as well, drawing cool air into the engine bay. From the back, X-Runner is purposefully simple, its look punctuated by smoked taillights."- Toyota USA Tacoma X-Runner vs X-Runner Concept How Does the Past Compare with the Current Era? ToyotaWhen comparing the X-Runner concept to the Tacoma X-Runner based on the second-generation Tacoma crew cab, originally produced from 2005 to 2013, more differences are evident between these two street trucks when analyzed in finer detail.On appearance, both X-Runners stand out from the standard Tacoma models they are based upon, with varying degrees of front spoilers or body kits, and a ventilated front hood that adds more sporting qualities. Lower-profile tires paired with bigger alloy wheels also defined their appearance. Both also feature additional suspension and chassis changes that add further rigidity and better handling properties; the second-gen Tacoma X-Runner notably has a rear-mounted X-brace to strengthen its rear section (giving inspiration for its aforementioned nameplate). As part of their changes, both also used some variants of Bilstein dampers/shocks.While both use modified V6 powertrains and the concept X-Runner outclasses when it comes to power and torque figures, it’s worth remembering the older X-Runner was equipped from the factory with a 4.0L naturally aspirated unit, unchanged from the V6 used in other Tacoma variants of the same-gen; though for buyers who wanted more, options like a TRD (Toyota Racing Development) supercharger kit and StopTech ‘big-brake’ kit were available to bump up power output and improve braking performance respectively. It’s also worth highlighting that the second-gen Tacoma X-Runner was available only with a manual transmission and sent its power to the rear, compared to the 10-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive setup used by the modern tribute.2005 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner InteriorThe interiors of both the original Toyota Tacoma X-Runner truck and the concept also contrast in presentation and features; especially at first glance, how one could distinguish them from a normal Tacoma. While the modern iteration brings X-Runner specific details (badges/emblems) combined with sports-inspired seats finished in vibrant upholstery, as well as steering wheel design; the second-gen X-Runner reuses most of its original Tacoma tooling throughout the cabin, including identical seats, gear shifter, dashboard, and steering wheel.In short, while both of these Toyota street-style trucks employ the X-Runner nameplate, as time and tastes have evolved, both evidently show their elevated performance, sporting characteristics of varying degrees, either under the radar or clear on first impressions. Conclusion: Would A Resurrected Toyota X-Runner Be Successful? Why We Wish Toyota Would Make It a Reality 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo Blue Front Angled ViewImpressive styling and performance under the hood aside, this attempt at a modern-era Tacoma X-Runner has, as of this writing, remained as a one-off experiment by Toyota, with no confirmation on whether a production model will surface in the near future; though the brand did mention that the tuning applied to the twin-turbo V6 used would be offered in the Tundra as part of an optional TRD Performance Package. The current-gen Tacoma is also offered with a few TRD variants, but these are mainly aimed at improving off-road performance/aesthetics.Reception towards the modified Tacoma X-Runner concept was well-received during its showcase at SEMA 2023 and online, and we feel that Toyota not seriously noting this interest in reviving their street-truck nameplate is a missed opportunity. Doing so could market their renowned midsize truck to an even greater range of buyers, especially those within the enthusiast and tuning communities.As current market trends have shown, the demand and interest for street trucks has arisen from enthusiast/car culture communities, with major automotive brands taking note of how they can develop existing or new products to suit. As is evident with brands like Ford introducing the Maverick Lobo, a variant of their compact pickup truck that has been emphasized to have been inspired, and pays tribute to street-truck culture (while providing a platform with modification potential for the aftermarket/tuning scene). In addition, Stellantis' truck brand, Ram Trucks, has hinted that they are exploring the idea of a modern incarnation of its famed, performance-focused Ram SRT-10 based on the current gen Ram 1500 series platform.Toyota With current industry trends within the truck segment, incentives are developing for Toyota to seriously consider bringing the X-Runner concept into production, and something we feel is worth pursuing to bring much-needed rejuvenation into Toyota’s product lineup to supplement the Toyota GR Corolla and GR86 (along with filling the void left by the outgoing GR Supra). This would be consistent with one of the X-Runner build team’s key intentions behind this concept in the first place, which was to gauge whether there was indeed demand and interest for street truck models in the modern era."When asked about the inspiration behind building an X-Runner Concept for the SEMA Show, Adam Rabinowitz, chief designer at Toyota’s Calty Design Research, Inc. shared a part of the team’s thought process. "There were lots of street trucks in the early 2000s, and they all faded, so this was a curiosity check to see if there is any market for street trucks at all."- Toyota USA