Toyota has imagined a Tacoma pickup for those among us who like trucks, but never leave the asphalt. Dubbed the X-Runner, it has debuted at the SEMA show with a fresh exterior design, a boosted engine and improved suspension. It will never reach production as is, but certain aftermarket components will go on sale in early 2024, the company says.
The track is 75 mm (3 inches) wider than standard, the suspension arms are longer and there is a Tundra axle at the rear end. Air cushions result in a low stance, and Bilstein shocks with external reservoirs are installed for a smoother ride. The wheels are carbon/aluminum and 21 inches large.
Exterior highlights include flared fenders and a more aggressive-looking front end. The whole truck has been finished in bright blue with matte black inserts and red accents.
A peek inside the engine bay reveals the 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 of the latest Tundra. A slight tune-up lets it deliver 427 PS (421 hp / 314 kW). The peak torque stays the same at 649 Nm (479 lb-ft), but is now reached 400 RPM earlier.
Toyota says the engine tune-up will become available as a $3,400 option for all mass-market Tundra TRD models starting in early 2024.
As for the Tacoma X-Runner, it will forever remain a design study showcasing both the vast customization possibilities and the opportunities provided by Toyota’s current unibody architecture that all of its recent off-roaders are built upon.
