The Toyota 4Runner is a compact, later mid-size sport utility vehicle produced by Toyota starting in 1984 and continuing today in its 5th generation. In Japan, it was referred to as the Hilux Surf. The original Toyota Hilux Surf was basically a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but over time, this off-roader has undergone significant independent development into a mid-size sports utility vehicle.

This particular Hilux Surf is from the first year of the 3rd generation model, a generation considered by many as the greatest Hilux Surf/4Runner. It was developed under Toyota chief Masaaki Ishiko from 1990 to 1995 and introduced as a 2006 model year. It represented a significant redesign with an all-new body shell on an all-new chassis. It still shared a bunch of parts and components with the Toyota Hilux (Or Tacoma in the United States), including its engine and transmission, but the body and chassis were its own for the first time. 

The 3rd generation Hilux Surf was powered by the vaunted 1KZ-TE, a 3.0 Liter SOHC 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine with indirect injection. It had a fairly standard stock horsepower reading of 128 at 3600 rpm, just 800 rpm below its redline, but it really stood out from its gasoline counterparts with its eye-popping maximum torque of 212 lb ft, available at only 2000 rpm (!!). 

That low end grunt was critical for off-road prowess, something the Surf has always been known for. Even though it has gradually moved upmarket with most every other SUV on the planet over the years, the Hilux Surf and its American counterpart the 4Runner have always differentiated themselves by retaining a rugged personality. That means it’s not the most fun vehicle to drive on the pavement, but this is an off-road vehicle, not a car. And we love it for that.