The Toyota 4Runner is a popular SUV manufactured in Tahara, Japan. It is aimed primarily to service the U.S. and North American markets. The 4Runner has undergone four generations over the course of its life from 1984 to the present. Outside of the United States, the 4Runner is known by a much different name, the Toyota Hilux Surf.

The first generation of Toyota 4Runners had much in common with Toyota 4x4 pickups. In fact, Toyota engineers developed the 4Runner as a sort of pickup with modifications to take on in-class competitors, like the Chevrolet Blazer and the Ford Bronco. The major 'Generation One' customization was the incorporation of a fiberglass top overlaying the truck body. Since this first generation wasn't creatively engineered, the rear suspensions tended to sag.

By 1989, Toyota knew it had to change the 4Runner significantly. The 1990 4Runner was a four door vehicle (although there were a few two door second generation 4Runners manufactured). Instead of using fiberglass to hide a pickup underneath, the second generation 4Runners used single unit bodies. The 4Runner continued to feature its retractable glass tailgate but added more powerful engines, including a 3.0 liter V-6.

In 1996, the (by then) classic Toyota 4Runner underwent another facelift. This time, engineers tried to mimic the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. Despite some superficial modifications and customizations, the 1996 4Runner proved remarkably similar to the second generation 4Runner. In 2003, Toyota redesigned the chassis and body of the 4Runner and rebranded the truck as a semi luxury SUV.