The Toyota Tonka 4Runner Concept: A Serious Toy for Big Boys

With a 10-inch suspension lift, 20-inch wheels, and custom bumpers, if your 2016 Toyota 4Runner needs accessories, here's your starting point (all thanks to a toy brand, nice).

Toyota teamed up with the Funrise Toy Corporation – the company that builds the iconic Tonka truck toys – to create a Tonka 4Runner concept for its 2015 SEMA display. Using the 4Runner off-roader as a starting point, the Tonka crew’s goal was to create a vehicle suited to “the ultimate off-road adventure” that shares little more than Toyota’s 4.0L V6 engine with the stock truck.

toyota 4runner tonka truck interior
toyota 4runner tonka truck suspension

Well, we’d say they pulled this off. Underpinned by a 10-inch suspension lift, the Tonka 4Runner rides on 20-inch wheels shod with Mickey Thompson tires, along with LED lighting over each wheel to make the truck, in Toyota’s words, “as impossible to miss at night as it is in broad daylight.”

There’s also a massive LED lightbar on the roof, a pop-up tent, custom welded bumpers, a roof rack, side steps, and ladders. This is the second time Toyota and Tonka have teamed up on a custom build; the two companies previously worked together to create a fire truck based on the Tundra full-size pickup. All we have to say is: why wasn’t Tonka doing this when we were growing up? Regardless, this Toyota off-roader blew our childlike minds.

toyota 4runner tonka truck parked in the desert
toyota 4runner tonka truck rear view parked in the desert

Here’s a summary of what this off-road-going Tonka 4Runner was fitted with:

  1. Off-Road Suspension: The concept featured heavy-duty suspension components, including off-road shocks and springs, to improve its ground clearance and off-road performance.
  2. All-Terrain Tires: The vehicle was equipped with large, aggressive all-terrain tires designed to provide exceptional traction on various off-road surfaces.
  3. Custom Wheels: It had custom alloy wheels designed to withstand the demands of off-road driving while contributing to the vehicle’s distinctive appearance.
  4. Roof Rack: The Tonka 4Runner was fitted with a roof rack that could be used to carry additional gear, equipment, or cargo for off-road adventures.
  5. Auxiliary Lighting: Off-road lighting was a significant feature, with roof-mounted light bars and auxiliary lights added to improve visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions.
  6. Custom Exterior: The concept was painted in a bright, eye-catching color, often in Tonka’s signature yellow, making it stand out and resemble the iconic toy trucks.
  7. Winch: Many off-road enthusiasts require a winch for recovery purposes, and the Tonka 4Runner Concept often included one as part of its off-road package.
  8. Off-Road Bumpers: Custom front and rear off-road bumpers were added to the vehicle, providing additional protection and compatibility with recovery gear.
  9. Skid Plates: Skid plates were installed to protect the undercarriage from potential damage when navigating rough terrain.
  10. High-Performance Exhaust: Some concepts included a high-performance exhaust system to improve engine performance and produce an enhanced engine note.
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Author:
Chris Chase
Chris Chasehttps://chrischasescars.com/
Chris has been writing professionally about cars since 2004, in print and online. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and two feline tyrants. In rare quiet moments, he can be found travelling or playing one of his way-too-many guitars. Chris is also a journalist member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).