The Toyota Hilux Surf is a classic JDM SUV that performs equally well in both the city and off-road while drawing all eyes with the help of its powerful, retro stylings. Although Toyota decided to discontinue the Hilux Surf in 2009, you'll still see them being driven in large numbers today in Japan and worldwide by discerning drivers who value a versatile, dependable, and high-performance SUV.

Hilux Surf Origin

The introduction of the Hilux Surf by Toyota in 1984 brought to the domestic Japanese market a new type of multi-use SUV. As its base, it used the Hilux pickup truck but with the addition of a mounted fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) canopy on its bed. This new model shared design cues with similar pickup truck-turned-SUVs converted in the US by West Coast-based firms, ultimately offering a machine that combined excellent 4WD performance with the versatility of a multipurpose wagon body.

1st & 2nd Generation

Released in 1984, the first-generation of the two-door Hilux Surf arrived on the scene with a series of inline four-cylinder engines, including 2.0L gasoline and 2.4L diesel, a naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine.

Initially, it got front and rear suspensions that used a rigid axle and leaf spring design. However, in August 1985, an independent double wishbone and torsion bar spring system for increased on-road performance replaced the front suspension. Standard, short, and long bodies were available for this generation.

In 1989, Toyota released the second-generation of the Hilux Surf. This generation got an additional four-door model in response to US import tariffs that eliminated the comparative cost-effectiveness of the two-door model. Plus, its body, which was until then a fiberglass-reinforced plastic canopy installed onto the bed of a pickup, became a regular steel wagon one.

This generation saw the evolution of the Hilux Surf's body into more of a passenger car. Upon its introduction, the second-generation's engine lineup featured a 2.0L gasoline, a 2.4L diesel, and a 2.8L diesel (dedicated for the van variant), all of which were inline four-cylinders. Later, a 3.0L V6 gasoline (1990) and a 3.0L turbodiesel (1993) were also added. Transmissions were either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

3rd Generation

In 1995, drastic changes for the Toyota Hilux Surf marked the inception of its third-generation. The double-wishbone front suspension remained, but the torsion bar springs were replaced with coil springs. Also, the previous ball and nut steering mechanism was replaced with rack and pinion steering. Furthermore, a new transfer multi-mode 4WD was adopted, as was a newly developed frame body, all of which contributed to the enormous strides made in improving the Hilux Surf's drive performance and safety.

The four-door body with a top-hinged tailgate became the only body style available. However, a "5 number" category standard version and a wide body version with over-fenders were also offered. For its engines, the third-generation Hilux Surf received the 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6 six-cylinder DOHC gasoline capable of 182 hp, the 2.7L 3RZ-FE inline four-cylinder DOHC gasoline that makes 148 hp, and the 3.0L 1KZ-TE inline four-cylinder SOHC turbo diesel engine that produces 128 hp.

In May of 1996, the turbodiesel unit made way for an intercooler version that produces 138 hp, which was, in turn, swapped out for the 3.0L common rail direct injection turbo diesel 1KD-FTV with an output of 168 hp. Demand for an affordable SUV without 4WD grew, so in response, Toyota released the Hilux Surf Sports Runner without 4WD in August 1998. This featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and was 65 mm lower than the 4WD model.

4th Generation

November 2002 marked the inception of the Hilux Surf's fourth-generation. Thanks to an enlarged body, extra cabin space, the addition of a trapezoidal front grille, and broad-based C-pillars, this generation appeared bigger and bolder than its predecessor.

Engines for this generation included the gasoline 2.7L 3RZ-FE inline four-cylinder, the 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6 six-cylinder, and the 3.0L 1KD-FTV inline four-cylinder direct injection turbo diesel. The 2TR-FE replaced the 2.7L in 2004, while the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 six-cylinder replaced the 3.4L gasoline in July 2005. Also, all diesel models were discontinued. All engines were mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, except for 4.0L, which joined to a five-speed automatic.

Engine Performance & Technology

Hilux Surf engines come in from 2.0L up to 4.0L. Specific engines, such as the 4.0L 1GR-FE, come with VVT variable valve timing that improves power, torque, and fuel consumption. The Hilux Surf with 1GR-FE has also been awarded the ULEV (Zero and Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) certification for its excellence in reduced emissions.

Safety & Reliability

Standard safety features on most model years include dual airbags, ABS, and seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. In contrast, Toyota's Star Safety System, made up of ABS (Anti-lock braking system), electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control, and Vehicle Stability Control, is available in all of the fourth-generation Toyota Hilux Surfs.

Trim Configurations

The Hilux Surf comes in various trims, such as the SSR (second-generation standard), SSR Ltd, SSR-G, SSR-V, SSR-X, SSR-X Ltd, and the Sport Runner. Those seeking the most performance out of their Hilux Surf will want to opt for the top-of-line fourth-generation SSR-G, which features REAS (Relative Absorber System) that applies moderate damping force to the left and right absorbers for increased stability and ride comfort. For 2WD options, look to the SSR-V and the Sport Runner.

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