Better known in the USA as the Toyota 4Runner, the Hilux Surf was introduced to the USA market in 1983 and the Japanese market (JDM) in 1984 as a cheaper and more comfortable alternative to the Land Cruiser. Based on the Hilux Pickup truck, the “Surf” moniker accentuated Toyota’s pitch to customers in need of a vehicle to accommodate their active lifestyles. With a lifespan of about three decades, the Hilux Surf served as a stylish, reliable, and affordable SUV for families within Japan. Available in 2 and 4 door configurations, narrow-body and wide-body stances, and with gas and diesel (Japan only!) engines, the Surf was ready for work and leisure in any environment.
Spec and Chassis Code Breakdown
Although the “Hilux Surf” monicker debuted in 1984 as a trim level of the Hilux pickup truck, it was not a separate model until the 1989 model year. The model had four generations, but as an independent model it ran for three generations in Japan until it was discontinued in 2009. Its USA market counterpart, the 4Runner, has survived two more generations and is still in production. When looking at a Hilux Surf from Japan, it’s important to understand the differences between the generations and options available, as can be found in the breakdown below.
1st Generation Hilux Surf – 1984 to 1988
The 1st generation Hilux Surf was offered as a special trim on the Hilux pickup truck of the same generation. Engine and features were quite similar between the two, with the biggest differences being a back seat and an FRP (Fibre-reinforced plastic) roof covering the back seats and cargo area. The model was sold fist in the USA as the 4Runner, as Toyota realized that people were converting the Hilux pickup into an SUV regularly already. Marketing in Japan we heavily focused on its American roots, calling it an "American Offroad Machine" and taglines of "Pure American Spirit" in marketing brochures.
1st Generation Hilux Surf Engine Options
| Engine Name |
Fuel Type |
Displacement |
Power |
Torque |
Chassis # |
| 2L |
Diesel |
2,400cc |
61kW (82hp) |
166.7Nm (123lb/ft) |
LN60V |
| 3Y-J |
Petrol (Gas) |
2,000cc |
77kW (104hp) |
166.7Nm (123lb/ft) |
YN60V |
1st Generation Hilux Surf Trim Options
| Trim Name |
Years |
Level |
| SR |
1984-1989 |
Base Grade |
| SSR |
1984-1989 |
High Grade |
2nd Generation Hilux Surf – 1989 to 1995
Debuting in 1989, the 2nd generation Hilux Surf was offered only in narrow-body form, with a widebody configuration added in mid-1992. Notable off-road focused features throughout the 2nd generation run included Toyota’s “ADD” Automatic Disconnecting Differential and auto locking/unlocking front hubs. High spec, SSR-X and SSR-G models could be optioned with luxurious features such as an 8-speaker stereo, Recaro seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and a rear mounted spare tire. Additionally, exterior sport packages included the widebody configuration and rear spoilers with LED brake lights. Gasoline (petrol) and diesel turbo options were both available for all model years of the 2nd generation Hilux Surf, as can be seen in the chart below.
2nd Generation Hilux Surf Engine Options:
| Engine Name |
Fuel Type |
Displacement |
Power |
Torque |
Chassis # |
| 2L-T (Turbo) |
Diesel |
2,500cc |
69kW (93hp) |
215.7Nm (159lb/ft) |
LN130G |
| 2L-TE (Turbo) |
Diesel |
2,500cc |
71kW (95hp) |
240.3Nm (177lb/ft) |
LN130G/W |
| 3Y-E |
Petrol (Gas) |
2,000cc |
71kW (95hp) |
159.8Nm (118lb/ft) |
YN130G |
| 3VZ-E |
Petrol (Gas) |
3,000cc |
110kW (148hp) |
245.2Nm (181lb/ft) |
VZN130G |
| 1KZ-TE (Turbo) |
Diesel |
3,000cc |
96kW (129hp) |
289.3Nm (213lb/ft) |
KZN130G/W |
2nd Generation Hilux Surf Trim Options
| Trim Name |
Years |
Level |
| SSR |
1989-1990 |
Base Grade |
| SSR Limited |
1989-1990 |
High Grade |
| SSR Standard Body |
1991-1995 |
Base Grade |
| SSR-G Wide Body |
1991-1994 |
High Grade |
| SSR-V Limited Wide Body |
1993-1995 |
RV Base |
| SSR-V Wide Body |
1993-1995 |
RV Base |
| SSR-X Limited Wide Body |
1991-1995 |
Mid Grade |
| SSR-X Standard Body |
1991-1995 |
Mid Grade |
| SSR-X Wide Body |
1991-1995 |
Mid Grade |
3rd Generation Hilux Surf – 1995 to 2001
With success in Japan and abroad in the USA, Toyota did a full refresh of the Hilux Surf (4Runner) for the 1995 model year. Though keeping the Hilux name, this generation was actually based on the Land Cruiser Prado’s frame. Toyota introduced various trims and options during this generation, to satisfy the strong demand for SUVs throughout the late 90s. This included base 2WD models, as well as various top-spec special editions through the years. Notable features on this generation of Hilux Surf included aero/widebody packages, numerous exterior dress options, high-spec optitron gauges, and enhanced safety features such as standard ABS. Off-road features included 2 stage shock absorbers on high-end SSR-G models, and an optional limited slip differential. This generation also includes four engine options, as listed below.
3rd Generation Hilux Surf Engine Options:
| Engine Name |
Fuel Type |
Displacement |
Power |
Torque |
Chassis # |
| 5VZ-FE |
Petrol (Gas) |
3,400cc |
136kW (182hp) |
294.2nM (217lb/ft) |
VZN185W |
| 3RZ-FE |
Petrol (Gas) |
2,700cc |
110kW (148hp) |
235.4nM (174lb/ft) |
RZN185W |
| 1KZ-TE (Turbo) |
Diesel |
3,000cc |
96kW (129hp) |
289.3nM (213lb/ft) |
KZN185G/W |
| 1KD-FTV (Turbo) |
Diesel |
3,000cc |
125kW (168hp) |
352.0nM (260lb/ft) |
KDN185W |
3rd Generation Hilux Surf Trim Options
| Trim Name |
Years |
Level |
| Sports runner |
1998-2001 |
Base Grade (2WD) |
| SSR standard body |
1995-1997 |
Base Grade (4WD) |
| SSR-G |
1998-2001 |
High Grade |
| SSR-G Intercooler equipped diesel turbo wide body |
1996-1997 |
High Grade |
| SSR-G Wide Body |
1995, 1997 |
High Grade |
| SSR-V |
2000-2001 |
Mid Grade (2WD/4WD) |
| SSR-V Black Navigator |
2001 |
Mid Grade |
| SSR-V Black Navigator [with navigation system] |
2001 |
Mid Grade |
| SSR-V wide body |
1995, 1997 |
Mid Grade |
| SSR-X |
1998-2001 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Active Package I equipped vehicle, wide body |
1995 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Active Package II equipped vehicle, wide body |
1995 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Active Package III equipped vehicle, wide body |
1995 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Intercooler-equipped diesel turbo wide body |
1997 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Limited Wide Body |
1997 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Package A |
1998-2001 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Package B |
1998-2001 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Package C |
1998-2001 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X Premium Selection |
1999 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X standard body |
1995, 1997 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X V Selection |
1998 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X White Premium |
2001 |
Mid-High Grade |
| SSR-X wide body |
1995-1997 |
Mid-High Grade |
4th Generation Hilux Surf – 2002 to 2007
The final generation of the Hilux Surf was launched in Japan in 2002 and shared the same basic body as its American counterpart, the 4Runner. 4th Generation Hilux Surf models were capable off-road trucks, but design and features were very clearly targeted towards daily road use. The manual transmission was dropped in this generation for a 4-speed automatic. In Japan an “American Version” trim was available with steel wheels and plastic cladding. Engine options still included both petrol (gasoline) and diesel options. Standard safety features included ABS, dual airbags, and brake assist.
4th Generation Hilux Surf Engine Options:
| Engine Name |
Fuel Type |
Displacement |
Power |
Torque |
Chassis # |
| 1GR-FE |
Petrol (Gas) |
4,000cc |
183kW (245hp) |
380nM (280lb/ft) |
CBA-GRN215W |
| 2TR-FE |
Petrol (Gas) |
2,700cc |
120kW (160hp) |
246nM (181lb/ft) |
CBA-TRN210W /
CBA-TRN215W |
| 1KD-FTV (Turbo) |
Diesel |
3,000cc |
125kW (168hp) |
352nM (260lb/ft) |
KN-KDN215W |
| 3RZ-FE |
Petrol (Gas) |
2,700cc |
110kW (148hp) |
235nM (173lb/ft) |
LA-RZN210W /
LA-RZN215W |
| 5VZ-FE |
Petrol (Gas) |
3,400cc |
136kW (182hp) |
294nM (217lb/ft) |
TA-VZN210W /
TA-VZN215W |
4th Generation Hilux Surf Trim Options
| Trim Name |
Years |
Level |
| SSR-G |
2002-2005 |
High Grade |
| SSR-X |
2002-2005 |
Base Grade |
| SSR-X 20th Anniversary Edition |
2004 |
Mid Grade |
| SSR-X American version |
2002-2004 |
Base Grade |
| SSR-X Limited |
2005-2007 |
Mid Grade |
| SSR-X Limited 60th Special Edition |
2006 |
Mid Grade |
| SSR-X V Selection |
2005 |
Mid Grade |
Driving Dynamics
What’s it like driving a Toyota Hilux Surf? Well, if you’ve ever driven an old body-on-frame SUV from the 90’s you should know exactly what to expect. The sitting position is high, and truck-like, with a wide view of the area around you. We’ll focus on the 1st and 2nd generation Hilux Surf models, as that’s what we have the most experience driving around these days. The interior is basic, but generally fine and up to the expected standard of a mid-grade 90’s Japanese car. Even after 25 years, they mostly hold up quite well. On the road, the Hilux Surf has a very truck-like drive, with a bit of bounce when going over bumps and expected body-roll in turns. Off-road, these trucks have proven to be a very capable and reliable vehicle for enthusiasts. Whether handling snowy mountain passes in Hokkaido, or sandy beach drives in Tottori, the Hilux Surf can be found covering the toughest terrain that Japan and the world has to offer. With that said, they don’t offer the level of capability and features of contemporary Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado models. The Hilux Surf was certainly designed for road use first, and off-roading second, while Land Cruiser models were designed with opposite priorities in mind.
Common Issues
For 1st and 2nd generation Hilux Surf models, these are the most common issues that we have encountered when checking and sourcing these in Japan:
- 4WD transfer case sticking
- 4WD engagement/disengagement issues
- Engine oil leak – petrol (gasoline) engines
- Head gasket – petrol (gasoline) engines
- Cracked manifold – petrol (gasoline) engines
- Rust and corrosion on the skid plates and chassis frame
- Exterior paint peel and fading
- Bubbling dashboard
- Separation between the airbag and dashboard on passenger side
We strongly recommend that buyers get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Hilux Surf before sourcing from Japan. As noted on the engine issues above. We also recommend checking for evidence of timing-belt replacements (Except for 3RZ-FE, 1GR-FE, and 2TR-FE engines which use a timing chain).
The 2nd and 3rd generation Hilux Surf has become quite popular in Japan again in recent years, and it’s common to find repainted and restored models on the used market. Many of these repainted models come with quality upgrades in appearance and 4WD capability. Unfortunately, some of these restorations are hiding rust and corrosion issues underneath the fresh paint. We strongly recommend pre-purchase inspections of trucks for rust issues, and we can assist you to find the right truck from Japan.
If you’re interested in sourcing a Hilux Surf from Japan, please
contact us today to learn more!
How to Import a Toyota Hilux Surf from Japan
The Hilux Surf is eligible for import to the following countries under the conditions specified below.
| Country |
Eligible Year Range |
Specific Conditions |
| USA |
1989 to 2000 |
Must be 25+ years old |
| Australia |
1989 to 2000 |
Must be 25+ years old |
| New Zealand |
1989 to 2007 |
Must be 20 Years old or have ESC and clean condition |
| United Kingdom |
1989 to 2007 |
Requires local compliance, contact us for details |
If your country is not listed above, it still may be possible to import a Hilux Surf. Please check the regulations in your local market to confirm import eligibility for specific models, or
contact us today to learn if you can import a Hilux Surf to your country.
Pricing Guide
Pricing for the Toyota Hilux Surf in Japan can vary from Y800,000 JPY up past Y3,000,000 JPY depending on the age, condition, and features of the model. Please contact us today to get a quote for a Hilux Surf that meets your needs, and we can also assist you with the full import process from Japan to your local port.
Sources:
Toyota.jp
Toyota.co.jp
