As of 2021[update], the 4Runner is marketed in the Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela.

Winnebago removed the rear wall and added a bench seat in the bed, protecting these occupants by a permanently-fixed fiberglass shell;[6] in concept, it was similar to the Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

[7] The Trekker was discontinued in 1984 once Toyota started producing and selling the 4Runner SUV; these third-party conversions had in essence acted as marketing test vehicles for the 4Runner.

[8][9] After the Land Cruiser FJ40 was discontinued, Jack Safro, who operated a Toyota dealer in Brookfield, Wisconsin, approached Winnebago with the idea to convert the Hilux into a four-passenger vehicle as a potential replacement.

[14][15] The concept was borrowed from both the second generation Ford Bronco, and the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, which were both based on existing short-bed pickup trucks with the addition of removable fiberglass shells over the rear sections and bench seats installed in the back.

The North American specification Toyota Pickup also adopted this new suspension,[22] but the regular Hilux for other markets at this point retained the more rugged and capable, if less refined, solid axle configuration.

However, the second-generation Surf/4Runner represented a fundamental departure from the first generation model: Instead of an enhanced pickup truck with fiberglass cap, the new 4Runners featured a freshly designed, full-steel integrated body mounted on the existing frame.

[30]: 42  Two-door cars of the second generation are extremely rare, and they were priced higher than the four-door model due to the chicken tax applied to light-duty imported trucks.

Most competing full-body SUVs produced at the time (e.g. Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer) featured tailgates that opened upward with the glass closed.

The Hilux Surf also had as options a Recaro interior, TEMS shocks with a NORMAL and HARD setting, a limited slip differential, front bullbars and a swing-out spare tire mounted on the tailgate.

There was also a choice of an open differential, or in Japan and Europe, a limited slip unit similar to the one found in the A70 Toyota Supra, parts are also interchangeable.

1980s and early-1990s crash regulations in the United States were not very strict for light trucks, and all early model 4Runners were fitted with doors that offered little protection in the event of a side collision.

Despite moving upmarket with the rest of the mid-size SUV market, the new 4Runner differentiated itself by retaining the rugged off-road character its competitors were sacrificing for highway comfort.

Other significant changes from the second generation models include a larger body on a 2.3 in (58 mm) longer wheelbase and 1 in (25 mm) wider track, increased interior space, increased cargo space, dual airbags, ABS, lift-up tailgate, coil-spring suspension all around, rack and pinion steering, and aerodynamic contour designed glass headlights.

[53] Additionally, Hilux Surf versions immediately moved to 16-inch wheels and gained a center differential, enabling the use of four-wheel drive on hard surfaces without complication for the first time.

In Japan, an intercooled version of the 1KZ-TE turbodiesel was introduced in July 1996, increasing maximum output to 140 hp (100 kW), with availability limited to the Hilux Surf SSR-G only.

Vehicles with "Limited" and "Highlander" (later called "Sport Edition") trim received color-keyed running boards, front and rear bumpers, mud flaps and flares.

The ergonomics of the interior was completely changed, moving all the controls to the center of the dash for the rear window, and defrost, it also received a new instrument panel with a digital odometer.

The turbodiesel engine for the equivalent Hilux Surf (sold July 2000 to December 2001) was replaced by the 3.0L 1KD-FTV, which offered an increased maximum output of 170 hp (130 kW) using a common rail direct injection design.

Based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120 series, the new 4Runner retained the same basic exterior styling themes, and was still marketed as a mid-size semi-luxury SUV with off-road capabilities.

The 4Runner continued to use a body on frame construction design and a solid rear axle for strength and durability compromising interior room and on-road handling.

The X-REAS system links the dampers diagonally by means of hydraulic hoses and fluid using a mechanical center valve which reduces body roll during hard cornering.

Major standard features included a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry, single zone automatic climate control, power driver's lumbar support, power rear tailgate window, and on V8 models a tow hitch receiver bolted directly to the rear frame crossmember.

In 2009 with the end of this generation, Toyota Japan ceased production of the Hilux Surf, leaving only the 4Runner available in the subsequent model series.

[66] In 2013 (for the 2014 model year), the 4Runner received a facelift, consisting of revised front and rear fascia with projector headlamps and clear-lensed, LED tail-lamps, as well as other minor exterior cosmetic changes.

These trim levels shared the same mechanical functionality of the former Trail edition, but added aesthetic differences and TRD badging to differentiate themselves from the base model.

[70] In 2018 (for the 2019 model year), Toyota began offering a Nightshade package based on the Limited trim which blacks out badging, lower front and rear fascia, wheels, and portions of the interior.

The TRD Pro was to have an updated grille design to accommodate the front radar sensor for TSS-P.[72] All United States models received an updated Entune 3.0 infotainment system with a larger, higher-resolution touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa integration, 4G LTE internet access powered by Verizon Wireless, Safety Connect, and standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio and optional HD Radio.

Using strategically placed cameras, the system lets the driver check surroundings on the trail, with the ability to spot potential obstacles not easily seen from the cabin.

[81] Sales were initially set to commence after mid-2024, but was delayed to December 2024 at the earliest due to supply constraints on key parts shared with other vehicles.