The third generation Toyota Hilux Surf, more commonly known to the US market as the Toyota 4Runner, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic mid-size SUV’s ever developed. Comfortable enough to be used as a daily cruiser, yet rugged enough to take on trails and the elements without batting an eye, the Hilux Surf/4Runner holds a cult following amongst Toyota enthusiasts and many well-preserved examples can still be seen putting around on the road today. 2021 marks the first year that the Japanese market Hilux Surf is legal to import, and the US JDM market is already flooding with well kept low mileage examples, such as this particular 1996 model year Hilux Surf shown above. Optioned from the factory with Toyota’s stout 5VZ-FE V6 and 4 speed automatic transmission with full time 4WD and locking center diff, this Hilux is spec’d perfectly for the enthusiast looking for a daily driver with some serious off-road potential. The exterior is finished in the original coat of Toyota’s Evergreen Pearl (751). While to the untrained eye this may look like your typical US market 4Runner, OEM exterior options such as a front bull bar and rear spoiler with power retracting mirror set this Hilux apart from the pack. It’s a timeless look that has aged quite gracefully, and with nearly every panel on the car being immaculate (save for some expected paint fade on the roof) this SUV will surely turn the head of any Toyota enthusiast on the road. If you know you know. The interior follows suit and is equally as spotless. The striped cloth upholstery is free of any defects, and the dash, complete with tortoise trim, is immaculate. All buttons and switches are fully functional, down to the automatic climate control with perfectly functioning AC and heat. The instrument cluster displays just 84,481 verified kilometres (only 54k original miles!). With such low numbers on the clock, it’s easy to see why the overall condition of this vehicle is so immaculate. Turn the key and the 3.4l V6 engine fires right up. Luckily this engine was also available to the US market, so parts availability is abundant and this Hilux can be serviced pretty much like any other 4Runner. The V6 has plenty of get up and go around town, and the auto trans never feels sluggish, shifting smoothly through all gears. The transfer case switches between drive wheels with no issue, and the full time 4WD is fully operational. This Hilux Surf is a jack of all trades and an excellent example of some Japanese market coolness we never got in the states. Fully serviced and ready to roll, this Hilux needs nothing more than someone to drive it!