by Imagine an ordinary family sedan suddenly getting a raised suspension and a cargo bed at the back. In 2003, Toyota Australia experimented with an unusual but interesting idea – turning the Avalon into a rugged all-wheel-drive pickup.
Although it sounds strange now, the project was so serious back then that it was presented at auto shows. The result was the Toyota X-Runner concept – an unusual attempt to combine sedan comfort with pickup practicality and a spirit of adventure.
At first glance, the idea seemed unlikely. But the X-Runner wasn’t just a sketch – Toyota Australia created a full-fledged, functional prototype, which was presented at the auto shows in Melbourne and Sydney as a potential production model. The goal was to demonstrate the capabilities of the local engineering team and compete with local counterparts like the Ford Falcon Ute.
The first-generation Avalon, which debuted globally in 1994 and in Australia in 2000, was used as the base. The transformation was radical: the classic sedan body was replaced with a two-door pickup with an extended cargo platform, widened wheel arches, and 19-inch wheels. Special bumpers and underbody protection added an off-road character.
The Sedan That Became a Pickup
Toyota Australia
For the new body, the wheelbase was increased by 150 mm, allowing for more cargo. The tailgate had a removable storage compartment, and the platform and interior were equipped according to the trends of the early 2000s: mountain bikes, a 17-inch GPS screen, a mini-fridge, and leather sports seats.
But the X-Runner wasn’t just a show project. A key feature was the raised suspension with 210 mm of ground clearance. Most components were taken from Toyota SUVs, and the rear axle was from the commercial Tarago. This solution improved capabilities compared to conventional light-duty pickups.
An important advantage was the all-wheel drive, also borrowed from an SUV. This gave it an edge over rear-wheel-drive competitors, attracting buyers who needed better traction.
Powerful Turbocharged V6
Under the hood was a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to a TRD supercharger, power increased to 248 hp, and torque to 330 Nm, significantly exceeding the figures of the standard Avalon engine (200 hp and 290 Nm).
Despite interest and support from Toyota Australia, the X-Runner never became a production model. Market potential turned out to be limited due to the specific design, and the Avalon in Australia was soon replaced by the Toyota Aurion. This concept remains an original experiment from a time when automakers weren’t afraid of unusual solutions.
The Avalon nameplate continued to exist in other regions. The current generation was introduced in 2018. Although the large sedan was discontinued in the US in 2022, it is still available in China, where it received updates in 2022 and 2024.
