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How do I know if my Toyota is Japan or USA built?

If you own a Toyota vehicle, you may be curious about where it was manufactured. Knowing whether your Toyota was built in Japan or the USA can provide insights into the vehicle's origin, features, and potential differences. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to determine the manufacturing location of your Toyota.


Identifying the Manufacturing Location


There are a few key ways to determine if your Toyota was built in Japan or the USA:



  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The VIN, typically located on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb, can provide clues about the manufacturing location. The 11th digit of the VIN indicates the production plant, with "J" denoting a Japanese-built vehicle and "U" indicating a USA-built vehicle.

  • Manufacturer's Label: Check the manufacturer's label, usually found on the driver's side door jamb or the engine compartment. This label may specify the country of origin for your Toyota.

  • Model and Trim Level: Certain Toyota models and trim levels are exclusively produced in either Japan or the USA. For example, the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck is only manufactured in the USA, while the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is primarily built in Japan.


By using these methods, you can determine the manufacturing location of your Toyota and gain a better understanding of its origins and potential differences compared to other Toyota models.


Differences Between Japan and USA-Built Toyotas


While Toyota maintains high-quality standards across all its manufacturing facilities, there can be some minor differences between Japan and USA-built Toyotas:



  • Engine and Transmission: Japan-built Toyotas may feature different engine and transmission options compared to USA-built models, depending on the specific market and regulations.

  • Interior and Exterior Features: The available features and trim levels may vary slightly between Japan and USA-built Toyotas, reflecting regional preferences and regulations.

  • Emissions and Fuel Efficiency: Toyotas built in Japan may have slightly different emissions and fuel efficiency ratings compared to their USA-built counterparts, due to differences in regulations and testing procedures.


These differences are generally minor and do not significantly impact the overall quality, reliability, or performance of the vehicle. Toyota's commitment to consistent manufacturing standards ensures that both Japan and USA-built Toyotas offer the same high level of craftsmanship and dependability.

How do I decode a Toyota VIN number?


How To Decode A Toyota VIN Number. The first three digits in the VIN correspond to the make, model, and manufacturer. The fourth digit represents the safety features on the vehicle. Digits five thru eight represent the vehicle trim level or series, engine, and frequently (but not always) transmission.



Are Toyota Highlanders made in Japan?


However, the Corolla was built there instead, and the Highlander is being built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana, from the 2010 model year onward for a majority of North America, replacing Tundra production.



How do I manually decode a VIN number?


Decoding your VIN

  1. The first character tells you where in the world the vehicle was built.
  2. The second character denote the manufacturer.
  3. The third character tells you the vehicle type or division.
  4. The fourth through the eighth characters tell you the vehicle brand, body style, engine size and type, model, and series.



How do you tell if a car is USA built?


The first character of the VIN indicates the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. VIN's starting with 1, 4, and 5 are manufactured in the United States.



Which Toyota RAV4 models are made in Japan?


Japan. Model ranges include X, G and Sport, replacing RAV4 L and RAV4 J. The X and G can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.



How do I know if my Toyota is made in the USA or Japan?


If you're curious about whether or not your Toyota was created in Japan, the easiest way to do it is simply by looking at the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. The number is assigned to your vehicle as soon as it's completed. If your VIN starts with a "J," then it was manufactured in Japan.



What year to stay away from a Toyota RAV4?


If you're thinking about getting an RAV4, do yourself a favor and skip the 1996, 2001-2003, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2019 models. They've got engine stalls, rough gear shifts, and transmission issues — definitely not what you'd want for your comfortable driving experience!



Which Toyotas are made in Japan or the USA?


Country Of Origin Of Some Toyota Models

Model NameToyota Country Of Origin
Toyota AvalonNorth America
Toyota CamryJapan
Toyota CorollaJapan
Toyota PriusJapan



Are RAV4 built in USA?


As of this writing, Toyota manufactures 12 customer favorite vehicles in their North American facilities. Among the list of the vehicles manufactured in these plants include Avalon, Corolla, Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Matrix, Sienna, Tundra, Sequoia, Tacoma, Venaz, and the Lexus RX350.



What is the best VIN decoder for Toyota?


VinAudit provides a reliable Toyota VIN decoding service that delivers comprehensive information, including vehicle specifications, ownership records, accident history, and recalls, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making for buyers and sellers alike.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.