Is the 4Runner still made in Japan?

Yes. The Toyota 4Runner is still manufactured in Japan, with current model years assembled there for global distribution, including the United States.

From its origins in the late 1980s, the 4Runner has been tied to Japan’s production network, while other Toyota SUV lines have at times shifted production to North America and elsewhere. This article reviews where the 4Runner is built today, why production choices matter for pricing and delivery, and what the future may hold for buyers.

Current production status

The latest official materials and industry reporting indicate that the 4Runner is built in Japan. Unlike some Toyota models that are produced in North America, the 4Runner’s manufacturing base remains in Japan for the current generation, ensuring continuity of its traditional body-on-frame design and rugged mission.

What buyers should know

For prospective buyers, this means that lead times, pricing, and availability reflect imports originating from Japan. Availability can vary by market and year, with shipments to North America continuing as part of Toyota’s global supply chain.

Historical context

Historically, the 4Runner’s production sites have shifted as Toyota’s global manufacturing strategy evolved. Early generations were built in Japan, and while some SUV lines have seen U.S. or other regional assembly, the current 5th-generation 4Runner has remained Japanese-built for the duration of its run.

Generational notes

Since the 5th generation began around 2009–2010, the model has maintained production in Japan, with updates and facelifts continuing to come from the same general production footprint. This has implications for parts sourcing, warranty service networks, and regional pricing strategies.

Implications for buyers

Where a vehicle is produced can influence delivery times, available features by market, and final pricing. In the United States, the 4Runner is typically marketed as an imported model from Japan, with regional compliance and option differences that reflect local regulations and consumer preferences.

Market considerations

Dealers will often note typical wait times and any year-specific option packages tied to Japanese-built units. Knowledge of the production source can help buyers manage expectations about shipments and service support in their region.

Future outlook

There are no announced plans from Toyota to shift 4Runner production away from Japan. The company continues to adapt its broader SUV lineup to market demand and supply conditions, but no official move has been disclosed to relocate the 4Runner’s manufacturing base. Any future changes would likely be communicated through Toyota’s regional press channels and dealer networks.

Summary

The Toyota 4Runner remains manufactured in Japan as of 2025, maintaining its Japanese production footprint for the current generation and its global distribution, including to the U.S. market. For buyers, this status influences import timing, pricing, and market-specific configurations, while the overall design and engineering philosophy of the 4Runner continues to reflect its long-standing Japanese-made heritage.

Which year 4Runner to avoid?

You should avoid the 2003–2005 4Runners due to serious frame rust, head gasket issues, and dashboard cracking. Other years to consider avoiding are the 2001–2002 models for safety concerns and rust, and the 2015 model for infotainment and brake problems. 
2003–2005 (Fourth Generation) 

• Severe frame rust: This is a major issue, with many owners reporting the frame is irreparable. 
• Head gasket failure: V6 models, in particular, are prone to head gasket issues, which can be a costly repair. 
• Dashboard cracking: Owners have reported the dashboard cracking. 
• Other issues: Includes reports of faulty anti-lock brake systems (ABS), air injection pump failures, and check engine light problems. 

2001–2002 (Third Generation) 

• Safety rating: These models have low crash test scores, particularly in rear impacts. 
• Body rust: Prone to rust, making them unreliable for some families. 
• Off-road limitations: Manual transmission and locking rear differentials were eliminated during these years. 

2015 (Fifth Generation) 

• Infotainment issues: This model is known for an unreliable infotainment system that freezes, restarts, and has Bluetooth connection problems. 
• Brake problems: Owners have reported warped brake rotors. 
• Steering complaints: There are more NHTSA complaints about steering problems compared to other fifth-gen models. 
• Airbag defect: The 2015 is the only fifth-generation model with reported airbag non-deployment issues, which is a significant safety concern. 

How to tell if a 4Runner was made in Japan?

The Key to it All
In summary, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) serves as a key to unraveling the assembly origins of Toyota vehicles. From the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, and Japan, Toyota's manufacturing footprint spans across different countries.

Which Toyota model is still made in Japan?

Several Toyota models, including the GR Corolla, GR86, Land Cruiser, Prius, 4Runner, and Century, are still made in Japan. Some models like the Camry and Corolla are also produced in Japan, though their production location can vary by trim, hybrid status, or specific market.
 
Models primarily made in Japan

• 4Runner: The newest generation is currently built exclusively in Japan. 
• Century: This flagship model is produced in Japan. 
• Corolla: While some Corollas are built elsewhere, many hybrid and high-performance versions are still made in Japan. 
• Crown: Both the standard and sport versions are produced in Japan. 
• Land Cruiser: The new generation is manufactured in Japan. 
• Mirai: This fuel cell vehicle is made in Japan. 
• Prius / Prius Prime: Production for these models occurs in Japan. 

Models with mixed production locations

• Camry: Some production occurs in Japan, but many are built in the United States. 
• Corolla Cross: Production for North American markets is often based in the U.S., but some versions are made in Japan. 
• RAV4: Some versions, particularly hybrids, are built in Japan, while others are assembled in North America. 
• Lexus models: Production of various Lexus models, like the LS, IS, GX, and RX, happens in Japan, but some may also be assembled in other countries. 

Are 4Runners still built in Japan?

For lots of Toyota loyalists, that reputation is strengthened when a vehicle is actually built in Japan rather than in a factory in North America or elsewhere. And Japan is indeed where the 4Runner is assembled, at Toyota's massive Tahara factory in Aichi Prefecture.