Is Tundra built in Japan?

The short answer: No—the Toyota Tundra is built in the United States, at Toyota's plant in San Antonio, Texas, and is not produced in Japan.

Toyota operates a global manufacturing network, and the Tundra’s U.S. assembly reflects the company’s strategy to locate production close to major markets. This article explains where the Tundra is built and what that means for buyers and the broader supply chain.

Where is the Toyota Tundra built?

Key production facts about the Tundra’s manufacturing location are listed below.

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio, Texas, is the primary assembly site for the Toyota Tundra.


• The current generation of Tundra is assembled at TMMTX to serve the North American market.


• While many components come from suppliers around the world, the final assembly of the Tundra occurs in the United States; there is no official Japan-based production line for the Tundra.

Bottom line: If you buy a Tundra today, it's built in Texas, USA, not in Japan.

Context: Toyota's global production network

Toyota is a Japanese company with manufacturing plants around the world. The Tundra’s U.S. production location reflects a broader pattern where Toyota produces many models close to the markets they serve—supporting local jobs, supply chains, and regulatory alignment. Japan remains the home country of Toyota’s corporate headquarters and some other models, but not all vehicles are built there.

What this means for buyers

For buyers, U.S.-built Tundra models typically offer the advantages of local dealer networks, potentially shorter wait times, and specifications tailored to North American standards, including emissions, safety, and infotainment features. Components may be sourced globally, but the vehicle is assembled in Texas.

Summary

The Toyota Tundra is not built in Japan. As of 2024–2025, the Tundra is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio to serve the North American market, illustrating Toyota’s global production strategy that places key pickup production in the United States while maintaining a worldwide manufacturing footprint.

What country is the Toyota Tundra made in?

the United States
The Tundra itself is built entirely in the United States, with the San Antonio plant employing thousands of workers and producing trucks tailored to American tastes. The connection to 1794 also underscores Toyota's understanding of the importance of cultural relevance.

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

You can tell if your Toyota is built in Japan or the USA by checking the first character of the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); 'J' indicates Japan, while '1', '4', or '5' indicate the USA. The VIN can be found on the driver-side dashboard or door jamb.
 
Method 1: Check the VIN

• Locate the VIN: Find the 17-character VIN on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. 
• Examine the first character: Look at the very first letter of the VIN. 
  • 'J': The vehicle was assembled in Japan. 
  • '1', '4', or '5': The vehicle was assembled in the United States. 
• Other country codes: For your reference, other common codes are: '2' for Canada, and '3' for Mexico. 

Method 2: Check the window sticker (if available) 

• Find the original sticker: If you have the original window sticker, also known as the Monroney label, look for a section that states the "Final Assembly Point" or "Country of Origin". 

Method 3: Check the 11th digit for specific models (e.g., RAV4) 

• For certain models, such as the RAV4, the 11th digit of the VIN can also specify the assembly plant. An 'A' or 'T' can indicate an American plant, while 'J' can indicate a Japanese plant. 

Which Toyota models are built in Japan?

Several Toyota models, including the Mirai, 86, Land Cruiser, and 4Runner, are exclusively made in Japan. Other models like the Prius, Camry, Corolla, and RAV4 are also produced in Japan, though some versions of these vehicles may also be made in other countries like the USA. 
Exclusively or primarily made in Japan 

• 4Runner: Built in Japan at the Tahara or Hino plants.
• 86: Exclusively made in Japan.
• Land Cruiser: Exclusively made in Japan.
• Mirai: Exclusively made in Japan.
• Century: Made in Japan.
• GR Corolla and GR Yaris: Built in Japan.
• Crown: Various versions are manufactured in Japan.
• Noah and Voxy: Made in Japan.
• Prius: Exclusively or primarily made in Japan for certain markets, with the hybrid models being a key example. 

Made in Japan and other countries 

• Camry: Produced in Japan and the USA; some trim levels (like AWD and V6) are made in the US, while some hybrid versions are built in Japan. 
• Corolla: Manufactured in both Japan and the USA, depending on the model and market. Japan-made Corolla Hybrids are a prominent example. 
• RAV4: Produced in Japan and the USA. The RAV4 Prime (plug-in hybrid) is exclusively built in Japan. 
• Harrier: Produced in Japan. 
• Corolla Cross: Produced in Japan. 

How to check if a Toyota was built in Japan

• VIN number: The 11th digit of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) indicates the assembly plant. If it is the letter "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan. 

Are Toyota tundras built in Japan?

No, Toyota Tundras are not made in Japan; they have been manufactured in the United States since their inception, starting in Indiana and moving to San Antonio, Texas, where they are produced today. While the brand is Japanese, the Tundra is built and designed in the U.S. as part of a strategy to create a truck specifically for the North American market. 

• Initial production: The first Tundras were built at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) plant starting in May 1999. 
• Current production: Since 2008, production has been consolidated at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) plant in San Antonio. 
• Design and sourcing: The truck was engineered in Michigan and styled in California and Michigan, with a significant portion of its parts sourced domestically. 
• "American-made" image: This production strategy is part of Toyota's commitment to building a full-size truck for the American market and has been a key part of its identity from the beginning.