ENGINEER PREDICTS 6th GEN 2025 4RUNNER WILL BE BUILT IN JAPAN - CONFIRMED TO BE BUILT IN JAPAN!!

Will the soon-to-arrive 6th Gen 2025 Toyota 4Runner continue to be built in Japan at the Tahara factory, or will the production move to the Mexican factories to be built alongside the new Tacoma? This is the deep question everyone has been asking - and David Chao believes that the 4Runner will indeed stay in Japan and continue to be built at the legendary Tahara plant. Watch the entire video to find out the reasoning behind this logic.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@4af]

I think owners are overly worried about the reliability and durability of the turbo 4 cyl motor in the new Tacoma and 4Runner. All they have to do is ask themselves: has Toyota ever installed a 4 cyl motor in a Pickup, 4Runner or Van that wasn't durable? Answer: No. Every single Toyota Pickup, 4Runner and Van 4 cylinder going back to the early 1970's has been capable of 400,000+ miles of durability; i.e. 18R, 20R, 22R, 2TZ, 2RZ, 3RZ, 2TR

[@jdub1139]

Add on top of that, any car made in Mexico has a history of reliability issues.

[@c1aytonbigsby]

@@jdub1139the previous gen Tacoma was made in Mexico and didn’t have any reliability issues. I don’t want the 4Runner to move to Mexico but I don’t think it would be the worst thing possible.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

You forgot to mention how turbocharging makes all engines less reliable than its NA counterpart.

[@walterlandaverde1555]

Even built in mexico it still reliable, unlike a chevy/dodge that is built in the US and has reliability issues

[@CarlosOteroC]

As a "rest of the world" citizen I just have one comment on this: HILUX.

[@robertodamico2568]

Hi David, I really enjoyed your engineeing analyisis on this. It makes total sense that it will continue be built in Japan. Its always so informative to hear your insights onToyota Manufacturing and Operations.

[@lasersailor6684]

I had lunch with a retired Toyota exec the other day. I asked him if, in his opinion, the quality of products differ from one global Toyota plant to another. He’s retired and our conversation was private. He still said no, quality is consistent from plant to plant, because of the culture at Toyota. For what it’s worth.

[@loanokaharbor8303]

But if hiring a population from an entirely different culture with very much different values, how can one "force" ones cultural values onto people that may not want those values? For example, in a corporation, you may get people to wear the company shirt, sing their song, but when doing physical labor or if your work cannot be confirmed, if your principles are not consistent with values, the ONLY guarantee of true quality is in product failure or it does not fail. I've heard a good number of problems coming from Mexican produced Tundras and Tacomas, only time will determine if issues were assembly or engineering. My gut and history tells me one thing, your thoughts say another; only time will tell. 🙏

[@dtna]

Retired now. But ~17 years ago, TMC was not happy with the build quality of U.S. production, including the Tennessee, San Antonio, Huntsville and Georgetown plants. GT KY had the best quality. And at one time, TMC threatened to bring production back to Japan. But now, they're making vehicles in Mexico. I think that every car mfg. has made some sacrifices. Including TMC.

[@octoslut]

thats just him saving his ass lol and pension. the quality is different... why do you think all their top models from toyota/lexus are built in japan?? mexico has crap quality

[@jdub1139]

@@dtna I won’t buy a Toyota if it’s not made in Japan.

[@avdp9095]

​@@octoslut friend of me has a Mercedes Glb, produced in Mexico...the worst car he ever had. After 1 year and 40.000km the car was over and out technically and the fit and finish was terrible, unbelievable even fir a Mercedes. He has now a Mercedes Glc, also a lot of issues. After his businesslease he will never choose a Mercedes again..... .

[@pogamassing9586]

Purchased a TRD Off-road about a month ago because I wanted old, dated (but proven!) technology made in Japan.

[@ryanb8736]

Hope you got a deal. Noticed lots of people getting 5-7k off of msrp now. Finally lots of deals on them.

[@necrom21221]

Where?

[@ryanb8736]

@@necrom21221 shop around. Many dealers are slashing prices. Watch all recent videos of them.

[@user-xh2ex7bx4b]

Great commentary and I hope that you are right about it still being built in Japan.

[@daviddupree1155]

I'm so gald your evaluation on the build of four runner will stay in Japan.

[@TruGamer128]

I hope so. We know 4Runner will retain the power back window so things are looking up. Anyone else excited for the official reveal on Apr 9?

[@jg-365]

Apr 9 announcement! Rolling back window!

[@nicholassinovich4257]

I 100% agree with you. Your insight on capacity within the mexico plants really solidified it for me. I LOVE the Tahara factory and my 5th gen so I really pray it stays in Japan

[@petejansen7220]

Those pictures that are showing in this video of the 4 runner look amazing! Hopefully this is what the new generation of the 4Runner will look like!

[@DizzyRabbitGaming]

Coming back to this video after the 6th gen release, insane accuracy. Great work that’s why I follow

[@AutomotivePress]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jonsilver5833]

David you were right about the rear window rolling down with todays teaser showing that.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you.... yes I'm glad that feature was kept!

[@bmac9936]

More interested the powertrain. We can assume it will be the turbo 4 but will they limit the hybrid to keep the price down or avoid competition with the Lexus and higher end models?

[@alfredopolanco3168]

My 2012 Tacoma trd sport made in Mexico , 178000 miles and still running as if I took it out the lot yesterday 😂 Best truck in the US.

[@muscles662988]

MIJ is the 4Runner's best feature.

[@amirjon]

On the mew Tacoma is it only on the top spec that you can get the big infotainment screen? I don’t see it as an add on option.

[@cmiles97x38]

One of the reasons the 4runners are so reliable is because they are built in Japan. Made in Mexico will make me not even consider one.

[@charlesbennis8954]

David, why did you go upscale with Lexus. Couldn't wait for LandCruiser?

[@DanQuentinJames]

I personally agree with you on still being built at Tahara. Many potential customers would decline to purchase if made in Mexico.

[@americandude3825]

Customers will likely turn away anyway due to the turbo. Me personally I think the 4R is overpriced. I’d rather get a gently used gx460 for the same money. My 2008 sequoia 5.7L has more use for me specifically than a 2024 4Runner. However, it is still a very solid and reliable vehicle. Hoping it does well. I’d like to see a soft top.

[@catalystactual6491]

I would go on a limb and say the majority of casual 4runner buyers don't even know where it's made. We're kind of a small minority of customers who are very knowledgeable about the product watching this channel.

[@americandude3825]

@@catalystactual6491 yota owners who don’t know the meaning of a J vin aren’t real yotaholics.

[@catalystactual6491]

@@americandude3825 Exactly. I think the vast majority of Toyota buyers are people that just want a reliable car that has good value retention. A very small percentage of people are Yotaholics as you say. That's why I think Toyota is making changes that cater to the majority of their customers and not the core dedicated fanbase.

[@TIBA-ge8ig]

I will not buy 100%

[@daytonpyro]

build them all in Japan. what about the Lexus es. will that go back to Japan?

[@greensandbeansgaming1358]

When I ask Chatgpt if the Toyota 4runner is built in Mexico, it said yes it does build some there. If it's going to use Tacoma parts, I can't see them shipping the part to Japan then the trucks back here again, when probably a lot cheaper to ship the trucks from Mexico then from Japan. Japan has a higher Tariff agreement then Mexico, I think.

[@walawala-fo7ds]

Tariff is for trucks not suvs

[@triple6758]

The main reason i have always wanted a 4runner is mostly because of where its built. Panel gaps aside...I trust Japanese technicians to build a better vehicle. Currently driving a Mexico produced Toyota. The one I had from NUMI was superior.

[@ryanb8736]

Problem with Japan is poor metal that rusts badly and poor paint. Mexico is supposed to rust proof anodize them like VW does. Thats major. Paint quality might still be same as they always cut costs on paint.

[@TechCrazy]

No. Please make it in Japan!

[@ryanb8736]

Lots of deals on 24’s now. They are not selling as much and many are getting 5-7k off msrp. Finally many deals out there on last batches of 24’s.

[@rick8125]

When is the 4Runner going to be debuted? I heard Toyota has an upcoming press release planned…any info??

[@raymondgraber9629]

April 9

[@actionshootingsports8830]

Do you know when the last gen 5 4runner will be built?

[@ryanb8736]

Soon. I think last orders stopped. Check with your dealer. Locate stock too as most dealers are slashing prices on them now.

[@actionshootingsports8830]

@@ryanb8736 thanks

[@RJ-vc2ju]

Not necessarily disagreeing with you but where does Toyota fit in the required increase in production for the Prado that will be coming to the USA and Canada as the Land Cruiser? I estimate that US sales of the LC Prado may hit 40k-50k units or more, plus maybe 3k-5k in Canada. Unless Toyota plans on feeding North America LC Prado demand by curtailing sales elsewhere, then that NA-bound production capacity needs to go somewhere. When looking at it that way, I believe that Toyota will prioritize LC Prado production at Tahara vice building a completely unrelated (now) 4Runner 6th Gen there.

[@charliecharlie9787]

Do you believe it will have the same length inside as a 2024 ? For sleeping inside .

[@americandude3825]

I’d imagine it will have less room like the new sequoia does due to hybrid

[@artrusso6455]

David totally agree with all your reasoning!!

[@dtna]

Confirmed: Power rear window in the rear. Bad news? With power lift gate struts in the rear, they are expensive! RAV4 power struts are $1K a piece to replace. Plus labor. 😮

[@mjv1967]

It would make much more sense to build the 4Runner somewhere in the Americas as that is where the sales are. As well it will likely share many parts (inside and out) with the Tacoma minus the body shell. Mexico would be the spot if it had capacity. Now that the Prado/LC250 is a global product it will put additional strain on Tahara production. LC300 deliveries were also said to be years long due to demand and production restraints. A separate factory in the Americas (Canada, USA or Mexico) would be the right long-term answer for 4Runner.-

[@CP-kb1du]

Go lay down ...recipe for disaster made in Mexico

[@mjv1967]

@@CP-kb1du Go learn about global supply chains and car mfg before you post.

[@BGood496]

I had An Audi Q5 built in a state of the art factory in Mexico. Car was beautiful and flawless in 4 years of ownership. People need to wake up and realize that these companies are building factories globally. And that’s a good thing. 👍

[@ryanb8736]

American made will be a huge step backwards in quality. Toyota needs to learn how BMW America does it with top quality while being made in US. They need to hire the best workers with passion. Not some workers who are forced to work for minimum wage to stay out of jail.

[@andrewyang4319]

I am still driving my old 1996 4runner every day. It is made in Japan and still running. I am looking forward to buying a new 4runner, but I am not interested in the 4 cylinders turbo. I believe the quality will go down. I am hoping Toyota will continue making the new 4runner in Japan.

[@ryanb8736]

Longevity will be better. The paint will probably be the same crap quality as always. They are supposed to rust proof them now, which is huge. Turbo will make more power easy now. So far the 4 turbo sounds great in the Taco.

[@rustynailgaming4094]

Even if the 4Runner would continue to be built in Japan, it’ll still only be left-hand drive, despite Japan being a right-hand drive country, even though Japan allows left hand drive vehicles. I assume that it could be the next Fortuner for markets outside North America.

[@kam7056]

❤

[@ChristopherSmith-rn4wd]

4runner is marketed in north america ,it would be cheaper to use Mexico to cut down the cost of shipping to maximize profits.Hope it stays in Japan but Toyota seems to be making some weird moves lately

[@rockeye]

Sad that we’re complaining about where 4Runners are built but somehow overlook that we can’t build it ourselves in the United States to the quality we expect.

[@jaythor7123]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Nick-mb7ym]

It’s going to built in Japan along with Landcruiser. It will have a bigger screen and more digital things to play around with. But the 5th gen will be better for simplicity and reliability - can’t beat that engine.

[@providentpathfinders219]

4-5 years from now most of these negative posters will most likely be eating their words 😂😂😂 and driving around what they trashed on forums. History repeats itself… I remember 4tj gen owners saying “i’ll never buy another 4runner if they drop the v8”…..2 years later roll up at overland expo in their 5th gen…

[@ryanb8736]

The new 4 Turbo will be huge for modding. Everyone will love it. A huge step forward.

[@lalajee143]

I would rather buy made in Canada than made in Mexico

[@revmotor]

Better be Japan

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, I will be happy if they build my manual, 2 door 4Runner in Hino's Hamura plant. 😄

[@snowdogs123]

Looks closer to a Tacoma than the Prado. If North America has the capacity - I bet they move it from Japan.

[@fastbloommessi7211]

Extensive investigation, but basic research engineer says 😂

[@onenikkione]

Two out of three cars in our family are Made in Japan Toyotas

[@2daih4]

Where’s the land cruiser built?

[@ryanb8736]

Japan for now. Prices will be 59k to 80k. Most will buy the Lexus GX as it’s more luxury for just a tad more.

[@jcollins1305]

Gotta love Toyota charging for Japanese reliability while building in Mexico.

[@Ulghart]

Building in Mexico or in other plants does not really affect reliability. It's not like Toyota says "you guys do you, we don't care". They have standards of production. I lived in Argentina for several years. Argentina has a very large Toyota factory that produces two models for most of south America. All of them are extremely reliable (Hilux and Corollas). Toyota pushes the same standards everywhere. The reliability problems have more to do with engineering designs and flaws.

[@jcollins1305]

Would you pay 10k for a Rolex made in Argentina?

[@Ulghart]

@@jcollins1305 no, cause Rolex doesn't have a factory in Argentina. It would be fake. You are still missing the point.

[@HTTR_FOREVER21]

5th generation 4Runners about to soar in value, if you have one, hold on to it!

[@ryanb8736]

Many are getting 5-7k off msrp recently. The values will go down as many will upgrade to new style. New one will drive 10 times better.

[@ryanb8736]

They will not go up in value. They built millions of them. They will be dime a dozen in a few years.

[@oaouda]

@@ryanb8736 Where do you see 5-7K off msrp? Thanks

[@bryanf853]

5th gen 4Runner>>>>

[@goulartaf66]

Actually, don't want a Japanese car built in America or Mexico thank you! I want it build in Japan! 👌🏼

[@ryanb8736]

Get a Land Cruiser. They will be built in Japan. They are using the 4Runner plant.

[@agent00066]

Of course Mexico.

[@jimmyamico4713]

Hi David, I am glad to hear that you think that the forerunner will be built in Japan. I am praying for that, too. I personally do not buy any vehicles that I need anywhere in the world except Japan. I personally love the quality control in Japan and the way they manufacture cars. And SUVs🇯🇵🤍❤️

[@CP-kb1du]

4 Runner

[@jeffduv]

Have zero interest in a 4 cylinder 4Runner. If Toyota used the straight 6 from the Supra in the new 4Runner it would be one of hottest selling suv for years. The 4 cylinder is a total buzz kill

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Still have a 2014 4Runner Trail. first year of the current 5th gen styling. Only 154,000 miles and I have modified it for Overlanding and off roading. If it even got 19-20 MPG I would be thrilled. 14-15 is awful. Reliable is great, but it sorely needs an upgrade. The 2024 is essentially the same truck and drivetrain. Will wait until the 2025 comes out and may get the Land Cruiser as it will be a bit bigger and will be on its 2nd year of production. Would have to wait until 2026 to get the 2nd year of the 4Runner.

[@ultrazep]

2010 was the first year of the 5th Gen

[@raymondgraber9629]

Land Cruiser and 4Runner both coming out this year, reveal on Tuesday.

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

​​@@ultrazep2010 was still mostly 4th gen. The drivetrain maybe, the front end and style were 2014.

[@ryanb8736]

Land Cruiser will still be built in Japan. It’s replacing the 4Runner factory for US market.

[@johnlee-jk3ke]

Build in Mexico with Taco

[@ShinobiTekken]

A turbo diesel is not as a turbo gas engine, gas produces more heat and engine life is shorter

[@iskdude9922]

Its called engineering... theres alot more coolant in the new tacoma... they should make it flex fuel. With the turbos you get more power and it runs cooler.

[@4af]

39 years ago Toyota made a durable gas turbo: imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/9751/rvn2OB.jpg

[@markspence3750]

The "BYD" Chinese company, is building all of their cars in Mexico, to bypass the trade laws in America. OK, aside that, I want a "Nikon" or Canon" camera made in Japan. Not Mexico. I want a samurai sword made by a sweaty dude, in Japan, not Shanghai, not Ho Chi Mihn City, not Bangkok, not Moscow.

[@avdp9095]

Hope so, Usa build Toyota's cann't be compared to Japanese build Toyota's....the cars from Japan are way, way better build and finished. It is a shame that Lexus build their new TX in the Usa and their RX in Canada, you can easily see the below average finish of these cars compared to their Counterparts from Japan.

[@VietNguyen-sn7kc]

Very poor rendering of the 4runner. The direction of the rear wheel does not align properly with the front wheel.

[@opukar2043]

I will be very happy to see next gen 4Runner comes with 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 instead of crappy 4 Cylinder turbos and hybrid.

[@supersingular]

Which is why the current gen will sky rocket in price.

[@LivingInAnInverseReality]

Turbo, yes, but hybrid? Toyota makes long lasting hybrid systems

[@ryanb8736]

The V6 is old and outdated. A 4 cylinder will make more power and be more reliable. Turbo technology is so simple. Trailer trucks use turbos and go millions of miles. Toyota will claim these to 300-500k plus miles. Plus engines will be easy to work on now. Parts are cheap.

[@ibiro868]

My VW Jetta was built in Mexico. Full of rattles and creeks.

[@ryanb8736]

What do you expect for a 20k car? It’s not an Audi. You get what you pay for.

[@diabolox1272]

Just say you have no clue.....😂

[@susumukawamoto2924]

Build trucks in u.s. or Mexico. Minimize the u.s. chicken tax

[@JN-un2xz]

Some of the new tacones are being built in Mexico and that’s a horrible thing. They will not be the same as the ones made in the US or Japan

[@eliastamez8413]

Sooo, it most likely will be built in Japan but could move to Mexico? It's like the Forex market, it can go up or it can go down.🤣

[@jdesmo1]

My sources say it will be built in Iraq

[@POSS99]

Made in japan means it's going to be even more expensive than the overpriced current generation.

[@dustjim92]

3rd row seat?

[@arashefi]

By the way the 6th generation won’t be as reliable as 5th generation. 14 years manufacturing is proof of reliability.

[@Youtuberkt]

6th gen will be more reliable than 5th gen. There is 14 years of experience built on the same model line, and even more combined experience based on toyota’s other models and platforms with which the 6th gen will be based on. Any new quirks will be handled with in the first year.

[@Youtuberkt]

Your perspective only holds true if you believe Toyota as a whole is not committed to improving itself and overall has been going down the drain over the years. But that contradicts your own point on 5th gen’s 14 years of reliability

[@CarlosRTorres-mq1cu]

GO AHEAD AND BUY 5TH GEN DONT WORRIED ABOUT

[@ryanb8736]

You clearly don’t have engine building knowledge. Turbo engines are easy to build. All it takes is a thick block with large cooling ports, strong internals, and an ultra thick head gasket for extreme pressure. A turbo itself is the easiest technology to make. A case, propellor, and long life bearings. Add secondary cooling pumps. Simple math. Non engine builders will never understand. NA engines actually work harder. Turbo engines make power easy at low rpm.

[@ryanb8736]

Them not changing things in 14 years is how they make a ton more money from customers. Not innovating is not a good thing for people. You get stuck paying a lot for an old product.

[@broza5602]

Firstyy

[@americandude3825]

New Tacomas are not selling and already discounted in some areas. Haha. Bad news for the 4R

[@ryanb8736]

That’s not true. New ones are flying off the lots. Many people still waiting for theirs to be built. So not sure where you get your information from.

[@ryanb8736]

Only things I see discounted lately are new 4Runners. They want to clear out the stock. Look at many posting deals they got this month. 4-7 k off msrp. No more mark ups.

[@americandude3825]

@@ryanb8736 Lil KENNY TV channel.

[@americandude3825]

@@ryanb8736 yup. I’ve seen the 4R in Raleigh nc for $5k off. New tundras anywhere up to $4k off.

[@VG22.]

If it moves to mexico, I aint buying a 4runner.

[@nickcheema907]

Hopefully it's built in Mexico. Toyota/Lexus should build and move production of more vehicles to Mexico for the North American market.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

TF? 😂

[@aresp6925]

Toyota had a winning formula for 14 years. What was wrong with an style refresh, keep the legendary engine and pair it to an 8 or 9-speed gearbox and there you go... a winner for another decade.

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

Emissions and regulations-something which Toyota can’t control. Had the rules and regulations not been there, Toyota would have done the redesign with an updated V6

[@TheVainakhTribes]

Delusional government overreach and “climate policies”

[@ryanb8736]

Old. Slow. Sluggish. Dangerous in accidents. Poor fuel economy. Poor emissions. Awful transmission. They rusted badly.

[@ryanb8736]

It was winning for Toyota. R&D was paid for 10 years ago and they still insisted on charging more every year. That means they made more profit on 4Runners than anything. Toyota loyalist make excuses as to why they didn’t upgrade and love to pay extra for old tech. Then they tell you it’s a good thing as an excuse. Notice Elon knocked prices down 6-8k because he said R&D was paid for, so he said it wasn’t right for customers to still pay for it. That’s not a good look for Toyota to keep charging all those years. Elon exposed them.

[@aresp6925]

@@ryanb8736 while when the dealers add unreal markups to it, like they are already doing to the Tacoma, will help sales.

[@denali_edc8199]

Complete failure on 2925 4Runner

[@richardt.953]

I will absolutely Not buy a vehicle that was built in Mexico nor a Truck with a turbo boosted 4 cylinder engine ... at least not in the foreseeable configuration.

[@ryanb8736]

What do you have now?

[@louraposo3795]

I will never buy a vehicle built in mexico ! Toyota will be shooting themselves in the foot over that one .

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Likely Mexico. Toyota has been cutting quality for profit.