HOW'S THE QUALITY OF TOYOTA 4RUNNER BUILT AT TAHARA PLANT IN JAPAN?

How's the quality of the Toyota 4Runner that is currently built in the best Toyota factory in the world: Tahara plant. Automotive Engineer David Chao, who has been to the Tahara plant numerous times, once again conducts a thorough quality audit of the 4Runner in terms of panel alignment, gaps, and paint thickness and quality. David also talks about why the 4Runner has a thicker steel panels compared to modern SUVs and how even the engine is built with full quality checks in mind.
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.

[@DanQuentinJames]

How sweet it is to have a 5th generation 4Runner. Thanks David, your review is in sync with my thoughts of My 4Runner TRD Off-Road

[@InvestBetter.]

I just bought one of these last month The quality is amazing! You can tell just by how the doors close, from the outside

[@dtna]

Excellent build quality from thr factory.

[@_What_About_Bob]

I got one last month as well. The Thing is a tank. Probably why my wife named it Frank “The Tank” 😎

[@NachturnalOne]

Would be interested to see quality checks beyond panel gaps and paint thickness.

[@Glide-USMC]

Spot on for Tahara factory. We have a 2008 GX470 that looks and drives like new with 181,000 miles. Best vehicle we’ve ever owned. Can’t wait for the 2024 GX which we hope brings the twin turbo V-6.

[@nnannaokoroji8451]

Really enjoy your thoughts and incite on Toyota cars. Keep Up The Good Work!

[@jamesstephen5694]

I have a White 2020 TRD Off Road Premium David, I love it. I bought it used from Toyota with 28,000 miles on it last year, have 42,000 on it now. Have a good day, from Florida.

[@Minusroot8]

Can’t wait for the 4Runner vs GX video!!

[@daver1959]

Excellent video David!

[@alphakilo9066]

David, I have seen a couple different quality audit videos on the 4Runner and GX from you. Each one is valuable, and I learn something different from each one. Thank you.

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, No wonder nobody can get a GX or 4Runner, you are buying them all. 😉

[@thomaslam6821]

😂😊

[@AutomotivePress]

Ha ha!

[@brianporterjr.1131]

Really bummed that Toyota is ditching the 4.0 V6 and 5.7 V8 in favor of turbo charged 4s and 6s

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

I want a 5.7 in a gen v 4Runner

[@FreePalestine-qj6zn]

@@Into_The_Mystery_13 I bet the 4runner would get better gas mileage if they put the 5.7 in it due to lower RPM's.

[@semjohnbiggs5946]

Exactly the reasons why I bought one, reliability and durability with hopefully a million mile range. Thank you for your analysis!

[@TheHoFamily]

Went to the Toyota Dealer yesterday, and got SR5 Trim after someone canceled the purchase. I'm so lucky, "Legandary Engines".like my son said.

[@rayavlogs]

Great video

[@anthonyszeto5508]

Cant wait for the comparison video. Looking forward to it. 😃

[@3loons]

Very Informative!

[@jeffl4896]

Ty David, you Ahmed are the reason I made my final decision to pull the trigger on a 2023 4Runner!

[@mattb9664]

I thought my 2020 4Runner Limited Pearl was near perfect, until I just did its first brake job. Turned out that one of the caliper piston rings had dislodged from the seal seat and was contributing to a brake minor vibration that I dealt with for about 2 of 3.5 years of ownership. There was a buildup of brake dust behind part of the seal causing a slower piston. Those piston rings will not dislodge on their own if they are installed correctly, as I rebuilt the same calipers on my old Tacoma. I was able to clean the seal and replace the ring and get the brakes to better than new condition (Toyota had a thing about giving the customer new cars with slightly mushy brake pedals). Mine also has the door card tapping issue in cold weather, while going around bends. For as perfect as that factory is, they do allow tiny mistakes sometimes.

[@ProducerRyan]

Love these quality assessment videos you do! Very unique.

[@Mr99Burns]

4Runner offers excellent value. Prices sure will go up with the next model.

[@aldomassa7473]

David, Did you just mention the TCCN ? Amazing Toyota and Lexus tech. The legend lives on….. both host and vehicle. Be well 😊

[@mountainlife1165]

David, one thing I’ll say about interior quality is that my 2019 4runner plastic scratched super easy, especially the plastic in the cargo area. You could scratch it with your fingernail. Also, the carpet is very thin now compared to years ago. I was quite disappointed. The overall fit and finish was excellent,though.

[@sisiradesilva9139]

Thank you for the video…very useful as always. I am hoping to get 2023 4Runner (gray colour). Hopefully it will arrive in a few months.

[@Tahara-Aichi]

David since you have been many times to the tahara plant we would love to see a video of such place building the 4runner and the gx.

[@pete8409]

Hoping to get a limited 4runner for my family before the next generation comes out. Its not an easy vehicle to get a hold of in Vancouver at a reasonable price

[@josephkraft5640]

Been holding out for a TRD pro 4runner for last several months. I am starting to really like the Limited trim though. Much easier to get one of those. I’m starting to think ride quality as well and handling is much better with the limited AWD XREAS suspension over the Fox suspension in the pro. Still have some decent off road chops when/if you need to have it.

[@ericnexplore]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I am looking to get a Tacoma before the new model comes on the market. Do you have a video comparing the 4Runner to Tacoma? ps. I will be keeping my 4Runner.

[@SuperSaqer]

My base model '17 Land Cruiser was built at Tahara.

[@frederickhaines3080]

It would interesting to see a quality audit between 570LX and 600LX. The switch from steel to aluminum panels. Great audit on 4Runner. Can’t wait to see the GX comparison.

[@dig494]

Yup. Bought a 2021 TRD/OR Premium new for my retirement rig before the pricing madness. Was thinking about GX but it is "too nice" for me and what I like to do. I live in Alaska so had to replace OEM tires that suck. Other than that it does all that I want it to do and then some. 26K miles so far.

[@user-en3zk1rw7q]

Many of the body parts on my 2002 4Runner have initials of assembly/inspection people. Over 20yrs old, and good for another 20.

[@fixittony]

Interesting observation of paint thickness. I have a very similar gauge (Triplett) for paint thickness. My 1994 Mercedes C280 measured 101 micrometers on the hood. Not bad for a nearly 30 year old car.

[@thomaslam6821]

Tahara factory! 🥰🥰🥰 Thanks David! 🙏 Hope they still make V6 with or without turbo…

[@humdog64]

Just bought the 2015 Limited 4Runner and couldn't be happier, it's my 2nd Limited, first was a 1999... They are the best SUV available!

[@Jay-bw3fl]

Hey David, I just got a 4Runner and love it and it has a super ice cold ac and I have a question maybe you can answer; why are all new model cars air conditioners getting weaker? I had a 2021 new body style grand Cherokee and a 2021 outback and the ac was incredibly weak on them both. And most of the newer rentals I have had aha e weak air conditioners as well. Yet the old school 4Runner has that ice cold ac. Just wondering if you have an answer for this phenomenon. Thanks!

[@leardi58]

I have 2023 TRD premium has a squeak in the dash and they the dealerships can't find where it is coming from been 3 months 3 different dealerships driving me nuts any thoughts on what to do they said they can hear it but can't find the problem

[@jonathanhuynh880]

If your ever get all the limited colors lined up it be super sweet if u check all the colors for 2023

[@Americanjessie86]

I bought my first Japanese car a 2022 4 runner and love it

[@rainierlayug6655]

David I owned 4runner 2022 trail edition and having rustproof underneath to save it for life from rust! I’ll have it done by Line X! Any advice David? Ty Rainier of NJ

[@chubulu9842]

Would you please review the 2023 Honda Pilot? I’m curious about your take.

[@Andres0603]

Before people used to complain about the 4Runner quality, now it is a top-notch vehicle

[@TNCowboy2012]

David. You mentioned you liked your 4 runner because it has awd. Is there a reason to prefer awd over the 4wd in TRD offroad? Just curious. Ty.

[@Ak_guy907]

Better in icy/snowy conditions like Alaska and Canada.

[@Boilaroomnick]

I would love to see you review the quality of older (90's, 00's, 10's) regular vehicles ! I'm thinking like an F150, Cavalier, Suburban etc.. Something that we know won't be good and that you can really critique! Thank you for your videos.

[@conroexlexx8267]

I love my Quicksand 4R

[@tortoisearmor310]

David, would you recommend trading in a '19 Tacoma 4x4 for a newer 4Runner?

[@davidmaan9696]

I traded my 19 tacoma 4x4 for a 19 trd offroad 4runner. No regrets! I just couldn't live with the transmission shifting all over the place in the tacoma. For the 1st few months of owning the 4runner i smiled to myself everytime the transmission shifts the way it should.

[@choangG27]

Absolutely

[@CarnutMM]

Not if you need a bed

[@97Ahuatzi99]

I have the lime green trd pro but i want to get another Toyota suv that I can upgrade for a better off roading experience since I still baby my pro especially since im making payments on it. Been looking at the 3rd gens that came with the 4.7 liter v8 and getting one of those and then upgrading from the bottom up. Been also wanting to get a Lexus or Land Cruiser because of their reputation

[@Funlu]

I wonder how the tolerances and build quality compare in top of the line bmw and mercedes

[@ike7539]

oh yeah..👍

[@gromit576]

My 3 layer cakes look good too. The layers are stacked accurately and the icing is .2mm and precise. How do they taste? Well I talk only about their looks and formation. If you want to know about their taste, then look else where

[@MUTV2]

It's interesting that I only heard about cars having bad alignment problems when I heard about Tesla. Did it use to be that bad? Or is it just a modern problem? Why is it becoming such a problem now? There was high demand for certain cars in the past so demand shouldn't be the problem.

[@adailcavalheiro862]

How many mpg can you get with this v6 engine?

[@1506Northridge]

16/17 on avg , on Highway 19. Too expensive on gas.

[@adailcavalheiro862]

@@1506Northridge yes, o Will get a hybrid rav4, based on that. Thanks.

[@afaqgul2165]

As an engineer what diesel motor would you put in the 4Runner?

[@markreynolds3850]

👍👍

[@BronxBombers_726]

I've owned 2 Toyota 4 Runners. I hope they don't put a 4 cylinder engine with a turbo. Stay with the 6-cylinder engine. Why mess with perfection?

[@mikeyc7072]

No mention of Xreas suspension on the Limited?!?! The Internet seems to be 80%against and 20%for - thoughts based on your expertise?!?!

[@PB-om4ml]

"You can tell it's good by the way that it is." - Neature

[@Cletus_the_Elder]

I wish there were auto body shops that try to replicate the panel alignment and paint from the factory. What you often get on a repair by professional shops is so substandard that you are dinged twice: once from the guy that did the damage and then by the people who you entrusted your car to, who have never aspired for perfection in their entire lives. It's almost better to drive with the damage.

[@NicholasWinecoff]

They're are people talking about a new LC500 have you heard anything?

[@gerbalnuts69]

You cover anything other than the 4runner?

[@Igorsov]

What 4Runner year model is this?

[@mattb9664]

Looks like a 2021- it has the LED glare reducer cutouts in the headlight (NOT on 2020), and it does NOT have the forward facing camera that came with the 2022 models.

[@Igorsov]

@@mattb9664 Thank you!

[@andrewhorowitz4448]

I like your neighborhood. Any chance you would sell the vehicle to a member of your fans when you are ready. Maybe a raffle.

[@zackzaney1591]

Except the hatch hinges and pistons.

[@FreePalestine-qj6zn]

I've owned several BMW's, Fords and Chevy's and my 4runner feels much more solid. It makes my other cars feel like they were made out of paper and plastic and held together with zip ties.

[@johndiaz7240]

You know what you’re talking about. We have three Toyotas.

[@xfirstxlast6502]

How many tmes have you done this same quality review?

[@CarnutMM]

My 2020 4Runner leaks water in the sunroof. Dealer says it’s normal leakage. BTW I purchased it new.

[@mikeporro3311]

Clean the drain holes. And get some AT 205 reseal and wipe down the weatherstripping with it. My trucks a frame bushings started squeaking loudly. 2 nights in a row applied with a small paint brush and let sit. FIXED

[@CarnutMM]

@@mikeporro3311 thanks will try

[@mikeporro3311]

My 2021 4 Runner Dents pretty easy. Only 12k and had dents removed twice. Dealer keeps denting it when they do service.

[@greatcrossings]

You did the same video on 4Runner quality with part I and II 6 months ago, not sure why.

[@greatcrossings]

The paint job on my white trd pro is not that good, easily got chipped

[@rezanorouzian8198]

Amazing car, a real Toyota, Japan-built, bullet proof (other than chassis being vulnerable to rust as most body-on-frame Toyotas are)! But it has a few issues for this day and age, I'll mention four. *First, the MPG is not quite acceptable. **Second, the side mirrors aren't on the front door panels to allow the air to quietly pass at high speeds (at least Toyota could do that as a small face lift). ***Third, there is no 3rd row. ****Fourth, the crash rating (4 star per NHTSA) is not impressive partly due to the thick steel panels. If these are not big issues to you, simply buy them, they will last you a life time.

[@mikeporro3311]

If The mirrors are mou ted on the door proper the the door will be damaged if mirror gets clipped.

[@mikeporro3311]

After some rock crawling those gaps may change a little. Although this model probobly dosent leave pavement much.

[@marcleibovic6879]

Kodak made great film till the end. Toyota needs to makes cars as profitable as Tesla

[@mountainlife1165]

David, one thing I’ll say about interior quality is that my 2019 4runner plastic scratched super easy, especially the plastic in the cargo area. You could scratch it with your fingernail. Also, the carpet is very thin now compared to years ago. I was quite disappointed. The overall fit and finish was excellent,though.

[@Tahara-Aichi]

Yeah I'm considering putting those vinyl covers so it won't scratch

[@trentbearb7200]

Quit crying