What To Know
- The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the Toyota lineup since 1984.
- As a result, the 4Runner is a vehicle that is built to last and perform in even the most challenging conditions.
- The production of the 4Runner was moved from the United States to Japan in 2002 to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase efficiency.
The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the Toyota lineup since 1984. It is known for its ruggedness, reliability, and off-road capabilities. But where is the Toyota 4Runner made?
Is the Toyota 4Runner Made in Japan?
Yes, the Toyota 4Runner is currently made in Japan. Specifically, it is manufactured at the Tahara plant in Aichi Prefecture. The Tahara plant is one of Toyota’s largest and most advanced manufacturing facilities, and it produces a variety of Toyota vehicles, including the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4.
Previous Manufacturing Locations
Prior to being manufactured in Japan, the Toyota 4Runner was also produced in the following locations:
- United States: The 4Runner was assembled in Hino Motors’ Hamura plant in Tokyo, Japan, from 1984 to 1989. It was then assembled in NUMMI’s Fremont, California plant from 1989 to 2002.
- Brazil: The 4Runner was assembled in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, from 1993 to 2002.
- Venezuela: The 4Runner was assembled in Valencia, Venezuela, from 1996 to 2002.
Why is the 4Runner No Longer Made in the United States?
The production of the 4Runner was moved from the United States to Japan in 2002 for several reasons:
- Cost: Manufacturing costs in Japan were significantly lower than in the United States.
- Quality: Toyota believed that it could maintain higher quality standards by manufacturing the 4Runner in Japan.
- Efficiency: The Tahara plant was more efficient and had a higher production capacity than the NUMMI plant.
Benefits of Being Made in Japan
There are several benefits to the Toyota 4Runner being made in Japan, including:
- High quality: Japanese manufacturing is known for its high quality and attention to detail.
- Reliability: Toyota vehicles are renowned for their reliability, and the 4Runner is no exception.
- Advanced technology: The Tahara plant is one of Toyota’s most advanced manufacturing facilities, and it uses the latest technology to produce the 4Runner.
The Bottom Line: The Legacy of Japanese Manufacturing
The Toyota 4Runner is a testament to the quality and reliability of Japanese manufacturing. By being made in Japan, the 4Runner benefits from the high standards and advanced technology that are synonymous with Japanese manufacturing. As a result, the 4Runner is a vehicle that is built to last and perform in even the most challenging conditions.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Where is the Toyota 4Runner currently made?
A: The Toyota 4Runner is currently made in Japan at the Tahara plant in Aichi Prefecture.
Q: Why was the 4Runner production moved from the United States to Japan?
A: The production of the 4Runner was moved from the United States to Japan in 2002 to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase efficiency.
Q: What are the benefits of the 4Runner being made in Japan?
A: The benefits of the 4Runner being made in Japan include high quality, reliability, and advanced technology.