Toyota took two 2010 4Runners on the Rubicon trail with only A/T tires and sliders for mods. Both conquered it and then drove 700+ miles back to Arizona. The Jeep Rubicon has more clearance, much taller tires, front locker, and other options. Did they take a bone stock 4-door JR and beat the Rubicon? The point is, even though the T4R's doors don't come off and maybe some stuff isn't as durable as the Rubicon's, doesn't mean that it's not one of the best off-road vehicles in the world.

This.

I've had 5 5th gens ( various reasons) and they have had superlative quality.

I have a new 2019 Tundra and by comparison...its well short of the 4runner.

It makes no difference where the vehicle is made. Cars are like Legos now and parts generally only fit one way and are quality checked/inspected through the manufacturing process. It doesn't matter if it's built in Japan, Europe, the US, Mexico, etc. The quality comes from the engineering and in the 4Runner's case, much of it in its tried and true simplicity.

Cons

- Dismal MPGs
- GEAR HUNTING on the highway while in cruise control. My God does this piss me off. Why in the world does the thing NOT gear hunt when the cruise is off, but goes into hunting fits when it's on? Even long minor grades force a downshift. The tranny logic programmer should be shot. This is a 2020 4runner too. Toyota couldn't fix this after nearly a decade on the market? Really?
- Long geared 5 speed auto. This truck would be quicker and get 20+% better mpgs with a 6 to 8 speed auto.
- Poor throttle response (I understand why they did it though)
- Way too much nose dive on braking. It unloads the rear tires and makes it damn easy get the ABS engaged on even moderate braking. It's dangerous in my opinion.
- No 3-flash turn signals. This is 2021.
- No automatic headlights. This is 2021.
- No warning beeps with the back up camera when getting close to objects, cars approaching, etc. This is 2021.
- Overpriced if you're paying anywhere near MSRP


Pros

- Looks
- Driving position. Thank God its comfy for tall folks like myself because I often don't run the cruise control (see gear hunting above).
- Simplicity. It's like a 1990 throwback
- Cheap parts
- Reliable
- Easy to work on
- Huge aftermarket support
- Incredible offroad capability

While I believe you’re mostly correct about the great engineered Toyota products and building block assembly procedures, don’t discount the brain-dead capability of workers performing repetitious tasks. Americans or others.

Take for example the massive recall of fuel pumps. This forum is getting more posts of dealerships f-ing up this well documented, cookie cutter procedure.
Check out posts #293 and forward.

Fuel Pump Recall

Totaly disagree with the statement "where the vehicles are made". I do agree with Toyota engineering !!!

Go to youtube & watch some videos on 4Runner assembly at the Japanese plant. You will be amazed at the difference the way that 4R's are built.

Good to hear. I had no idea, have a link for the above? Thanks.

Totally agree, the day they stop making the Landcruiser or 4Runner at the Tahara plant will be a SAD day for those that know. Built with attention to detail “like no other”, oops a Jeep reference. The only thing that makes the current Jeep that is incredibly capable “like no other” is its solid front axle and in that respect the have stayed true to form. Quality control, well not so much🙄

2010 Toyota 4Runner Rubicon Trail First Drive