If the 5th Gen was built in Mexico:

1) there would be different suppliers or factories (with less overly oppressive environmental restrictions) for the parts
2) the windshield would hopefully come from someplace that knew how to make windshields instead of the current suppler/factory and would hopefully be much less fragile
3) the paint would come from another suppler, additional colors would be offered, like the Highlander has, and it wouldn’t fall off in the wind or get scratched by sneezing on it. Hope fully it would be much better than the interior latex like crap they are using now.
4) delivery fee would be reduced
5) time between order and delivery would be reduced

6) Overall build quality would be signifcantly poorer, meaning...
7) Frequency and cost of repairs would increase over the life of the vehicle.

If the 6th Gen was Built in Mexico…

No One would buy it.

/end

Looks like the tacos are all being built in Mexico starting in the '22 MY. I doubt there will be a reduction in the price. "David", the YouTube Automotive Press guy says the 6th gen will still be built in Tahara. I wonder how the 2.4L turbo will hold up compared to the 4.0 L...

For real. All 4Runners have been built in Japan.


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1. This likely wouldn't change a lot, as the US will likely have restrictions on the environmental impacts for imported products, at the rate we are going.
2. The manufacturer isn't the issue - it's the angle of the windshield. You'll only fix this with a new design/profile of the vehicle.
3. Paint - see #1. It won't happen due to environmental issues. All new cars have issues with sh**y paint these days.
4. No it wouldn't, they would just pocket more.
5. Maybe, but who's buying a Mexico made 4Runner vs. a Japan made 4R. That's part of the appeal IMO. I'll just get a Bronco then

I doubt many buyers other than the few enthusiasts like us on this site will be aware of or care where their 4Runner is built.

Only companies with poor engineering and industrial design are affected by the location of assembly in terms of QC. Toyota will most likely be fine. I like that 5th gen is made in Japan, but only because I’m a Japanese watch freak and like things from there.

Bump
Well it looks like the 4 Runner will be made in Mexico

If the Mexico production is true then maybe the they will have better windshields, paint etc.

Best speculation of a 2023 6th generation I have seen

As a proud Mexican and of owner of 3 4runners, if the 4runner is made in Mexico. I would not buy it, end of story.

Build location doesn’t have anything to do with quality. It’s in the engineering of parts; how they are designed and how they fit together. If you trust Toyota, don’t worry about Mexico. My 4Runner made in Japan rattles inside and out. That’s credited to poor engineering, not where it’s built.

Please explain more, what year, did you buy new, when did it start, can you tell what or where it's coming from?

I had a 2018 Q5 made in Mexico and the quality issues were very evident. Maybe Audi cheaped out on the engineering as well as the labour but it had issues.

The main objection I have is the ethical one. These companies are moving production to Mexico to line their pockets while exploiting the Mexicans. The Audi I bought went up in price slightly when production moved to Mexico even though Audi did not pay the Mexicans what they were paying the Germans, nor did the Mexicans enjoy anywhere near the quality of life as the Germans. If Toyota moves the 4Runner production to Mexico it will increase the price of the vehicle while saving thousands on each one built in the form of cheaper labour and transportation costs.

Looks like the 4Runner will be built in the US? warmer?