Just curious. Can you import a US spec. 4Runner into Canada? I know they have daytime running lights required nationally. Might have to disable the switch on US 4Runners. Other specs.?

That's good to hear. I fear if I do I might never want to return back up north

Before I snagged my Skyline GTR I was looking all over the US for used cars. They had amazing deals and so many places with either no rust or very minimal it was really appealing.

There is no issues bringing cars up from the US to Canada. It's a bit of a process. Check this link:

Registrar of Imported Vehicles - RIV Inspection

No, definitely not petty; it’s a staple of the 4Runner for sure. Did the newest Tundra dc it as well?

The new Tundra has it. The new Sequoia almost didn't happen, they had to design it with a small budget. So dropping it might have been a lack of funds thing.

One thing that I've noticed on all Toyota SUVs recently is lack of metal skid plates standard. The Tundra, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser Prado all lack them, even on 4wd versions. Seems like only the really upgraded off road versions have them, but everything else gets those useless felt pads for aerodynamics.

While great for the 2nd hand market that buys used SR5s to turn into off road rigs, standard metal skid plates on the engine, fuel tank, and transfer case add cost and weight providing items that aren't particularly valuable from to a majority of new buyers. And, frankly, the competition does the same thing. Toyota has to ask themselves if it is worth the cost and weight that reduces fuel efficiency on SR5s and Limiteds that will 95% never leave the pavement. Plus, there is a healthy aftermarket for underbody armor for those SR5 and Limited buyers that do want that protection.

Your right. It doesn't make sense, but neither does buying a 4runner when you'll never max out the capability of a Highlander. If people want to buy a boxy overbuilt 4x4 instead of a sensible car with mpg and no skid plates, then don't design it to be like the sensible car they already decided they didn't want.

The Pathfinder went that way, look where it is now. They started at the same place, but the Pathfinder is just another car that sells less than the 4runner while probably making less money per unit sold. Design the car people want, not the car people need (Toyota already has plenty of that).

It's allure is what it can do off the showroom floor, eliminating metal skid plates diminishes that. There is an after market, but it feels like nickel and diming, and it makes them lose some credibility if there is a huge list of deficiencies that must be addressed before I use it like how Toyota markets it. They don't have to be great, but they should be included on any legitimate 4x4.

And that's why the advertising reads...

*Shown with optional dealer installed off-road equipment.

The difference is that I can’t spend $1000 in the aftermarket to make a Pathfinder BOF and SRA. The difficult to change bits are the important ones to keep so the platform doesn’t turn into just another car. The SR5 will either be the clean slate for people that want to put their money into customization or the people that just like the look and feel of a truck based SUV. Lots of people prefer towing with BOF RWD platforms instead of car based crossovers, so the lack of armor underneath isn’t really an issue to them. Actually probably improves tow ratings and payload because the vehicle is lighter.