A quart low is better than a pint high. I always err on the side of low. The dipstick is hard to read but the dirtier the oil gets the easier it is to read. New, clear oil doesn't have much contrast.
I've learned to put the dipstick in all the way and immediately pull it out. After an oil change I will check the level every couple of days for a week or so. Make sure you're on level ground and if you have time, let it sit for a few minutes with the engine off. On my '04 one side shows the oil level better than the other.
For all the cars over all the years, I've found that none of them are easy to read until the oil gets dirty. I have had better luck with letting it sit in the garage overnight than anything else. Pull the stick out and read it, both sides, keeping it level so the oil doesn't run down the stick.
This is the best response: Low level is better than high if within the "Low" & "High" marks; clean oil is difficult to see; insert the dipstick fully and remove quickly; check on level ground; let the car sit a few minutes before reading; and (carefully) add oil as needed after driving the next day or so.
FYI, OM capacity specs are based on the initial factory fill, few people wait for every drop of oil to drain and even then, some old oil will remain in the passages, pan, etc., as much as a pint! Personally, depending on the engine, I refill less than OM spec and adjust later.
The dipstick is the best indicator to use for
refills using the above caveats. Typically, after the oil change you would start the engine for about 30 seconds to verify oil pressure (or no "low oil" indicator light) and if good, allow to run another minute or so to distribute oil in the system.
Then turn-off the engine and wait
3 to 5 minutes; you can check for oil leaks during this time. Then remove the dipstick, wipe with a clean cloth, reinsert fully, remove immediately, and hold
horizontally to check the level - if it's difficult to see, do it as many times as needed to confirm the level is between the "Add" and "Full" marks. If so, drive the vehicle for a day or so and re-check as above and if the level is below the half-way point add less than 2 ounces at a time.
The important takeaways are:
- OM capacity Specs are approximate (typically on the high end), but "types" are minimum
- Never overfill oil
- The Dipstick is the best gauge for refill level
- Checking the dipstick "level" before 3 or after 5 minutes can be inaccurate
- Both Dealer and "Quick Change" sources will/can not support proper oil change procedures. Check for yourself afterwards to be sure.
Checking the dipstick level the
next day before operation or
immediately after an oil change (Quick Change)
is not accurate. Low or high oil levels can cause engine damage or problems. Since clean oil is the lifeblood of all internal combustion engines, owner's should check the oil level between changes, especially if the engine is "using" oil.
Thankfully, Toyota owners have less to worry about "pushing" the engine oil service intervals a bit (especially on engines manufactured in Japan) but if you are "using" engine oil already, it is too late and only constant oil level vigilance (level & changing) can extend engine life beyond the existing damage!
My 2004 4Runner with only 110K miles has a nearly perfect drivetrain because of regular maintenance, but the 21 Wisconsin winters (salt) have now ravaged everything underneath, even with extensive underflushes!
SAD, I love this truck! 
