WHICH TOYOTA & LEXUS MODELS ARE STILL BUILT IN JAPAN? EVERY TOYOTA/LEXUS FACTORY IN JAPAN EXPLAINED

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  • Опубліковано 1 бер 2023
  • Will the all new 2025 Toyota 4Runner still be built in Japan? What about the upcoming 2024 Land Cruiser Prado and Lexus GX 550 - where will they be built? In fact, which Toyota and Lexus vehicles are still built in Japan? Automotive Engineer David Chao gives you the most comprehensive list of all the Toyota and Lexus models built in Japan and exactly which factory they come from. David not only talks about where they are built, but also gives insight about each of the Toyota factories in Japan as he has visited virtually all of them. This is an updated version of the previously posted video about Toyota/Lexus plants in Japan.
    Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, consulting, and strategy. David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking or Toyota Production System. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 142

  • @letsee9215
    @letsee9215 Рік тому +98

    No matter what the popular opinion is, anything that says 'Made in Japan' is built to outlast the same thing manufactured elsewhere.

    • @raymondreiff8170
      @raymondreiff8170 Рік тому +1

      I also liked how well one of my Canadian Honda's were built I had the same exact model built in America was just not built a well overall.

    • @dereknbanjo
      @dereknbanjo Рік тому

      My Subaru was the same way. 240,000 miles in 5 years. Still going storm. All original parts on the engine. It uses oil like all the boxers do but no issues at all. Now I have a 4 Runner. Can't wait to see how long it will go.

    • @gilletteguy787
      @gilletteguy787 Рік тому +5

      Indeed anything made by Toyota in Japan always will be a way better quality than manufactured even by themselves in another countries i have seen that first hand on my 32 years working as Parts Specialist even in the parts you see the differences.

    • @patchesohoulihan9826
      @patchesohoulihan9826 Рік тому +1

      Just to prove your point about built-in Japan over and will use Canada as the other country. Purchased a 2023 RX500H, and it was built in Canada. Rear doors need to be pushed hard to close, and they almost need to be slammed. Ones built in Japan have no issues with the rear doors.

    • @miriamvivo4279
      @miriamvivo4279 Рік тому +5

      I will buy one made in japan over anywhere else every time. Japan numero uno

  • @jsfbay1
    @jsfbay1 Рік тому +29

    Thank you David for this information. You are unique in the UA-cam car review space, coming from an automotive engineering perspective. Thank you again

  • @seannotaro473
    @seannotaro473 Рік тому +15

    Love it, Japanese manufacturing is superb. Incredible attention to detail

  • @bubba4072
    @bubba4072 Рік тому +10

    Thanks, David! I hope you're able to take us on a tour of the Tahara plant someday. I believe that their work ethic is second to none.

  • @alabama2uz
    @alabama2uz Рік тому +13

    I own a GX and 4runner built in the Tahara plant, and 2 Tundras built in America. The fit and finish from Japan is amazing. The American built trucks are just incredible, but not amazing.

  • @marcprobin1659
    @marcprobin1659 Рік тому +10

    Thank you David. Now I know where my 2023 Prius is coming from. I have actually just returned from Japan about 2 weeks ago and I went to the Toyota Museum in Nagoya. That was a fun experience!

  • @rugged9769
    @rugged9769 Рік тому +20

    I’ve bought 4 brand new Lexus so far, 2002 ES, 2015 RX, 2016 NX, and a few weeks ago 2023 GX. Believe all of them were built in Japan. Sold the ES a while ago and my kids have RX and NX. I’ll keep my GX for a long time

    • @eg4449
      @eg4449 Рік тому

      You sure will...congrats

    • @patchesohoulihan9826
      @patchesohoulihan9826 Рік тому

      Went to the dealer looking to buy a GX and ended up buying a RX500H F-sport performance. The sales consultant said it was worth driving, and it was. Have to replace the car I use for work now and looking at an older GX and Landcruiser. Definitely will be modifying it for off-road use also. Need a naturally aspirated V8 in my life for as long as I can drive it. Hopefully, the new GX and Landcruiser will keep it, but know it will be a turbocharged V6.

    • @rutgershouses
      @rutgershouses Рік тому

      @@patchesohoulihan9826 better hurry up and grab that 2023 before that turbo v6 comes out I traded my 2018 4Runner for the 2023 Lexus GX 460 that V8 is so smooth

  • @mobinchishti
    @mobinchishti Рік тому +6

    Great video David. Appreciate the wealth of knowledge you shared and excited for the group trip to visit Japan and the various Toyota factories with you.

  • @JJEJ88
    @JJEJ88 Рік тому +2

    amazing insight! thank you for making these videos for us to enjoy!

  • @luckyguy600
    @luckyguy600 23 дні тому

    Now THAT was one extensive tour of Toyota in Japan. Very commendable sir.
    I had no idea how huge they are and which models were built all over the place!
    I am driving a Alabama-made Corolla Cross 2023 LE FWD model.
    But I still have fond memories of my 1970 Corolla Sprinter and the two indestructible Tercels I owned.
    Amazing the scope of Toyota worldwide. Very interesting tour you gave us of the factories, no matter how brief. You are a very knowledgeable man.

  • @engtrax58
    @engtrax58 Рік тому +2

    Thank you David for your informative and great videos 🙏👍

  • @LVbibby
    @LVbibby Рік тому +2

    Thanks for the informative video.

  • @user-gk3kf6hn6s
    @user-gk3kf6hn6s Рік тому +2

    Great content, as usual.
    Big thanks from Saudi Arabia.

  • @zuhawk15
    @zuhawk15 Рік тому

    Thanks for the information and your hard work.

  • @Robert-un3cf
    @Robert-un3cf Рік тому +1

    Great information, thanks.

  • @moathmohammad9796
    @moathmohammad9796 Рік тому +2

    Great video David go ahead 👌

  • @golferpro1241
    @golferpro1241 Рік тому +2

    Thank you David. Excellent as usual! My ‘04 RX330 was built in the Kyushu plant in 08/03. 40,700 on it!

  • @stevennunamaker3355
    @stevennunamaker3355 9 місяців тому

    Very interesting and thank you for your information

  • @seumasmackinlay
    @seumasmackinlay Рік тому +1

    Fascinating! 👍😁

  • @rightlanehog3151
    @rightlanehog3151 Рік тому +5

    David, If the humble Hino plant in Hamura 17:59 has a spare Land Cruiser Prado looking for a good home, I will be happy to take it. I will let the snobs have the ones made in Tahara. 😉 On a serious note, my chief concern about the upcoming TNGA-F Lexus GX, Prado and 4Runner is whether they will be big enough inside or suffer from the same shrunken interiors seen in the new generation of LX, Tundra and Sequoia. 🤨 When we discuss the Corolla Touring and Fielder, your friend Kirk recently did a very popular video on Corolla wagons which are currently unobtainable in North America. Of course, the Prado was considered unobtainable until very recently 🤩

  • @moab1195
    @moab1195 Рік тому

    Thanks David

  • @beri232
    @beri232 Рік тому +8

    As a Canadian…. I far prefer buying Japanese-made vehicles. Our workers and facilities just don’t have the same pride in workmanship and it shows in the autos. I currently own a 2022 RX350 (Canadian made) and a Mazda CX5 (Japanese made). Prior to this, we had several Japanese made Toyota’s. Lexus dealers here in Canada claim that the Canadian plants have won many prestigious awards for build quality but I just don’t believe it.

    • @oswaldburga9836
      @oswaldburga9836 4 місяці тому

      as a Canadian, how one buy a japan made toyota?

  • @MrBe787
    @MrBe787 Рік тому

    Very informative video!

  • @rdavisi
    @rdavisi Рік тому +4

    Very easy to know which one is made in Japan. Vin# always starts with the letter "J".

  • @DLewis-pc2op
    @DLewis-pc2op Рік тому

    We love you David........thanks

  • @angelclemente9501
    @angelclemente9501 6 місяців тому

    Thank you sir. As a toyota and lexus brand lover, the information is awesome!

  • @karimsadredini8875
    @karimsadredini8875 Рік тому

    Top notch info man. Greatly appreciated. Old school made in Japan and made in Germany Automobiles and motorcycles were something else and remain the same today, although a rarity.

  • @village_mayor
    @village_mayor Рік тому

    Very informative video! I was one of the first 2022 NX owners (luckily without the recall) and it was built in Japan. The quality is pretty good

  • @GO-kg2dw
    @GO-kg2dw Рік тому +6

    When will we get new Lexus Gx or Prado release dates?

  • @atomicorang
    @atomicorang Місяць тому

    David...The Motomachi is in my opinion Toyota "Death Star" . My wife proudly owns the 2024 Prius Limited Cutting Edge.❤ We love it coming from the 2017 Prius XLE White. You are the Ambassador for Toyota David.

  • @adrianw3985
    @adrianw3985 Рік тому +4

    I'm curious your thoughts on the Mexico Tijuana factory. I just bought a Tacoma TRD Sport produced there. It seems to be a solid build.

  • @genki_renie
    @genki_renie 8 місяців тому

    Hi david, how can we identify if the corolla you mentioned is made in japan? I live in Philippines. Thank you.

  • @davidrector1450
    @davidrector1450 Рік тому

    Fascinating video👍🏻. David, where are Hilux pickups made? I wish you could get back to Yoshiwara. I have a 2014 200 series that I will never sell. I assume it too came from Yoshiwara.

  • @paul_t_kendall
    @paul_t_kendall Рік тому +4

    Sure hope you’re right about the 4Runner. I wonder if Toyota heard the uproar from the rumor that the 4runner production was moving to North America. I’ve owned many 4Runners, tacomas, tundras, and Fj cruisers. The North American made vehicles are not in the same class as the Japanese made. Just the facts. Might change down the road, but given the choice I’m buying Japanese.
    Good on Toyota for looking ahead with all of their North American manufacturing, hopefully it will help them survive the changing global landscape-big changes coming to the world as we know it.

  • @dbsantanapr
    @dbsantanapr Рік тому +1

    Hi David. Here in Puerto Rico all of the trims for the current generation Rav4 are built in Japan (no idea which factories), except the TRD offroad (Canada).

  • @raymondreiff8170
    @raymondreiff8170 Рік тому +3

    Everyone wants a Japanese built Toyota Or Lexus because the Quality Different is CLEAR, Thanks for this Update 🇺🇸👍.

    • @raymondreiff8170
      @raymondreiff8170 Рік тому

      Also building high Quality anything is Hard work if it were easy American's could build Quality Vehicles, We all know the Quality of so called American brands stacked full of Mexican and Chinese parts at 💩 for quality.

    • @rutgershouses
      @rutgershouses Рік тому +1

      I got my beautiful GX v8!!!! Last of the v8 before they go v6

    • @raymondreiff8170
      @raymondreiff8170 Рік тому

      @@rutgershouses And its going to be A Collector's V8 if it doesn't come back in the near future 👍🇺🇸.

  • @TerryGrayTX
    @TerryGrayTX Рік тому +1

    Thanks for connecting some dots for us! I was trying to piece together the origin of our prior-generation 2021 NX, and yes, it can be confusing. Between the company names (Toyota Motor Kyushu), city names (Miyawaka?), and plant names (Miyata), the average person living outside of Toyota ecosystem can't figure it out without some help & research.

  • @pedrofernandez8729
    @pedrofernandez8729 Рік тому +1

    Do you know if the Kei cars for the Japanese market are made at a different plant?

  • @TacoMonster4eva
    @TacoMonster4eva Рік тому

    Do you know where the new Grand Highlander will be built? Thanks.

  • @usbankusa
    @usbankusa Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing. It is good to know that no matter how high wages in Japan are, some Lexus and other TOYOTA models are still manufactured in Japan to be sold in North America.

  • @ZeeMan84
    @ZeeMan84 Рік тому +1

    Could do another video on other Japanese brands especially Honda and Acura models?

  • @bazinga615
    @bazinga615 Рік тому +4

    Thank you David. Great insight into Toyota production. As the world transitions into EVs, which Japanese factory do you believe will be the main focus in the future?

    • @dereknbanjo
      @dereknbanjo Рік тому

      This will be interesting as I read Toyota is really thinking about this and realizes that many countries in the world will not buy EV because of cost and infrastructure. I like their approach vs US and European makers going all in. This is a huge mistake in my opinion. I think they believe that somehow there is enough battery material to go around. Plus I look at charging times and see that customers on long distance trips like in the US will not go for these cars. I saw a Mercedes EV charging the other day and it was going to take 102 minutes to change from 18 to 80 percent. In that time I drove my car almost all the way to my home in Chattanooga from Birmingham, AL. Around town these cars are great but still not there for long distance travel. It's going to be interesting.

  • @robertyoung1777
    @robertyoung1777 Рік тому +1

    This is very interesting. Funny, when I was a child in the 1960s, my parents thought products made in Japan were poor quality. Now it’s the other way around; products made in Japan are high quality.
    It’s a testament to the values and pride in craftsmanship that Japanese people care about.

  • @MrBigblue88
    @MrBigblue88 Рік тому

    which plant is used for building Toyota vehicles for the JDSF?

  • @buildingAbiz
    @buildingAbiz Рік тому

    Can you please make a pdf or spreadsheet with this info?

  • @GuillermoGonzalez-zelglez
    @GuillermoGonzalez-zelglez Рік тому

    Thanks David for the excellent videos, do you think the GX would be different some time in this future? And the new Land Cruiser would be 4, 6 or 8 cylinder?
    I’m interested in trading my 2019 4Runner trd off road premium for a GX should I wait? What do u think thanks again

    • @rutgershouses
      @rutgershouses Рік тому

      Don’t wait do it I traded my 2018 4Runner trd off road for the 2022 Lexus GX 460 as you heard 2024 GX will be a v6 turbo which I don’t want , I wanted that beautiful smooth v8, the GX is amazing smooth as butter compared to the 4Runner v6, Lexus gave me a great deal on my 2018 4Runner 5 months ago in October when used cars was at its high go for it !!

  • @Tomorrow32
    @Tomorrow32 Рік тому +3

    If the car VPN starts with J, then the car is built in Japan. 🎉

  • @Gychen888
    @Gychen888 Рік тому +1

    Can you tell us about which Honda/Acura models are still built in Japan?

  • @alphafiddlesticks5623
    @alphafiddlesticks5623 Рік тому +1

    Do you have any news on the upcoming lexus tx?

    • @AutomotivePress
      @AutomotivePress  Рік тому +1

      I've uploaded a video while back, nothing new since then

  • @July.4.1776
    @July.4.1776 6 місяців тому

    Which facility is the Toyota Crown produced in Japan?

  • @carloskissoondhan9641
    @carloskissoondhan9641 10 місяців тому

    Awesome info. Like Toyotas even more now. Lol. Can you tell where LFA is made? 🏁🙏🏾

  • @BigAltimaEnergy719
    @BigAltimaEnergy719 Рік тому +4

    People are gonna complain if the 4Runner gets a 4 banger turbo, don’t forget the original 4Runner also had a turbo 4 cyl, just really slow…

  • @tripsandmore3072
    @tripsandmore3072 Рік тому +3

    Have you gone to the plant in the US in Texas ?

    • @AutomotivePress
      @AutomotivePress  Рік тому +2

      I've been to a number of Toyota plants in North America - Texas one very long time ago

  • @No_914
    @No_914 2 місяці тому

    I shop for Toyotas based on which ones are built in Japan. The quality is unmatched by a long shot.

  • @chivse7064
    @chivse7064 Рік тому

    Hi sir
    I would like to ask you one question about Toyota prado diesel and GX 460 is the same all except engine ? And it is built in Japan all facilities ?
    Thanks sir
    Best regards
    Chivse❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    • @AutomotivePress
      @AutomotivePress  Рік тому +2

      It's not exactly the same but the basic body is very similar between the two

    • @kavinlao3251
      @kavinlao3251 Рік тому

      ​​@AutomotivePress I'm.from Austalia we have the isuzu dmax and mux built in thailand is the engine material parts from Japan made thanks ?

  • @FURDOG1961
    @FURDOG1961 Рік тому

    9:00 Toyota Century.
    19:39 Japan Taxi interior.

  • @zackamanda9799
    @zackamanda9799 Рік тому

    The 2023 Lexus RX 350 sold here in North America are built in Canada?

  • @joek1978atyahoo
    @joek1978atyahoo Рік тому +6

    im pretty much disgusted with Toyota right now for getting rid of the power rear window for the 4 Runner in the next gen.....just seems like theyre following suit with all other car companies instead of wanting to stick out as different....

  • @Lacagz
    @Lacagz 3 місяці тому

    Sorry old comment but did you miss that Toyota RAV4 Prime is still only made in Japan or am I behind the news

  • @keomx536
    @keomx536 Рік тому +2

    Hey David, my Lexus RX 350L was build in Japan because my VIN starts with the letter J######.

  • @lishanalemu6153
    @lishanalemu6153 Рік тому

    now my dream come true l always say japanese version is the bast,even my garage owner friend he doesn't even no this l tell him 8 years a go.
    but l have a question for toyota prius prime Limited is japan or us or canada please ?

  • @pedrofernandez8729
    @pedrofernandez8729 Рік тому +1

    All 3 Toyota models I've owned were built in Japan, my next one will be the Corolla hatch, only model avail in the USA still made in the homeland.

  • @mvj1960
    @mvj1960 Рік тому

    I wish Toyota was making the Lexus TX in Japan. I'm not sure about the quantity coming out of the Indiana plant

  • @RayanMADAO
    @RayanMADAO Рік тому +1

    Camrys sold here in the middle east are built in Japan

  • @nserekodaniel7653
    @nserekodaniel7653 4 місяці тому

    live in kenya and was quite hopeful that the lexus tx was going to be sold in Japan and usually we get Japanese cars. Too bad it's only in north america.

  • @hachiroku7443
    @hachiroku7443 Рік тому

    Have a scion frs and reach 400k miles in stock form and yes its made in Japan though it colaborate with subaru and that matters of them all bec of quality and reliability if japanese built it.

  • @lostalx
    @lostalx Рік тому

    Thank you. Kinda sad that legendary 4Runner, GX 460 are now being replaced by Turbos even though they are made in Japan those NA V6 engines were the beating hearts. The last bloodline of that engineering lives in only 3 cars now. The IS 300/350 made in the critically acclaimed Tahara plant Japan. The ES 350, Camry both made in KY, America. Lexus should have added the Ulrasuede from Japanese variants to the IS 350 in North America, instead of the NuLuxe, sad that even GX you have to pay a ton to get the Semi Aniline, only ES UL trim has that leather which has the Naturally Aspirated legendary bloodline.

  • @joey86bu1
    @joey86bu1 Рік тому

    Always look for the made in Japan stamp.

  • @allancaspers6471
    @allancaspers6471 Рік тому

    Wondering if Toyota frames are not rusting any more? If think Toyota should have made them from stainless steel. Wish Toyota would have used the 6 speed auto on the Corolla Cross and also a engine option 2.5. oh also in a Lexus flavor as well.

    • @cstgx
      @cstgx Рік тому

      Stainless steel is very expensive.

  • @siamimam2109
    @siamimam2109 Місяць тому

    I was genuinely shocked when I noticed my 2020 corolla was made in JAPAN 😂

  • @martinmdl6879
    @martinmdl6879 8 місяців тому

    We prefer and will pay extra for models made in Japan because the decay of standards around the western world has not infected the Japanese, yet.

  • @markholmstrup9082
    @markholmstrup9082 Рік тому

    Not easy to figure out? First letter of the VIN.

  • @mauzouq
    @mauzouq Рік тому

    I have lc300 vxr its not that high finished like u say specially from the chromium lines in the doors

  • @blown9646
    @blown9646 Рік тому

    Unfortunately as soon as they leave the factory perfectly and get into shipping/dealership hands, it's game over on how things stay that way. Especially once driven on the salt covered roads

  • @unkn3141
    @unkn3141 Рік тому +1

    The gold standard when it comes to cars reads, “Made In Japan”. Especially when it comes to Toyotas. Heck! Even cartoons from Japan are better!

  • @shannonsummers3300
    @shannonsummers3300 Рік тому

    You can tell if a vehicle is made in Japan by checking the first character of the VIN. If it starts with a “J” the vehicle was built in Japan.

  • @TwinTurboToyota
    @TwinTurboToyota Рік тому

    Hi

  • @tg8150
    @tg8150 Рік тому

    And if you want to take it even a step higher, buy a Japan built Mazda3- utter perfection.

    • @rutgershouses
      @rutgershouses Рік тому

      All Mazda are made In Japan except the CX 30 and CX 50

  • @davidjacobs8558
    @davidjacobs8558 Рік тому

    Scotty Kilmer approves this message.

  • @xXReaperXx714
    @xXReaperXx714 5 місяців тому

    Drop me the car list I’m going car shopping next week 😂 I’m be picky want a Japanese made Toyota , American made I don’t trust

  • @thestonerstation8005
    @thestonerstation8005 27 днів тому

    Where are tundras, tacomas made and their parts?!

  • @InvestBetter.
    @InvestBetter. Рік тому

    3:20. Just bought a 2023 4Runner, BECAUSE it's built in Tahara, built to Lexus standards. And it shows.
    The 2025 won't be.
    Let's just say moving it to Mexico......that won't be a selling point.
    No.....😔

  • @Al-ok1lj
    @Al-ok1lj 2 місяці тому

    Look for the first letter of the VIN y’all. If it doesn’t start with a J, it’s not made in Japan.

  • @andycanona
    @andycanona Рік тому +1

    @cabbage head - no offense, but your YT name is indicative of your ability to distinguish quality in automobiles 😅

  • @Mrgulaman
    @Mrgulaman Рік тому +1

    I rather buy a toyota from japan than mexico smh it's just not the same

  • @jaym9846
    @jaym9846 6 місяців тому

    Japanese cars are nearly perfect. That is until they get assembled in the US.
    That is why GM, Ford and Chrysler moved to other countries.

  • @bakhe_1
    @bakhe_1 Рік тому +2

    jackie chan

  • @ceciliaabdalla4954
    @ceciliaabdalla4954 7 місяців тому

    Will never buy a Toyota not built in Japan

  • @cabbagehead8082
    @cabbagehead8082 Рік тому +1

    Ive owned dozens and dozens of cars. Ill still take a Cadillac over Japanese. A few reasons. Battery and electrical system is superior. Heating and cooling system is superior. Transmissions are superior. I can blow up any Japanese engines and have many times. My LS can not. Also 670 hp is superior to basically evey Japanese car ever made. Just w few

    • @Odat
      @Odat Рік тому +7

      Lol please don’t put Cadillac and Lexus in the same sentence. I used to manage a fleet of luxury cars. We had Cadillac, Lexus, Lincoln, Audi and a few others. Lexus was the most reliable by far. They are well built!. The Cadillacs, Audis and all the others were breaking all the time. They are junk.

    • @cabbagehead8082
      @cabbagehead8082 Рік тому

      @@Odat Leave a lexus without starting it for two weeks. Your gonna need a boost. Not Cadillac. Next

    • @Odat
      @Odat Рік тому +3

      @@cabbagehead8082 not true. Maybe some models but models like the GX, LX are tanks and will outlive earth. No matter how you look at it, Lexuses are just better built. Your money…get what makes you happy.

    • @andycanona
      @andycanona Рік тому +8

      @cabbage head - no offense, but your YT name is indicative of your ability to distinguish quality in automobiles 😅

    • @cabbagehead8082
      @cabbagehead8082 Рік тому

      @@andycanona What Lexus has a 670 hp v8 real wheel drive? What Lexus does 200 mph? Have fun driving a long lasting slow boring car till the end of time 🤣

  • @chaunceysnodgress3672
    @chaunceysnodgress3672 Рік тому

    Thank you David! I learn so much from your videos! This one especially.