Toyota 4Runner Shortage Leaves Customers Without a 2021. 2022 4Runner an Option?

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Submitted by Jeff Teague on October 9, 2021 - 10:22AM

Here is what you can do next if you ordered a Toyota 4Runner and will not get one. Consider a 2022 4Runner perhaps.

This vehicle shortage is making the process of buying a new vehicle more difficult by the day. Perhaps even more challenging than during any period in the entire history of automobile sales.

Take Toyota, for example.

One of the most popular Toyota models, 4Runner, is proving to be quite difficult to find.

Toyota 4Runner Shortage

Yes, we all need to admit to ourselves that we are in the middle of a vehicle shortage. One that envelopes and is affecting nearly the entire automotive industry.

Across all brands and models.

Like Toyota 4Runner.

Many people have placed orders for their ideal 2021 4Runner and still have not received it yet. In fact, for several of these buyers, their orders were placed several months ago.

The trickiest 4Runner model to get is TRD Pro. Especially exclusive 2021 color Lunar Rock. Many dealerships across the country have waiting lists approaching and exceeding ten potential purchasers.

With supplies low and demand extremely high, time is running out for people to get the 2021 they ordered.

Get Ready for 2022 4Runner

Those people who have not had luck finding their 2021 4Runner will more than likely be offered a 2022 4Runner instead. Most dealerships have begun receiving shipments of 2022 models, including 4Runner.

Here is the tricky part though. Those waiting for a 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro in Super White, Magnetic Gray, and Midnight Black can still get these colors for the 2022 model year.

VIDEO YOU MAY ENJOY: Demo of 4Runner Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select on my "AutoJeff Reviews" YouTube channel

However, if you were waiting for a Lunar Rock 4Runner, you will be asked to switch to a new color. Maybe white, gray, or black. Or you can now be on the waiting list for Lime Rush.

Lime Rush is the official exclusive 2022 4Runner TRD Pro color, replacing Lunar Rock.

Next Toyota 4Runner Steps

If you missed out on your 2021 4Runner, there are several next steps you can take.

First, reach out to your dealership and determine a game plan for your order.

Confirm pricing for your original deal and make sure you are on the same page with your dealer for a 2022. Pricing may have changed between model years.

Also, work with your dealership to outline what exact vehicle you want. You may be able to switch to a different 4Runner trim level.

Especially if you have been waiting for Lunar Rock color TRD Pro.

For 2022 4Runner, Lunar Rock is now available in other trim levels. You could switch to a 4Runner TRD Off-Road or Off-Road Premium in Lunar Rock.

With a considerably shorter wait time.

Time for Your Toyota 4Runner Comments

Have you had a personal experience ordering and waiting for your ideal vehicle? How long is/was the wait and did you end up receiving yours yet?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I discuss new camera angles for 2022 Tundra.

READ MORE:
- Demo of 4Runner and Tacoma locking rear differential, crawl and multi-terrain select
- 2022 Tundra Off-Road Package summary
- Learn about the new 2022 Tundra multimedia system

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Submitted by Rick Richardson (not verified) on October 9, 2021 - 11:46AM

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Is vehicle ordering becoming the norm now? I want to buy a new Tacoma TRD Off Road within the next few months but with the vehicle shortage, I’m guessing it will have to be on order.

Are you aware of how long a order normally takes?

Submitted by Elizabeth DeLeon (not verified) on October 9, 2021 - 2:44PM

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I want a plan 2022 4ruunner 2 wheel drive no bells and whistles no more than $40,000 plus TT&L OR a 2022 plan 4runner 4wheel drive no bells and whistles $43,000 pus TT&L
Regards E.D.

Submitted by Sawyer Martin (not verified) on October 9, 2021 - 8:42PM

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It would help the situation IMMENSELY if people in the business like Jeff would start being honest & telling customers that there is no ordering process through Toyota. Unlike Ford, for example, where a consumer can place an order for a specific vehicle, Toyota does not offer this as an option for consumers. People read articles like this from people in the industry spewing nonsense & then come into the dealership requesting to "order" a vehicle, when this is not something you can do through Toyota. You can place a deposit on something that has already been allocated to a Toyota dealership to reserve an incoming unit, but you cannot "order" a vehicle.

This is technically correct, you cannot “order” from Toyota. But I have purchased multiple Toyota’s including two TRD Pros customized at factory and port to my specifications.

First, you need a dealership willing to play ball (not likely if they’re marking up 5-10k already.

Then you need to decide exactly which options and packages interest you, go in, and put down a deposit ($1,000 in my case). The dealership puts in a “request” to Toyota, and when their allocation for your model comes up, Toyota builds to fit what the dealership requested.

What is really happening is that your dealership is the one ordering for themselves and promising to sell to you on arrival—the system exists so regionally popular options can be secured by the dealerships that want them.

In my experience, a vehicle “ordered” in this way takes 3-6 months to arrive. Just be patient and don’t play with dealerships that aren’t interested in finding you your dream truck!

We actually placed an order for a new 4 runner in Oct… as of today it has never been accepted… I now believe what others have said about Toyota not actually taking orders…

Submitted by William Kiser (not verified) on October 10, 2021 - 7:30PM

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Thank you Sawyer. I'm learning that you are exactly spot on. If you want something special, you're left to search far and wide and hope it'll appear already built close to what you'd like. Or wait till it randomly drops in your lap.

Submitted by Tom (not verified) on October 13, 2021 - 4:26PM

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For those in the SE Region that may have already ordered|requested a 2022 TRD Off Road, how long did your dealer tell you your wait will be?

No, you did not. There is no consumer order process available through Toyota. The dealer is being 100% dishonest with you. They CANNOT order a Pro either. What they really meant was "we'll collect your deposit & cross our fingers that we get a lime rush Pro allocated to us in the next 90 days that we can put your name on/deposit towards."

I realize that I did not word my statement properly. And I'm WELL AWARE that a special order was not placed for it. They have not been dishonest with me, they told me that when one was allocated to them they would let me know. I am in no rush and the waiting does not bother me. All I was saying is that they told me that it would be around 90-120 days for one to be allocated. Their "sister" dealership has two on the lot, so I'm not concerned that they will never get one. So I apologize for not wording my statement properly. But don't worry, I'm aware of the process and happily waiting for one to be allocated.

Submitted by Jon (not verified) on October 13, 2021 - 8:01PM

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I “ordered” a 22 TRD Pro in Lime Rush the first of August and my dealer has yet to get an allocation. They are a big dealer in Cleveland, OH, but this shortage is hurting everyone. I don’t think I’ll see it until spring the way things are going. Anyone else on the list there behind me may not see one at all the way things are right now.

Submitted by Kevin (not verified) on August 2, 2022 - 8:06PM

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I got my special ordered 4runner in less than a month. It came full of PISS and I couldn’t be happier!