"There is literally a video on "how to find the hidden 4Runner tire"."
It's in the manual, too. Remember folks, RTFM. The jack is just behind the driver's side rear brake light. Open the hatch, look for the little panel with two clips and there it is along with the tool pouch.
Like many trucks with the spare up underneath behind the rear bumper (and my former 2010 Highlander Limited suv that's really a Camry) they have them set up to lower the spare all the way to the ground using a crank (or the jack handle in the case of the 4Runner.) You insert the handle into the hole just to the left of latch for the hatch. It sure beats the heck out of having to lift the full size spare out of the rear compartment or off the tailgate or wherever the manufacturer decided to hang it up. You insert the handle, lower the spare, unhook the chain and slide it out. If you like you can slide the flat under bumper and crank it up out of the way. It's actually a great idea when you consider how much a 17" steel wheel and a 265/70-17 spare weighs.
Just one Michelin Defender in that size weighs 48 pounds. I looked it up. Add in the steel wheel and it's heavy.
It's the price you pay for a body on frame truck with part-time dual-range 4WD, locking differential on the rear axle and a bunch of other stuff. If you want a car-like ride and limited off road ability, there's always the Highlander and a bunch of other SUVs and CUVs. That's Cute Utility Vehicles.
Okay, we just came off the beach and I really need a shower before happy hour.