///I will never understand why a manufacturer would move to a cartridge style.///
Me too, especially putting it at the bottom of the engine under skids.
However, after doing this service on my 2012 since it was new I can say that it is cheaper than a spin-on, I got a box of 10 Toyota filters at Toyota of Dallas for $45 with free shipping back in 2012. Also at that time, (actually 2010) Toyota switched to synthetic oil and the frequency of oil/filter changes became 10,000 miles, another benefit. I just looked at my box and I have 2 filters left. The first change was recommended by Toyota at 5k miles then at 10k after that. The filter boxes contain the necessary plastic drain tool, all you need to add is a 12 inch long piece of 5/8 inch heater hose to direct the drain from the pressurized filter into a drain pan. New O-rings are provided with the filter cartridge too.
With the exception of having to remove the bash-plate and engine skid, the rest of the drain and filter change does not really take much longer than changing any bottom of engine spin-on, and I have changed many.
BMT's pic is accurate, I have a tool to remove the plastic cartridge holding the filter( I replaced my plastic with a metal one), I think it was cheap at Amazon, it takes a 3/8 ratchet.
Just looked, steel tool was $10, they sell a fancy 6061 T6 Aluminum one for $30 claiming the steel one flexes. Dont believe it, the cheap steel one is fine.
