If there's anything Toyota is known for, it's for building reliable vehicles powered by their engines that never quit. Since 1935, Toyota has produced diesel and gasoline engines so durable and efficient that they have won over millions of loyal drivers the world over, as well as other automobile manufacturers such as Lotus, Spyker, Pontiac, and Chevrolet, who have installed Toyota engines in their own vehicles.
The engine is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, so as an owner of one that uses a Toyota engine, keep reading to learn where to source replacement Toyota engines, about the different Toyota engines and a few notable ones, and how to take care of your Toyota engine to ensure it performs at its best for as long as possible.
Sourcing Toyota Engines (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
When you purchase a brand new Toyota, it comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engine made by Toyota. Engines made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Toyotas fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.
Unless the engine of your Toyota is out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in an original Toyota engine to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket engines might not only not be covered by Toyota's warranty—they could also void the warranty and even damage your vehicle when installed. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Toyota's engine bay properly. When it comes to an expensive part like the engine, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.
Types of Toyota Engines
Toyota has produced a sizable range of gasoline and diesel engines, from flat twins to V12s, between 660cc and 6.5L.
Gasoline Engines
Toyota's gas engines have high thermal efficiency and advanced combustion technology—the 2.5-liter non-hybrid engines boast a fantastic thermal efficiency of 40%. The Dynamic Force Engine was designed to reduce energy loss, leading to greater power output and more efficient performance.
Toyota's gasoline engines used in consumer cars are as follows:
Flat twin or flat four: U
Inline three: KR, WZ, M15A, G16E and WA
Inline four: Type C, Type S, R, P, K, T, A, S, Y, E, TZ, ZZ, RZ, SZ, NZ, AZ, TR, ZR, NR, AR, RI, A25A, M20A, and T24A
Inline sixes: Type A, Type B, F, M, G, JZ, FZ
V6: VZ, MZ, GR, and V35A
V8: V, R, UZ, RV8, UR
V10: LR
V12 : GZ
Diesel Engines
Toyota designed their diesel engines to stand out for their high fuel efficiency, power, and quiet performance. These engines feature the world's first use of Thermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology, significantly enhancing their overall functionality.
Below is a list of Toyota's diesel engines:
Inline four: J, B Second Gen, L, W, C, N, KZ, WZ, CD, ND, KD, AD, WW, and GD
Inline five: PZ
Inline six: 1D, 2D, H, 2H, 12H, 1HZ, and 1HD
V6: F33A
V8: VD
Engines Used in Hybrid Cars
Their hybrid engines are renowned for their fuel efficiency, seamless transition between power sources, and low emissions. The Hybrid Synergy Drive enables Toyota hybrids to optimize power from both the gasoline engine and electric motor. Furthermore, Toyota hybrids, such as the RAV4 Prime, offer a substantial electric-only range before the gasoline engine kicks in, providing drivers with the best of both worlds.
Toyota's hybrid engines are the 1.5L 1NZ-FXE, 2.4L 2AZ-FXE, 1.8L 2ZR-FXE, 1.8L 5ZR-FXE, 2.5L 2AR-FXE, 3.5L 2GR-FXE, 3.5L 2GR-FXS, and 4.0L 8GR-FXS.
Notable Toyota Engine Series
Among the many engines Toyota has produced, there are a few standout series that have outperformed the already tough competition. These are the JZ from 1990 to 2007, the SZ from 1999 to present, the ZZ from 1997 to 2008, and the AR from 2008 to present.
JZ Series
The JZ is a family of high-performance inline six engines synonymous with the Supra, which it has become known for powering. In the 2.5L 1JZ lineup are the 1JZ-GE (168 to 197hp), the twin turbo-charged 1JZ-GTE (276 hp), and the direct injection 1JZ-FSE (197 hp), while the 3.0L 2JZ lineup features the 2JZ-GE (212 - 224 hp), the twin turbo-charged 2JZ-GTE (276 hp), and the direct injection 2JZ-FSE (217 hp).
These engines were used in models such as the Crown, Altezza, Mark II, and Soarer from 1990 to 2007.
SZ Series
The SZ inline four-cylinder series of engines was a joint venture by Toyota and Daihatsu that aimed at delivering good fuel efficiency and reliability. The series comprises the 1.0L 1SZ-FE used by the Yaris, Echo, and Vitz, the 1.3L 2SZ-FE found in the Yaris, Echo, Vitz, Belta, and Ractis, and the 1.5L 3SZ-VE applied in the bB, Passo Sette, Avanza, and Rush. Fuel efficiency can go up to 25.6 km/l for the 1SZ-FE.
ZZ Series
Toyota's ZZ inline four-cylinder engine series comprises the 1.8L 1ZZ, 1.8L 2ZZ, 1.6L 3ZZ, and 1.4L 4ZZ. The 1ZZ lineup is the 1ZZ-FE, the multi-injection 1ZZ-FED, and the 1ZZ-FBE, which runs on ethanol, while the 2ZZ, 3ZZ, and 4ZZ only feature FE standard versions.
Notable applications of the 1ZZ engines are the Corolla, Wish, and RAV4, while those of the 2ZZ are the Celica and Corolla between 1997 and 2008. Fuel efficiency for the 1ZZ-FE can go up to 17.4 km/l.
AR Series
The AR series is a family of reliable inline four-cylinder engines entrusted with keeping the RAV4, Highlander, Venza, Camry, and Scion tC running. It comprises the 2.7L 1AR-FE, the 2.5L 2AR-FE, the hybrid 2AR-FXE, and the direct-injection 2AR-FSE. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 8.8 km/l for the 2AR-FE and 8.1 km/l for the 1AR-FE.
Maintenance & Care of Your Toyota Engine
To realize your Toyota engine's fullest potential, both in terms of performance and longevity, it's crucial that you pay attention and care for it properly. Given the high cost of an engine replacement, you'll be doing a favor for your Toyota engine and your wallet.
Key Routine Maintenance Tasks
Here are some simple maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to keep your vehicle in good condition:
1. Regularly change the engine oil to keep the parts lubricated.
2. Check and maintain the coolant levels.
3. Be aware of any leaks and address them promptly.
4. Replace the spark plugs, wires, and fuel filters when necessary.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
You might encounter these common engine issues along the course of ownership of your Toyota. One might be engine overheating, which can be due to a leak in the cooling system, a bad radiator fan, a faulty water pump, a faulty thermostat, or low engine oil levels. Another is engine noises due to anything from a bearing to a timing shaft problem. Fixes for these will involve repairing or replacing the necessary parts or topping up engine oil. If significant damage to the engine has already occurred, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Are Toyota Engines Expensive?
Toyota engines are relatively inexpensive. But bear in mind that, in general, the price of engines will vary according to their size and age (usually correlated to the level of technology).
Where to Buy Genuine Toyota Engines Online
Brand-new OEM crate engines can be purchased directly from your country's Toyota and OEM parts retailers. On the other hand, second-hand Toyota engines can be a cost-effective alternative. These can be found in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
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