Can you get a diesel Toyota?
Diesel Toyotas are available in some markets, but not everywhere. In the United States, you cannot buy a new diesel-powered Toyota passenger car today. In many other regions, diesel versions exist on workhorse vehicles like pickups, SUVs, and vans.
Where diesel Toyotas are commonly available
This overview explains where you can find Toyota models with diesel engines, and what kinds of vehicles they are. Availability is market- and year-dependent.
- Australia and New Zealand: diesel variants are common on work-oriented models such as the Hilux pickup and certain SUV iterations.
- Europe and parts of Asia and the Middle East: diesel power continues in commercial vehicles and some rugged SUVs, though mainstream passenger cars have shifted toward petrol/hybrid in many markets.
- Africa and Latin America: diesel options persist on pickups (like Hilux) and vans (such as Hiace) where diesel remains practical for fleets and off-road use.
Diesel Toyotas exist primarily on workhorse models rather than mainstream passenger cars, and the exact availability depends on national regulations and model year.
Which Toyota models are typically offered with diesel engines?
Here are the main model families that have diesel options in markets where Toyota continues to offer diesel power. Availability is year- and market-specific, so always verify with a local dealer.
- Hilux pickup
- Fortuner SUV
- Land Cruiser Prado (mid-size SUV)
- Hiace van (commercial van)
Note: In many regions, new Toyota passenger cars do not offer diesel engines, and some markets have phased diesel out of the consumer-facing lineup in favor of hybrids and petrol engines. Always confirm the exact configuration for your country and model year.
Current status by major markets
United States and Canada
New Toyotas sold in the United States and Canada do not include diesel-powered passenger cars. Diesel options are not part of the current official lineup for most consumer models, though historically diesel variants have appeared in broader Toyota fleets or special cases in some regions.
Europe
Diesel passenger cars have largely disappeared from the Toyota lineup in Europe as the company emphasizes hybrids and petrol engines. Diesel may still appear in some commercial vehicles, but mainstream diesel-powered passenger models are uncommon.
Australia and New Zealand
Diesel engines remain common in rugged, work-focused models such as the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado, reflecting local demand for high-torque, long-range capability and fleet applicability.
Other regions (Middle East, Africa, Latin America)
Diesel variants are still widely used on core Toyota workhorse models like the Hilux, Fortuner, and Hiace, where diesel remains a practical choice for fleets, long-range driving, and off-road use.
Considerations for buyers
Diesel engines offer advantages in torque and long-haul efficiency, but they also involve different maintenance needs, emissions equipment (such as particulate filters or selective catalytic reduction), and potential regulatory considerations. Price, fuel availability, and local tax incentives or penalties can also influence the total cost of ownership. Always verify the exact engine and emission specs for your country and the specific model year before buying.
Summary
Diesel Toyotas exist, but their availability is not universal. You’re most likely to find diesel variants on pickups, SUVs, and vans in markets outside the United States, with Europe having largely shifted toward petrol/hybrid for passenger models. If you’re considering a diesel Toyota, consult a local dealer for the current lineup in your country and confirm which body style and year you’re interested in, as regulations and market demand continue to evolve.
Is Toyota diesel available in the US?
Toyota is already focused on hybrid technology for the US market, where the automaker is slowly making it the standard option, most recently with the Toyota Camry sedan. There are no Toyota diesels available in the US, though the automaker's Hino commercial vehicle subsidiary does offer diesel trucks here.
Are Toyota still making diesel cars?
Yes, Toyota still makes diesel cars, but they are primarily available in markets outside of the United States, such as Europe, Australia, and other regions. In the US, Toyota has shifted its focus to hybrid and electric vehicles and has no plans to introduce new diesel models in the near future.
- Availability by region: Diesel models like the Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado, and Fortuner are popular in many parts of the world.
- US market status: Toyota does not offer diesel passenger cars in the United States, partly due to the high cost of meeting emission standards and the increasing popularity of hybrids. While older used diesel Tundra models are available, the company is not introducing new diesel options for the US market at this time.
- Future outlook: Toyota has indicated that diesel technology may have a limited lifespan, with a long-term vision that includes replacing it with hydrogen and hybrid technology.
Why doesn't Toyota sell diesel in the USA?
The main reason Toyota doesn't offer a diesel truck in America is the expense. The brand claims that the cost to develop a diesel engine that meets American emissions requirements would be too high, although it did note that it might re-evaluate the decision in the long term.
Does Toyota have diesel cars?
Yes, Toyota makes diesel engines and vehicles, but they are not sold in the United States for passenger and light-duty trucks due to strict emissions regulations and a company focus on hybrids. Toyota diesel models like the HiLux, Land Cruiser Prado, and Fortuner are available in other global markets, and the company also uses diesel engines in some of its commercial trucks and heavy equipment.
Diesel vehicles and engines
- Available globally: Toyota offers diesel vehicles like the HiLux pickup truck, Land Cruiser Prado, and Fortuner SUV in many international markets.
- Unavailable in the US: Toyota does not sell diesel-powered passenger vehicles or light-duty trucks in the United States.
- Reason for US unavailability: Stricter emissions standards and the high cost of meeting them have led Toyota to focus on its hybrid technology for the US market.
- Commercial and industrial use: Toyota's Hino Motors subsidiary sells commercial diesel trucks in the US, and the company also uses diesel engines in forklifts and other heavy equipment.
