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Does Toyota have a diesel option?

Yes, Toyota offers diesel engine options in many international markets for trucks and SUVs, but not in its current North American consumer lineup, where gasoline and hybrid powertrains are standard.


Where Toyota sells diesel engines


In global markets, Toyota's diesel options are primarily available on pickups and sport-utility vehicles. Availability varies by country and model year, with turbo-diesel powertrains tailored to local fuel economy, emissions rules, and buyer needs.



  • Hilux pickup — widely offered with diesel variants in regions outside North America.

  • Fortuner SUV — commonly paired with diesel engines where Hilux is sold.

  • Land Cruiser Prado — diesel options common in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

  • Hiace van and other commercial vehicles — diesel variants are common for fleet and commercial use globally.

  • Some Land Cruiser/Gx-series family models in selected markets — diesel powertrains appear in various generations.


Across these markets, diesel availability depends on the specific model and generation, with turbo-diesel variants designed for durability and long-range capability in demanding conditions.


Diesel options in North America


In the United States and Canada, Toyota’s current consumer lineup does not include a diesel engine. Buyers there encounter gasoline and electrified powertrains instead, reflecting regional demand, efficiency goals, and stricter emissions regimes.


Toyota has signaled a broader push toward electrification in North America, focusing on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-cell technology rather than diesel propulsion for its mainstream vehicles.


Market differences and why they matter


The global market for diesel Toyota vehicles is shaped by fuel costs, duty structures, and emissions standards. Regions with long-haul trucking, heavy off-road use, or stringent fuel economy targets actively maintain diesel offerings, while others shift toward electrified or petrol options.


What this means for prospective buyers


If you’re shopping outside North America, check the local Toyota lineup for diesel availability by model year and trim, as configurations can differ even within the same model family. Always confirm current engine options with a local dealer, as offerings can change with regulations and product cycles.


Summary


Toyota does provide diesel options in many international markets, particularly for pickups and SUVs used in demanding conditions. In North America, however, the current Toyota lineup does not include diesel engines, with emphasis instead on gasoline and electrified powertrains. Prospective buyers should verify local availability, model year specifics, and market-specific configurations to understand what diesel options exist where they live.

Does Toyota have diesel options?


Yes! The mid-size Toyota Tacoma and the full-size Toyota Tundra each have diesel engine options. Customers visiting can review the all-new 2023 diesel Toyota Tacoma. However, if you are more interested in a used truck for sale, the Toyota Tundra has older diesel models.



Which Toyota car has a diesel engine?


Toyota offers numerous diesel models globally, including the Hilux, Land Cruiser (including Prado and 300 series), Fortuner, and Innova. In some markets like the United States, a direct diesel option is not available for passenger vehicles, although some models like the Tacoma were historically offered with diesel engines, and the company's Hino commercial division sells diesel trucks.
 
This video provides an overview of the Toyota Hilux diesel models, highlighting its performance and utility: 59sDPCcarsYouTube · Mar 21, 2025
Popular Toyota diesel models

  • Toyota Hilux: A widely popular pickup truck known for its rugged performance and durability. 
  • Toyota Land Cruiser: This includes various iterations like the Land Cruiser 300 and Land Cruiser Prado, known for their off-road capability and reliability. 
  • Toyota Fortuner: A diesel-powered SUV that is a popular choice in many markets. 
  • Toyota Innova: An MPV that offers a diesel engine option, valued for its performance in tough conditions. 
  • Toyota HiAce: A commercial van often available with a diesel engine. 

Regional availability
  • Global: The Hilux, Land Cruiser, and Fortuner are examples of Toyota's diesel models that are widely available outside of North America. 
  • United States: Toyota does not currently offer a diesel engine in its light-duty passenger vehicles in the US, citing high development costs to meet emissions standards. However, Toyota's commercial vehicle subsidiary, Hino, does sell diesel trucks in the US. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the Toyota Hilux GR Sport, a high-performance diesel model: 1mLet's DriveYouTube · Dec 6, 2024



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.



What is Toyota's most reliable diesel engine?


The most reliable Toyota diesel engines are generally considered to be older, simpler designs like the 1HZ and the B-series engines (2B/3B) due to their legendary durability and longevity. However, more modern engines like the 1GD-FTV (2.8L inline-4) are also known for their efficiency and reliability. 
Older, time-tested engines

  • 1HZ (4.2L inline-6): Widely regarded as one of Toyota's most reliable, nicknamed the "million mile engine" for its incredible durability in harsh conditions. It's a favorite for overlanding and heavy-duty use. 
  • B-Series (2B/3B): These 4-cylinder engines are known for lasting up to half a million miles, offering surprisingly good fuel economy even by today's standards. They are found in older Land Cruisers. 

Modern, efficient engines
  • 1GD-FTV (2.8L inline-4): This advanced engine is more fuel-efficient and produces more torque than its predecessor, the 1KD. It's used in modern vehicles like the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado. 
  • 2.4L 4-Cylinder: This engine is also mentioned as being very reliable, with a horsepower range of 97 to 135 hp. 

Other engines
  • 1HD-FTE (4.2L inline-6): While the 1HZ is often cited for its robustness, the 1HD-FTE is a powerful and reliable turbocharged option. 
  • 1VD-FTV (4.5L V8): Toyota's most powerful production diesel engine, found in models like the Land Cruiser. Its reliability is also highly regarded. 
  • 2.2 D-CAT: This 2.2-liter diesel engine, often found in the RAV4, has received high ratings for reliability. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.