Does Toyota have a V12 engine?
Yes, Toyota has produced a V12 engine, but only in a rare, limited-production context—the 1GZ-FE V12 used in the Toyota Century. In today’s mainstream lineup, Toyota does not offer a V12 engine.
The question touches on Toyota’s engine history and current offerings: whether the automaker has ever built a V12 and whether any V12 remains in production. This article reviews Toyota’s V12 legacy, where it appeared, and why it’s not part of the modern lineup.
V12 in Toyota's History
Below is a quick snapshot of the most notable facts about Toyota's V12 history.
- The only widely acknowledged V12 produced by Toyota for street use was the 1GZ-FE, a 5.0-liter V12 designed for the Toyota Century luxury sedan and used in very limited numbers for the Japanese market.
- It was developed as part of an ultra-luxury, chauffeur-oriented flagship, resulting in a dramatically limited production run and minimal global availability.
- Beyond the 1GZ-FE, Toyota’s V12 program has largely remained in the realm of concept cars, limited prototypes, or racing experiments rather than mass production.
- As of today, no current Toyota or Lexus model offers a V12 engine; the brand’s mainstream and luxury models rely on four-, six-, and eight-cylinder powertrains, plus hybrid and electrified options.
In summary, Toyota can count a rare V12 milestone among its past, but V12s are not a feature of the modern Toyota lineup.
Current Status and Alternatives
Today, Toyota does not offer a V12 in production. The company’s approach to large displacement and luxury power has shifted toward V8s in some regions, as well as modern hybrids and electrified drivetrains in its premium offerings. The Toyota Century remains the closest historical example of a Toyota V12, but it is a niche, Japan-focused model rather than a global mainstream sedan.
What Toyota Uses Instead for Luxury and Performance
Instead of a V12, Toyota and its luxury division Lexus emphasize a mix of efficient V6s, V8s in specific markets, and advanced hybrid systems. These powertrains aim to balance refinement, performance, and efficiency across a broad global lineup, while the V12 remains a historical footnote rather than a current option.
Summary
Toyota has indeed built a V12 engine—the 1GZ-FE used in the Toyota Century—but it exists only as a rare, limited-production unit for a niche luxury market. There is no V12 in Toyota’s current production lineup, and the company continues to pursue four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines along with hybrid technology for its mainstream and premium models.
