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Does Toyota use Subaru engines?

Yes. Toyota uses Subaru engines in its joint sports-car program, most notably in the Toyota 86/GR86 and Subaru BRZ, which share a boxer-engine family developed through the collaboration. The latest generation uses a 2.4-liter flat-four engine co-developed by both brands.


A partnership built around lightweight performance


The Toyota–Subaru collaboration began with the goal of delivering a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that could appeal to driving enthusiasts in multiple markets. The first generation entered the market in 2012 as the Toyota 86 (also known as the FT-86 in some markets) and its peers, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. It used a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that was developed with Subaru’s engineering expertise while Toyota handled tuning and market-specific electronics. In 2022, the second generation arrived as the GR86 (Toyota) and BRZ (Subaru), moving to a larger 2.4-liter flat-four engine that was co-developed by both companies to deliver more power and improved torque.


Engine-sharing highlights


Here is a concise look at the engines used in these co-developed cars.



  • The first-generation 2.0-liter flat-four used in the original FR-S, BRZ, and 86. It was developed with Subaru’s engineering base and tuned with Toyota’s electronics and performance tuning for each market.

  • The second-generation 2.4-liter flat-four used in the 2022 GR86 and BRZ, jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru to deliver more power and enhanced mid-range torque.


In both cases, the sports cars illustrate a long-running collaboration: a Toyota product that relies on Subaru’s boxer-engine layout and engineering know-how, with Toyota refining the control systems and branding for its customers.


Is the engine shared outside this family?


Outside of the BRZ/GR86 lineup, Toyota does not routinely use Subaru engines in its broad range of vehicles. The most visible example of engine-sharing remains the joint sports-car program, which anchors this cross-brand collaboration in a recognizable product line.


Current status and outlook


As of 2024–2025, Toyota and Subaru continue to produce the GR86 and BRZ with the 2.4-liter engine family and maintain their collaboration on future sports-car development. There has been no public announcement of a broader engine-sharing push into other Toyota models, but the partnership remains a cornerstone of both brands’ performance-focused offerings.


Summary


In short, Toyota does use Subaru engines, but primarily within the jointly developed sports cars: the Toyota 86/GR86 and Subaru BRZ. The engines evolved from a 2.0-liter flat-four in the early generation to a 2.4-liter flat-four in the current generation, illustrating a durable collaboration that continues to define a niche yet enduring part of both brands’ lineups.

What Toyota has a Subaru engine?


The 86's engine, known by the Toyota code 4U-GSE and Subaru code FA20, is a naturally aspirated engine that uses Subaru's flat-four engine design, with the addition of Toyota's D-4S injection system, which uses Gasoline direct injection (GDI).



What Toyota car is made by Subaru?


Notably, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sports cars are joint efforts, blending Subaru's boxer engine expertise with Toyota's engineering and marketing strengths. These vehicles are manufactured at Subaru's Gunma plant in Japan, demonstrating the blending of technical capabilities.



Does Toyota make Subaru engines?


Subaru operates as an independent company despite Toyota's 20% stake. This allows Subaru to produce platforms, engines, transmissions, drivetrains, and other technologies independently of Toyota, except on partnership projects.



Who makes the engines for Toyota?


Toyota's engines are manufactured by its own subsidiary, Toyota Industries Corporation, which develops and produces engines for use in many Toyota vehicles, such as the Avensis, Corolla, Crown, and Land Cruiser. In the U.S., manufacturing plants such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL), Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV) are also responsible for producing Toyota engines and related components.
 
Key manufacturers and facilities

  • Toyota Industries Corporation: This company manufactures a variety of engines for use in Toyota vehicles worldwide. 
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL): Located in Huntsville, this facility produces a significant number of 4-cylinder, V-6, and twin-turbo engines for models like the Highlander, Tundra, and RAV4. 
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK): This plant, the largest Toyota manufacturing plant in the world, builds engines and transmissions for models including the Camry, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus ES 350. 
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV): Located in Buffalo, this is Toyota's only plant in North America that produces both engines and transmissions, including 4-cylinder engines, transmissions, and hybrid transaxles. 


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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.