How much horsepower does a Toyota Cressida have?

A Toyota Cressida’s horsepower varies by year and engine, but the range spans roughly 100–110 hp for early four-cylinder models up to about 190 hp for the late-model six-cylinder versions. In many late-1980s U.S. cars, the figure sits near 190 hp.

This article breaks down the main engine options by generation and market, showing how the power figures evolved over time and across regions. It also clarifies why two cars that look similar can have noticeably different performance.

Engine options and horsepower by generation

Here is a concise look at the main engine choices and their typical horsepower figures across the Cressida's production run.

• Early generations (roughly 1976–1982): 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines delivering about 100–110 horsepower, depending on emissions equipment and carburetion versus fuel injection.


• Mid-generation updates (roughly 1983–1988): refined EFI and design tweaks kept four-cylinder output generally around 100–120 horsepower, with some markets seeing small gains from updated electronics and tuning.


• Final years (roughly 1989–1992 in the U.S.): a 3.0-liter inline-six (7M-GE) produced around 190 horsepower, marking a clear jump from earlier configurations.

Across these periods, exact numbers varied by market and year due to emissions standards, trim levels, and tuning. When evaluating a specific Cressida, check the exact model year’s brochure or the vehicle’s VIN-reported specifications for precise horsepower.

Market variations and notes

Horsepower ratings also differed by market because of local emissions requirements and available trims. In the United States, late-1980s Cressidas commonly carried the 3.0-liter inline-six with power near 190 hp. Other regions with similar engine options often reported comparable figures, while some earlier or region-specific variants stayed closer to the 100–120 hp range.

It’s also worth noting the distinction between crank horsepower (as advertised by manufacturers) and wheel horsepower (what you feel at the road), which can differ slightly due to drivetrain losses. For a used Cressida, verifying the exact engine code and year is the most reliable way to determine its official horsepower rating.

Summary

The Toyota Cressida’s horsepower evolved from around 100 hp in its early four-cylinder forms to about 190 hp in its late-model six-cylinder versions. Buyers typically find the biggest power jump in the late-1980s U.S. models with the 3.0-liter inline-six, while earlier cars sit closer to the 100 hp mark. For a precise figure, identify the exact model year and engine configuration and consult the official specifications for that configuration.

How fast is Toyota Cressida?

Toyota Cressida IV X80 3.0 AT — specifications

Performance
Maximum speed	200 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km / h)	10.2 sec.
Fuel Type	95

What engine does the Toyota Cressida have?

The Toyota Cressida was powered by various inline-six engines over its production run, most commonly the 3.0L 7M-GE from 1989 to 1992 and the earlier 2.8L 5M-GE from 1982 to 1988. These were part of Toyota's long-running M engine family and were known for their smoothness and reliability.
 
This video shows the engine bay of a Toyota Cressida with a 1JZ engine: 58sSpeed and SoundYouTube · May 9, 2025
Key engines

• 7M-GE: A 3.0-liter, straight-six engine that powered the final generations of the Cressida from 1989 to 1992. 
  • This engine was also used in the Supra of the same era. 
  • It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and was a well-regarded and smooth-running engine, though cylinder head gasket issues were noted as a potential problem. 
• 5M-GE: A 2.8-liter, straight-six engine that powered earlier models. 
  • This was a 12-valve (2 valves per cylinder) engine with dual overhead camshafts. 
  • It was equipped with electronic fuel injection and was also found in models like the Celica Supra. 
• Other Engines:
  • Earlier models used different inline-six engines, such as the 2.8L 5M engine in 1981 models. 
  • In other markets, some Cressidas were equipped with the 1JZ engine. 

This video shows the 18R engine of the Toyota Cressida: 1:26LANDBEASTS AUTOMOBILE CLASSICAYouTube · Aug 31, 2025

How much is a 1990 Toyota Cressida worth?

The value of a used 1990 Toyota Cressida ranges from $1,352 to $4,840, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

How much horsepower does a 1992 Toyota Cressida have?

The 1992 Cressida boasts 190 horsepower.