How much oil does a 22r take?
The 22R typically requires about 4.5 quarts of engine oil for an oil change with a new filter. Carbureted versions usually fall in the 4.0–4.5 quart range, while the 22R-E EFI variant generally needs about 4.5–5.0 quarts. Always confirm with the vehicle’s manual and your dipstick during a fill.
Understanding the 22R family
The 22R engine family powered Toyota pickups and 4Runners from the 1980s into the 1990s. The carbureted 22R is the original design, while later 22R‑E engines added fuel injection and a newer DOHC configuration. Because of these design differences, oil capacity figures vary slightly between carb and EFI versions as well as by model year and oil filter choice.
Oil capacity by variant
Below are typical capacity ranges for common 22R configurations. These figures assume a standard new oil filter is installed and an oil pan size that matches factory specifications. Exact capacity can vary by year and the type/brand of filter used.
- Carbureted 22R (non-EFI): approximately 4.0–4.5 quarts (about 3.8–4.3 L) including a new filter.
- 22R‑E EFI: approximately 4.5–5.0 quarts (about 4.3–4.7 L) including a new filter.
When performing an oil change on a 22R, start by adding the lower end of the range, then check the dipstick and top up gradually to reach the correct level. The exact capacity for your engine can be confirmed in the factory service manual or a credible Toyota service database for your year and vehicle.
Practical guidelines for oil type and change intervals
Choosing the right oil and sticking to a sensible change interval helps protect the engine’s longevity. The following guidelines reflect common recommendations for 22R engines used in everyday driving and light off-road use.
- Oil viscosity: In temperate climates, 5W-30 or 10W-30 conventional oil is typical; in very hot climates, some drivers opt for 10W-40 or 5W-40. Synthetic 5W-30 is acceptable if recommended by the manual.
- Oil type: Conventional oil works well for most 22R engines; synthetic oil can offer better protection but is not required unless specified.
- Change interval: For conventional oil, 3,000–5,000 miles (about 4,800–8,000 km) is common; for synthetic, some drivers extend to 7,500–10,000 miles (12,000–16,000 km) depending on usage and climate.
- Filter replacement: Always replace the oil filter at the same time as the oil change.
Note: The above intervals assume typical driving conditions. If you tow, drive in extreme heat, or do frequent short trips, you may need more frequent changes. Always follow the vehicle’s manual or a trusted mechanic’s guidance for your specific application.
Summary
The Toyota 22R engine typically takes around 4.5 quarts of oil for an oil change with a new filter. Carbureted variants generally require about 4.0–4.5 quarts, while the 22R‑E EFI version usually needs about 4.5–5.0 quarts. Confirm the exact figure for your year and configuration with the owner's manual and by checking the dipstick during the fill. Using the recommended oil type and maintaining a regular change schedule helps keep the engine running smoothly.
