Loading

Is the Toyota Camry 4 or 6 cylinder?

The Camry today is powered primarily by a four-cylinder engine, with a hybrid option available. A traditional six-cylinder option is not part of the current mainstream lineup, though a 3.5-liter V6 has appeared in higher-performance variants and older model years.


Current engine options


Here's a concise look at the engines you’ll typically find in the latest Camry models, including non-hybrid and hybrid configurations.



  • 2.5-liter Dynamic Force inline-4 (non-hybrid): approximately 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

  • 2.5-liter inline-4 Hybrid system: combined output around 208 horsepower, using electric motors to boost efficiency.


In short, the current Camry lineup centers on four-cylinder power, with hybrid versions using the same 2.5-liter engine plus electrification. A new mainstream six-cylinder option is not offered today.


Was there ever a V6?


Yes. For many generations, Toyota offered a 3.5-liter V6 that delivered stronger acceleration and higher performance in upper trims and performance-focused variants. Over time, Toyota narrowed the lineup, and the V6 became less common outside of specific models.


V6 availability by model year



  • 3.5-liter V6 (about 268–301 hp, depending on year): available on higher trims and on performance variants such as the Camry TRD in various years.

  • Transition period: mainstream Camry trims moved away from the V6 in favor of the more efficient four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains.


Today, most buyers will encounter four-cylinder or hybrid Camrys. If a V6 is essential, options are generally limited to older model-year cars or specialized variants like TRD, rather than the standard Camry lineup.


Performance-focused option


For enthusiasts seeking the highest top-end performance, the Camry TRD has traditionally offered the strongest V6-driven option, paired with sport-tuned handling components.



  • Camry TRD: typically powered by the 3.5-liter V6 producing around 301 horsepower, with a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes.


Note that the TRD is a specialized, higher-cost variant and is not representative of the entry-level Camry experience. Availability can vary by model year and market.


Choosing the right Camry engine


Consider how you plan to use the car, your fuel-economy priorities, and whether you want hybrid technology or maximum horsepower. For most daily drivers, the four-cylinder Camry (or the hybrid) offers a balanced blend of efficiency and capability. If you crave raw performance and can accept higher fuel consumption, a V6-equipped or TRD variant from the appropriate year could meet that goal.



  • If you prioritize fuel economy and smooth daily driving: choose the 2.5L four-cylinder or the Hybrid.

  • If you want more power and a sportier feel: explore TRD or older V6-equipped Camrys, understanding they’ll typically cost more and return less fuel economy.


Always check the exact engine options for the model year and region you’re considering, as specifications can change between releases.


Summary


The current Toyota Camry lineup is driven by four-cylinder power, with hybrid variants using the same 2.5-liter engine for efficiency. A traditional 3.5-liter V6 is no longer a standard option in most trims, though it remains available on certain high-performance or older models (notably the Camry TRD in some years). For most buyers, the Camry is a four-cylinder car first and foremost, with hybrid as an important alternative for efficiency.

What Toyota has a 6 cylinder engine?


Toyota continues to offer 6-cylinder engines in models like the Tundra, Sequoia, and 4Runner, which feature both traditional V6 and hybrid V6 powertrains for power and efficiency. However, the company is phasing out 6-cylinder engines in other vehicles, such as the V6 Camry, as they shift focus to more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and hybrid options.
 
Current 6-cylinder models

  • Toyota Tundra: Uses an i-FORCE twin-turbo V6 or an i-FORCE MAX hybrid twin-turbo V6. 
  • Toyota Sequoia: Exclusively features the i-FORCE MAX hybrid twin-turbo V6. 
  • Toyota 4Runner: Still offers a 4.0L V6 engine in its gasoline-powered models. 
  • Lexus models: Several Lexus SUVs, such as the GX and LX, have historically featured V6 engines. 

Phasing out 6-cylinder engines
  • The V6 Camry ended production after the 2024 model year. 
  • The Tacoma has replaced its previous V6 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with an optional hybrid power on higher trims. 
  • The 4Runner is also transitioning away from the V6 to a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. 

Why Toyota is shifting away from V6 engines
  • Efficiency and emissions: The company is moving towards more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and hybrid powertrains to meet modern standards.
  • Performance: While the V6 is known for its power, the new turbocharged 4-cylinder engines also offer strong performance, with hybrid options providing additional power and improved fuel economy. 



Do any Toyota Camrys have a V6?


No, the 2025 Toyota Camry is not a V6 because Toyota discontinued the V6 engine option for the latest generation, which is now exclusively hybrid. Previously, many Camry models, such as the XSE V6 and TRD, offered a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with around 301 horsepower, but this is no longer the case for new models. 

  • Newer Camrys are exclusively hybrid: The ninth-generation 2025 Camry is only available with a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. 
  • V6 engines were offered in previous models: For several years, a V6 engine was available on certain trims like the XSE, XLE, and TRD in previous generations. 
  • V6 models are now discontinued: Toyota has officially discontinued the V6 engine for the 2025 model year. 



How do I tell if my car is 4 or 6 cylinder?


You can tell if your car has a 4 or 6-cylinder engine by counting the spark plug wires or coils under the hood, checking for a V6 badge on the engine cover, or looking for an engine size sticker under the hood or on the driver's side door jamb. Other methods include checking your car's registration or VIN, or listening for the distinct sound of the engine, with a 6-cylinder often sounding smoother and louder.
 
How to check under the hood

  • Count spark plug wires or coils: Open the hood and count the number of spark plug wires or ignition coils. A 4-cylinder engine will have four, while a 6-cylinder will have six. 
  • Look for a badge: Many engines have a cover on top. Look for a "V6" badge or a similar identifier on this cover. 
  • Find the engine size sticker: There is often a sticker on the hood, on the radiator support, or on the engine itself that indicates the engine size (e.g., 2.5L for a 4-cylinder or 4.0L for a 6-cylinder). 

This video explains how to identify your car's engine by looking at the spark plugs or spark plug wires: 59sHelpful DIYYouTube · Apr 3, 2021
Other identification methods
  • Check documents: The engine type is often listed on your car's title, registration, or insurance documents. 
  • Use the VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), located on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb, can be used with an online decoder to find your engine specifications. 
  • Listen to the engine: While less precise, a 6-cylinder engine is generally smoother and has a deeper sound compared to a 4-cylinder. 



Is a Toyota Camry a 4 or 6 cylinder?


A Toyota Camry can be either a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder, as both engine options are available across different trim levels and model years. The specific engine depends on the vehicle's configuration; the 4-cylinder generally offers better fuel economy, while the V6 provides more power. 

  • 4-cylinder: This is the standard engine for many trims, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. 
  • V6 engine: A more powerful option, often available in higher trims like the TRD or XLE V6, and provides quicker acceleration. 
  • Hybrid: Some modern models also offer a hybrid powertrain, which combines a 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for enhanced fuel efficiency. 


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.