What engine is in a 1978 Toyota pickup?
The typical engine found in a 1978 Toyota Pickup sold in the United States was a 2.0-liter inline-four known as the 20R; some export and later-market versions used a larger 2.4-liter engine (the 22R) depending on region and year. Engine availability varied by market and trim level.
The 1978 Toyota Pickup sits at the start of Toyota’s first-generation Hilux/Pickup lineage, a period when the lineup stretched across continents with regional updates for emissions, fuel systems, and market demands. This article outlines the main engine configurations associated with that model year and how to verify which one powers a given truck.
Engine options by market
Engine configurations varied by region and model year, so here are the core options historically associated with the 1978 pickup line.
US-market configuration
In the United States, the 1978 Toyota Pickup commonly relied on a 2.0-liter inline-four engine code-named 20R, typically carbureted. This engine powered most base and mid-range trims during the early generation.
- 2.0-liter inline-four, engine family 20R, carbureted
The 20R configuration represents the typical powerplant for the 1978 US-spec pickup, prioritizing durability and straightforward maintenance over high-output performance.
Export and other markets
In various export markets, and in some later updates, Toyota offered a larger 2.4-liter inline-four (the 22R family) and other carbureted or early fuel-injected variants. Availability depended on local emission controls and regional model-year updates.
- 2.4-liter inline-four, engine family 22R (export or later variants); some configurations used different fuel systems
These export configurations illustrate how the same truck family adapted to regional rules and customer needs, sometimes resulting in a larger displacement engine within the same chassis lineage.
How to identify the engine in your 1978 pickup
To confirm the exact engine in a given 1978 Toyota Pickup, start with the vehicle’s build plate, VIN, or service records, and then verify the engine code stamped on the valve cover or intake manifold. Cross-reference with a period Toyota workshop manual or service data for that model year and market. If you see a “20R” badge or stamping on the engine, you’re likely looking at the 2.0-liter configuration; a 22R badge indicates the larger displacement variant.
If the truck has been modified or imported from another region, the engine could differ from the commonly seen US-spec 20R, so verification is key for maintenance and parts compatibility.
Summary
The 1978 Toyota Pickup primarily used a 2.0-liter inline-four (20R) in the United States, with export markets sometimes receiving a 2.4-liter inline-four (22R) or other regional variants. Engine identification should be based on stamping on the engine and corroborating documentation to ensure accurate maintenance and parts matching.
Summary: The 1978 Toyota Pickup featured regionally varied engines, most notably the 20R 2.0L in the US and the potential 22R 2.4L in other markets, reflecting Toyota’s approach to fitting the Hilux/Pickup line to diverse emissions and market requirements.
