What engine is in a 1985 4Runner?
The 1985 Toyota 4Runner is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four from Toyota’s R-series, most commonly the 22R carbureted engine, with some late-1985 to 1986 models receiving the fuel-injected 22R-E variant depending on market and trim.
Engine options for the first-generation 4Runner
During its initial run from 1984 to 1989, the 4Runner shared its powertrain with Toyota’s small pickup lineup. The standard powerplant was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, available in two basic flavors.
- 2.4 L inline-four, 22R (carbureted).
- 2.4 L inline-four, 22R-E (fuel-injected EFI).
In practice, most 1985 US-market 4Runners used the carbureted 22R, while EFI variants (22R-E) appeared on some late-year or regional builds as Toyota shifted toward electronic fuel injection.
Details and how to identify your engine
To determine exactly which engine your 1985 4Runner has, check the engine code and look for EFI hardware versus a carburetor. The engine code is typically stamped on the valve cover or block, and it indicates whether you have the carbureted 22R or the fuel-injected 22R-E.
- Check the engine stamping: 22R indicates a 2.4 L; a suffix like “-E” denotes fuel injection (22R-E).
- Inspect the intake area: a carburetor and mechanical linkage suggest 22R; a throttle body with fuel injector lines indicates 22R-E EFI.
- Use the VIN or original window sticker to verify configuration and date of production.
Knowing the exact engine variant is important for maintenance, parts compatibility, and authenticity when restoring or evaluating a 1985 4Runner.
Context for collectors and everyday owners
The 1985 4Runner’s powertrain reflects Toyota’s mid-1980s transition from carbureted to fuel-injected engines. While the carbureted 22R was the backbone for many early models, the 22R-E EFI variant began to appear in later production runs, aligning with broader industry trends toward electronic fuel management.
Summary
The 1985 4Runner primarily used a 2.4-liter inline-four from the 22R family, with carbureted 22R as the common baseline and the fuel-injected 22R-E appearing on some late-year or regional models. Identifying the exact variant is key for maintenance and restoration accuracy.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Toyota 4Runner have?
In 1985 Toyota offered fuel injection as an option, bringing the total to 116 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. Better, but still sluggish. By adding a turbo to the legendary fuel-injected 22R-E, Toyota increased the 4Runner's output to 135 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque, enough power to make it comfortable on highways.
Which year 4Runner to avoid?
You should avoid the 2003–2005 4Runners due to serious frame rust, head gasket issues, and dashboard cracking. Other years to consider avoiding are the 2001–2002 models for safety concerns and rust, and the 2015 model for infotainment and brake problems.
2003–2005 (Fourth Generation)
- Severe frame rust: This is a major issue, with many owners reporting the frame is irreparable.
- Head gasket failure: V6 models, in particular, are prone to head gasket issues, which can be a costly repair.
- Dashboard cracking: Owners have reported the dashboard cracking.
- Other issues: Includes reports of faulty anti-lock brake systems (ABS), air injection pump failures, and check engine light problems.
2001–2002 (Third Generation)
- Safety rating: These models have low crash test scores, particularly in rear impacts.
- Body rust: Prone to rust, making them unreliable for some families.
- Off-road limitations: Manual transmission and locking rear differentials were eliminated during these years.
2015 (Fifth Generation)
- Infotainment issues: This model is known for an unreliable infotainment system that freezes, restarts, and has Bluetooth connection problems.
- Brake problems: Owners have reported warped brake rotors.
- Steering complaints: There are more NHTSA complaints about steering problems compared to other fifth-gen models.
- Airbag defect: The 2015 is the only fifth-generation model with reported airbag non-deployment issues, which is a significant safety concern.
What engine is in a 1986 4Runner?
First generation (1984–1989): The pickup with a cap
Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing about 100 horsepower, the 4Runner prioritized durability over performance. A turbocharged version with 135 horsepower and, later, a 3.0-liter V6 with 150 horsepower were introduced.
Which Toyota has the 22RE engine?
The 22R/RE found its home in various Toyota models:
Toyota Celica. Toyota 4Runner. Toyota Pickup.
