What engine is in a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser?
The 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser (80 Series) was available with multiple powertrains, most commonly a 4.5-liter inline-six gasoline engine or a 4.2-liter inline-six diesel, with turbo-diesel options in several markets.
Exact engine availability depended on region and trim level. This article breaks down the typical engines offered for the 1991 LC80, including gasoline and diesel options and how they were used across major markets.
Engine options by market
The following overview outlines the common powertrains seen on 1991 Land Cruisers around the world. Availability varied by region.
- Gasoline options: a 4.5-liter inline-six gasoline engine was the primary petrol choice on many export models.
- Diesel options: a 4.2-liter inline-six diesel was available in several markets, usually in naturally aspirated form.
- Diesel turbo option: turbocharged 4.2-liter inline-six diesel was offered in some regions, delivering improved torque for off-road use.
In practice, buyers could select petrol or diesel power, with turbo-diesel variants offered where emissions and market rules allowed.
Gasoline engines
Gasoline Land Cruisers from the 80 Series era typically used a 4.5-liter inline-six gasoline engine in many export variants. This engine provided a broad torque curve that helped with towing and off-road performance.
Diesel engines
Diesel options for the 1991 LC80 included the 4.2-liter inline-six diesel, available in naturally aspirated form in several markets, and the turbocharged 4.2-liter inline-six in regions that required higher torque and better low-speed pulling power.
- 4.2-liter inline-six naturally aspirated diesel (NA 4.2L I6).
- 4.2-liter inline-six turbocharged diesel (Turbo 4.2L I6).
These diesel engines were favored in markets with long-distance driving and tougher off-road duties, due to their strong low-end torque and resilience.
Summary
For the 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser, engine choices varied by market and trim, but the lineup commonly included a 4.5-liter inline-six petrol engine and a 4.2-liter inline-six diesel, with turbo-diesel options available in certain regions. Always verify the specific engine by checking the vehicle’s VIN and factory documentation for a particular individual vehicle.
