What is the engine capacity of Toyota 21R?
The 21R engine’s displacement is about 2.1 liters (roughly 2,100 cubic centimeters).
The 21R belongs to Toyota’s older R-series of engines, which were used in various models during the late 1970s and early 1980s. While 2.1 liters is the standard figure cited across most references, exact displacement can vary slightly by market, revision, and manufacturing tolerances.
Displacement context and what it means
In Toyota’s naming lineage, the numeric portion of an engine code commonly aligns with its displacement class. The 21R is understood as a 2.1-liter inline-four, placing it among the mid-sized options Toyota offered in the era before newer families superseded it.
Historical footprint and usage
The 21R appeared in regional markets where Toyota offered a mix of compact cars and light-duty vehicles during the late 1970s into the early 1980s. It sat alongside slightly smaller and larger engines in the same generation, serving as a balance between economy and performance for certain models.
Summary
In short, the Toyota 21R engine capacity is commonly cited as 2.1 liters (about 2,100 cc), with minor variations depending on market and revision. This displacement marks its place in Toyota’s mid-80s historical lineup and helps contextualize restorations or inquiries about vintage models that used the 21R.
What is the difference between 1RZ and 2RZ engines?
The 1RZ began in 1989 and is a 2.0-liter inline four with just over a hundred horsepower and pound feet of torque. The second generation was the first of the RZ Series to enter the United States. The 2RZ-FE was a 2.4-liter version of the RZ Series with a 142 horsepower output and a 160 lb-ft torque rating.
What was the last year of the 22RE engine?
1995
1995: Production of the 22RE ceases for U.S. based models, but its legacy lives on in countless Toyota vehicles known for their longevity.
How much horsepower can you get out of a Toyota 22R?
The maximum horsepower for a stock 22R engine is around 135 hp, achieved by the turbocharged 22R-TE model. The standard, non-turbocharged 22R with a carburetor produced less horsepower, typically ranging from about 96 to 108 hp.
This video explains the typical horsepower and potential modifications for the 22RE engine: 59sRay NadaYouTube · Aug 30, 2024
22R vs. 22R-TE
- 22R (carbureted): Approximately 96–108 hp
- 22R-TE (turbocharged EFI): Approximately 135 hp
Factors affecting horsepower
- Fuel system: The switch from a carburetor to electronic fuel injection (EFI) in later versions, combined with turbocharging in the 22R-TE, significantly boosted horsepower.
- Stock vs. modified: A stock 22R engine is not a powerhouse, but modifications like improving the head, adding a new cam, or installing a header can increase horsepower. However, reaching very high horsepower numbers with a stock engine is often difficult and expensive.
- Performance: The 22R-TE is known for its durability and good low-to-mid-range torque, but it's not designed for high-RPM performance applications.
You can watch this video to learn how to modify a 22RE turbo setup to achieve higher horsepower: 57sGeorjah YouTube · Apr 8, 2025
What is the engine specs of the Toyota 21R?
21R. The 2-valve SOHC 2.0 L (1,972 cc) 21R was produced from 1978 through 1987. Cylinder bore and stroke are 84 mm × 89 mm (3.31 in × 3.50 in). Output for export markets, largely unconstrained by emissions, was 74 kW (100 PS; 99 hp) DIN at 5,000 rpm and 154 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm.
