What size engine is in the Toyota Corona?
The Toyota Corona did not have a single engine size. Across its long production span and multiple markets, Corona engines ranged from about 1.0 liter to 2.4 liters, with common petrol four-cylinders around 1.6–2.0 liters and occasional diesel options in certain regions. To pinpoint the exact displacement, you need the specific year and market.
In this article, we examine how engine sizes varied over the Corona’s history, provide representative ranges for different eras, and explain how to identify the precise engine for a given model.
Overview by generation
Below is a broad guide to the kinds of displacements you could have found in notable Corona generations. Keep in mind that exact figures depend on the model year and country of sale.
- Early generations (late 1950s–1960s) generally used small-displacement engines, around 1.0–1.5 L, reflecting the era’s emphasis on economy.
- From the 1970s into the 1980s, many Coronas used mid-range petrol engines in the 1.6–1.8 L range, with some markets offering 1.3–1.5 L base engines.
- In the 1980s–1990s, petrol engines commonly fell in the 1.8–2.0 L range, and some regions offered diesel variants around 2.0–2.4 L for efficiency-oriented trims.
These ranges illustrate Toyota’s approach to the Corona as a global compact sedan—balancing efficiency, power, and regional fuel-economy standards.
Engine sizes by notable Corona generations
Early generations (1957–1969)
Early Coronas were small and typically used 1.0–1.5 L inline-four engines, designed for economical urban mobility of the era.
Note: exact displacement figures varied by market and sub-model; these cars laid the groundwork for Toyota’s compact sedan family.
Mid-era expansion (1970s–1980s)
During this period, displacement commonly increased to 1.6–1.8 L in many markets, with some base models staying toward the lower end for affordability and fuel economy.
Engine choices broadened as emissions standards and performance expectations evolved, leading to a wider spread across regions.
Late era and diversification (1990s–early 2000s)
In later generations, 1.8–2.0 L petrol engines were common in many markets, with diesel engines around 2.0–2.4 L appearing in select regions and trims.
Note: precise engine displacement, power figures, and codes vary by sub-model and region. If you specify a year, region, or body style, I can provide the exact engine size and code for that vehicle.
Common questions about Corona engines
Before listing, here is a brief note on common engine-related questions for Corona owners and buyers.
- Does the Corona share engines with the Corolla? In many generations, Toyota used shared inline-four engines across its compact family cars, including the Corona and Corolla, especially for mid-range trims.
- Were there diesel Corona engines? Yes, some markets offered diesel options, typically in the 2.0–2.4 L range, during the late-1980s to 1990s.
- Were there turbo variants? Occasional performance-oriented trims existed, but turbo options were not standard across all generations and markets.
For exact specifications, please provide the Corona’s model year and country of sale to narrow down the engine displacement and codes.
Summary: The Toyota Corona’s engine size varies across generations and markets, spanning roughly 1.0–2.4 L. Precise data depends on the specific model year and region, so sharing that information will yield an exact figure.
What engine did the Toyota Corona have?
Engines were 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre SOHC units. In North America, the 20R 2.2-litre engine was used. The high-performance 2000GT Sedan and Hardtop Coupé with 18R-G twin cam engine were only offered in Japan.
When did Toyota stop making the Corona?
The Toyota Corona (not to be confused with the Corona beverage) was a car that was manufactured between 1957-2002. And, this happened to be Toyota's second oldest nameplate besides the Toyota Crown, which made its debut in the U.S. in 2023.
What engine does the Toyota Carina have?
Carina is the saloon version of the Toyota Celica. Like the Celica, Carina initially with FR layout by fourth-gen is shifted to FF layout. Common engines are inline-4 from 1.4 to 2-litre; diesel in 1.9 to 2.2-litre.
Is Toyota Corona a good car?
It won Road Test's 1969 Import Car of the Year Award. n 2014, editors at Car and Driver called the Corona one of the best Toyotas ever made, saying Toyota survived long enough to thrive in America because of the Corona.
