What Toyotas have boxer engines?
The only Toyota model family currently offered with a factory boxer engine is the Toyota GR86, which traces its roots to the Toyota 86 (GT86/FT86) born from a collaboration with Subaru. The generation lineup features a 2.0-liter flat-4 in the early cars and a 2.4-liter flat-4 in the latest GR86.
Boxer engines are horizontally opposed powerplants in which the pistons move in opposite directions on two banks. Toyota’s boxer-powered sports cars emerged from a long-standing partnership with Subaru, resulting in a lightweight, low-center-of-gravity platform shared by both brands. This article outlines which Toyota-branded models have used boxer engines and how those engines evolved.
Overview of Toyota’s boxer-engine partnership with Subaru
Historically, Subaru is known for using boxer engines across its lineup. Toyota joined forces with Subaru to create a shared sports car platform, culminating in the 2012 launch of the Toyota 86 (also known as the GT86 in some markets and the FT86 in early concepts). This collaboration produced a true horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine for the brother cars—Toyota’s 86/GT86 and Subaru’s BRZ—before evolving into the GR86 in the next generation. The joint-engine approach offers a low center of gravity and balanced handling that appeals to driving enthusiasts.
Model-by-model boxer-engine offerings from Toyota
Below is a concise list of Toyota models that have used or currently use a boxer engine in production:
- Toyota 86 / GT86 / FT86 (2012–2020) — 2.0-liter flat-4 engine developed with Subaru (often cited as FA20 family)
- Toyota GR86 (2021–present) — 2.4-liter flat-4 engine, introduced as a successor to the 86 (often cited as FA24 family)
Conclusion: These two entries constitute Toyota’s boxer-engine lineup in production, reflecting the Subaru partnership. The Scion FR-S, which was sold in North America during the 2013–2016 window, is the predecessor variant of the same platform and engine concept, later rebadged as Toyota 86 and subsequently GR86 in most markets.
Technical notes on the engines
Engine families and key shifts in the boxer lineup include:
- 86/GT86/FT86 (2012–2020): 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, part of the FA20 family, co-developed with Subaru. This engine powered the early iterations of the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S in North America.
- GR86 (2021–present): 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, part of the FA24 family, introduced to provide more torque and improved drivability while preserving the flat-four layout.
These engine transitions reflect Toyota’s commitment to the shared platform with Subaru while incrementally enhancing performance and efficiency. The GR86 name marks the latest branding in Toyota’s boxer-engine sports-car lineage.
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
For enthusiasts seeking a Toyota with a boxer engine, the GR86 remains the current entry point. The model’s lineage through the 86/GT86 era shows how a collaborative engineering approach can yield a lightweight, well-balanced sports car with a distinctive engine layout. If you’re considering a used or imported example, you’ll typically encounter references to the FA20-based 2.0L engines in older 86s and the newer FA24-based 2.4L engines in the GR86.
Summary
In today’s Toyota lineup, boxer-powered cars are represented primarily by the GR86 and its direct predecessor, the 86/GT86. The partnership with Subaru produced the flat-4 engines that defined this sports-car family, first as a 2.0-liter unit and later upgraded to a 2.4-liter variant for the GR86. For Toyota buyers, this remains the core boxer-engine offering, with the Scion FR-S playing a historical role as the North American version of the same platform.
Which Toyota has a boxer engine?
GR86
The GR86 is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder boxer engine capable of producing up to 228 horsepower, a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission with paddle shifters, and design and performance inspired by Toyota's racing division, Gazoo Racing.
What is Toyota's most reliable engine?
Toyota's most reliable engines are often cited as the 22RE 2.4L I4 and the 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6, which are legendary for their durability and longevity. Other highly reliable engines include the 2JZ-GE (naturally aspirated inline-6) and the 2GR-FE V6, praised for their robust design and ability to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance.
Legendary and older engines
- 22RE: This 2.4L inline-four was the backbone of Toyota's truck lineup from 1982-1995, earning a reputation for being over-engineered and highly durable.
- 5VZ-FE: This 3.4L V6 from 1995-2004 is often called a "bulletproof" engine, capable of reaching 300,000 to 500,000 miles with minimal issues.
- 2JZ-GE: The naturally aspirated version of the famous 2JZ engine is known for its reliability, long life, and upgrade potential.
More modern engines
- 2GR-FE: This 3.5L V6 is another strong performer that provides a good balance of power and reliability, found in many modern Toyota vehicles.
- 2TR-FE: A simple, tough 2.7L inline-4 with an iron block and port injection, found in recent Tacoma models.
- G16E-GTS: Toyota's GR-developed 1.6L turbocharged inline-3 is a modern engine with a growing reputation for performance and reliability.
Which brands use boxer engines?
Subaru
For over 45 years Subaru has been solely committed to the Subaru Boxer Engine in ALL of their models. The innovative design is part of Subaru's core DNA. Why don't other manufacturers use it? Porsche does in a few of their models including the Boxster, Cayman and 911 models.
Are Toyota boxer engines reliable?
Due to the low, wide mount, the boxer engine can prove difficult to service. Even changing spark plugs can be a substantial job. However, boxer engines are known for their reliability, and should require less service than most other engine types.
