What type of engine does Toyota Hilux use?
The Toyota Hilux primarily uses inline-four engines, with turbocharged diesel units dominating modern markets and occasional petrol options in older or regional variants.
Across its lengthy production run, the Hilux has been powered mostly by four-cylinder engines arranged in-line, with turbocharging a common feature on the latest generations. Availability varies by model year and country, and some markets have seen petrol options while others rely almost entirely on diesel.
Current engine lineup
In the contemporary Hilux lineup, Toyota centers on turbocharged four-cylinder diesels in two displacement ranges, with petrol options only in select markets or older models.
- 2.4-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder (GD-FTV/2GD-FTV): the common modern option in many regions, typically delivering around 150 horsepower and roughly 400 Nm of torque, depending on market calibration.
- 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder (1GD-FTV): a higher-output diesel available in higher trim levels or specific markets, commonly around 204 PS (150 kW) and up to about 500 Nm of torque.
- 2.7-liter petrol inline-four (2TR-FE): a legacy option used in some markets or older generations, generally offering around 160+ horsepower and a similar mid-range torque figure; increasingly rare on newer models where diesel dominates.
In practice, most buyers in markets like Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia select the 2.4- or 2.8-liter diesel depending on needs for payload, towing, and fuel economy; petrol versions are not the norm in the current generation.
Historical engine options
Earlier Hilux generations offered a mix of diesel and petrol four-cylinders, including several D-4D diesels and a petrol option in various markets.
- 2.5-liter diesel (2KD-FTV, D-4D family): a common early-to-mid-generation diesel with moderate power and torque suitable for workhorse use.
- 3.0-liter diesel (1KD-FTV, D-4D family): a larger diesel option used in many markets for higher torque and towing capability.
- 2.7-liter petrol inline-four (2TR-FE): a petrol alternative in older Hilux models, found in some regions before the diesel-only tendency became dominant in newer generations.
These older engines helped establish the Hilux’s reputation for reliability and versatility, offering a range of performance and efficiency characteristics across generations.
Regional variations and market notes
Engine availability for the Hilux varies by country, model year, and emission standards. In most current markets, turbocharged diesel four-cylinders are standard, while petrol options persist only in certain regions or older builds. Notably, the Hilux is not sold new in the United States, where Toyota markets the Tacoma instead; regional dealers may offer different engine configurations in other territories.
- Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia: predominantly 2.4L and 2.8L turbo-diesel options, with diesel-powered variants favored for efficiency and payload.
- Africa and the Middle East: similar diesel-focused options, sometimes paired with market-specific tuning or emissions packages.
- North America: the Hilux itself is not sold new in this market; the Tacoma serves the pickup segment instead.
Overall, the Hilux remains a diesel-centric family in most regions today, with petrol choices limited to older or niche-market examples and no official hybrid variant as of 2025.
Summary
In summary, the Toyota Hilux relies on inline-four engines, most often turbocharged diesels in the current generation (notably 2.4L and 2.8L). Petrol options exist only in select markets or older generations, and engine availability varies by region and model year. The vehicle has not adopted a hybrid powertrain as of 2025, continuing to emphasize durability and low-end torque for demanding work and off-road use.
