What year did Toyota have the 22R engine?
The 22R engine first appeared in Toyota’s trucks in the early 1980s, with carbureted versions running through the late 1980s and the fuel-injected 22R‑E variant extending into the mid‑1990s depending on model and market.
What follows is a closer look at how the engine evolved, the two main variants that powered different generations of Toyota pickups and SUVs, and where it made its mark in automotive history.
Origins and design
The 22R is part of Toyota’s R-series family, a 2.4-liter inline-four designed to deliver reliability and strong low-end torque for rugged everyday use. It appeared in light-duty trucks and sport-utility models, most notably the Hilux/HiLux pickup and the 4Runner, during a period when Toyota was expanding its global lineup. The engine was offered in two principal forms: a carbureted version (22R) and a later fuel-injected version (22R-E), each serving different emissions and performance requirements of its era.
Two main variants
Below is a concise production timeline for the two primary 22R variants. The entries reflect typical market offerings and may vary by country.
- Carbureted 22R: introduced in the early 1980s and produced through the late 1980s as manufacturers migrated to fuel injection.
- 22R-E (fuel-injected): introduced in the late 1980s and remained in production into the mid-1990s in many markets, helping meet evolving emissions standards.
In summary, the 22R family spans roughly the 1980s to the mid-1990s, with the carbureted variant giving way to EFI as governments and manufacturers tightened emission controls and consumer demand shifted toward more efficient powertrains.
Usage and markets
In North America, the 22R-powered Toyota Pickup and 4Runner were common sights in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the EFI variant playing a key role in meeting stricter emissions regimes. In other regions, Hilux and related models also used the 22R lineup during the same era. By the mid-1990s, Toyota increasingly diversified powertrains, transitioning many markets toward newer engines to replace the aging 2.4-liter design.
Summary
The Toyota 22R’s legacy rests on a simple premise: a robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder that equipped a generation of pickups and SUVs through a transitional era in automotive technology, moving from carburetion to electronic fuel injection and leaving a lasting impression on enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
What was the last year Toyota used the 22R engine?
22R
| Code | Power | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 22R | 72 kW (97 hp; 98 PS) at 4,800 rpm | 1981–1990 |
What was Toyota's best engine?
The "best" Toyota engine depends on whether you prioritize performance or reliability. The legendary 2JZ-GTE is often cited for its performance due to its strength and tuning potential, while engines like the 2UZ-FE V8 and the older 22RE 4-cylinder are praised for their exceptional, long-lasting reliability.
You can watch this video to learn more about the best Toyota engines: 1mCarLandTVYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
For performance
- 2JZ-GTE: This twin-turbo, 3.0L inline-six is arguably Toyota's most famous performance engine, known for being overbuilt from the factory, allowing it to handle massive power increases through modifications. It was featured in the iconic Supra MK4.
For reliability
- 2UZ-FE: This 4.7L V8 is celebrated for its incredible durability, even when put under heavy loads in vehicles like the Land Cruiser and 4Runner. It's known to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with basic maintenance.
- 22RE: This 2.4L four-cylinder is a workhorse, famous for its toughness and longevity in pickups and 4Runners. With its simple design, it can last for 400,000 to 500,000 miles and is easy and inexpensive to repair.
- 1UZ-FE: This 4.0L V8 is another highly durable engine, originally in the Lexus LS400. It's known for being overbuilt, smooth, and capable of lasting hundreds of thousands of miles, making it popular for demanding applications and engine swaps.
Other highly-regarded engines
- 1LR-GUE V10: Developed with Yamaha, this V10 engine powered a limited run of the Lexus LFA supercar and is known for its incredible 9,000 RPM redline and sound.
- 1GR-FE: This 4.0L V6 is a modern and reliable engine found in many Toyota trucks and SUVs, like the 4Runner and Tacoma, praised for its robustness.
Which old Toyota truck is most sought after?
The FJ40 left the United States in 1983 (with only 300 trucks imported), but stayed on another year in Canada, with continuation trucks built in Brazil until 2001. Today, the FJ40 is a highly sought-after classic Toyota truck whose values hover just above the $90,000 mark for mint-condition early models.
Why is the 22R engine so good?
The 22R/RE engine, a 2.4-liter, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, was the workhorse under the hood. This engine wasn't about speed; it was about reliability and efficiency. Known for its simple design and robust construction, it could run on minimal maintenance and offered impressive fuel economy for its time.
