When did Toyota stop using 22R?
Toyota largely stopped using the 22R family in the mid-1990s; the carbureted 22R ended earlier, while the EFI 22R-E lasted until about 1995–1996 in most markets.
In detail, the 22R line powered Toyota trucks and SUVs from the early 1980s through the mid-1990s, with regional variations in timing. The carbureted 22R was gradually replaced by the fuel-injected 22R-E in the late 1980s to early 1990s, and by the mid-1990s the 22R family was largely retired in favor of newer engines. Some regional markets continued using related variants into the late 1990s, but globally the 22R family had ended by then.
What was the 22R?
The 22R is a 2.4-liter inline-four engine used in Toyota pickups, Hilux, 4Runner, and related models. It came in carbureted (22R) and fuel-injected (22R-E) variants. The engine is remembered for its ruggedness and suitability for off-road and work-truck duty.
Discontinuation timeline
Below is a rough timeline showing when each variant fell out of common production, noting that exact dates varied by region and model.
- Carbureted 22R: widely used from the early 1980s, phased out in many markets by the late 1980s to early 1990s as emissions regulations tightened.
- Fuel-injected 22R-E: introduced in the mid- to late-1980s and remained in production in many models into the mid-1990s; some markets saw 22RE-equipped vehicles into the late 1990s.
- Overall discontinuation: by the mid‑ to late‑1990s, Toyota had largely replaced the 22R/22R-E with newer engines (e.g., 3RZ-FE, 5VZ-FE, depending on model and market). Some regional variations persisted into the late 1990s in specific markets.
In practice, the most common answer for the U.S./Canada market is that the 22R family was retired by the mid-1990s, with 1995–1996 being the general window; global production wrapped up by the end of the decade.
Identifying whether your vehicle has a 22R or 22R-E
To determine whether a vehicle uses the carbureted 22R or the fuel-injected 22R-E, check the engine code on the valve cover or engine block, or consult the VIN/build sheet. Differences include intake manifold and fuel delivery hardware (carb vs EFI) and associated emission components.
- Look for the carburetor or EFI throttle body: Carb 22R will have a carburetor; 22R-E will have fuel injectors with an EFI system and electronic controls.
- Identify spark plug and valve cover differences that can indicate the variant.
- VIN and model year can help determine the original engine specification for a given vehicle.
Knowing the variant helps with parts compatibility, maintenance intervals, and potential upgrades if you are restoring an older Toyota truck or SUV.
Summary
The 22R family effectively disappeared from Toyota's mainstream lineup by the mid- to late-1990s, with the carbureted 22R phased out earlier and the 22R-E lasting into the mid-1990s in most markets. Toyota subsequently shifted to newer powertrains across its trucks and SUVs, depending on model and region.
