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Where are Toyota twin-turbo engines made?

Most Toyota twin-turbo engines are made in Japan, with the iconic 2JZ-GTE typically assembled at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant in Aichi Prefecture.


Beyond the 2JZ-GTE, Toyota has produced several other turbocharged configurations over the decades, including older inline-sixes such as the 1G-GTE and various market-specific variants. The exact assembly site for any given twin-turbo engine can vary by model year and region, and precise plant information is usually recorded in the engine’s build sheet or VIN documentation.


Where the best-known twin-turbo engine was produced


The most famous Toyota twin-turbo engine is the 2JZ-GTE, which powered the early- to mid-1990s Supra and certain Lexus/Soarer variants. The engine was built in Japan, with the Motomachi Plant in Aichi Prefecture commonly cited as the primary production site for these units.


Before listing the main details, here is a concise note: the 2JZ-GTE’s production location is tied to the era and market, and production lines can shift between plants or supplier arrangements over time. The following points summarize the primary known location for this flagship twin-turbo engine.



  • 2JZ-GTE: Produced at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, during the model years it was in active production for the Supra (and related variants) in the 1990s to early 2000s.


In summary, the 2JZ-GTE’s production location is generally recognized as Motomachi, Japan, reflecting Toyota’s long-standing practice of centralizing high-performance engine assembly at key Japanese facilities. For verification of a specific engine in a given car, consult the vehicle’s service records, engine stamping, or VIN/build documentation.


How to verify the exact plant for a specific engine


If you need to confirm the precise plant where a particular Toyota twin-turbo engine was assembled, you can use the following steps. They help identify the build origin for a specific vehicle’s engine, which can vary by year and market.



  • Check the engine code and serial number on the engine block and the accompanying build sticker or label in the engine bay.

  • Compare the codes with Toyota’s official service literature or dealership databases that map VIN/engine numbers to assembly plants.

  • Review the vehicle’s original window sticker or service records, which may note the manufacturing location for the engine.

  • Contact a Toyota specialist or authorized dealer with the VIN for a definitive plant attribution.


Understanding the exact plant is most reliable when you reference official documentation tied to the specific vehicle, as production locations can differ by model, year, and regional production strategy.


Summary


In broad terms, Toyota’s twin-turbo engines are predominantly produced in Japan, with the 2JZ-GTE most closely associated with the Motomachi Plant in Aichi Prefecture. Other turbo configurations from Toyota have historically been built in Japan as well, though exact plant assignments can vary by model year and market. For precise confirmation, rely on build documentation, VIN records, or a Toyota dealership’s database.

Where are Toyota engines made in the USA?


Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia located in Buffalo is the only combined engine and transmission plant in North America.



Who manufactures engines for Toyota?


Toyota's engines are manufactured by its own subsidiary, Toyota Industries Corporation, which develops and produces engines for use in many Toyota vehicles, such as the Avensis, Corolla, Crown, and Land Cruiser. In the U.S., manufacturing plants such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL), Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV) are also responsible for producing Toyota engines and related components.
 
Key manufacturers and facilities

  • Toyota Industries Corporation: This company manufactures a variety of engines for use in Toyota vehicles worldwide. 
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL): Located in Huntsville, this facility produces a significant number of 4-cylinder, V-6, and twin-turbo engines for models like the Highlander, Tundra, and RAV4. 
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK): This plant, the largest Toyota manufacturing plant in the world, builds engines and transmissions for models including the Camry, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus ES 350. 
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV): Located in Buffalo, this is Toyota's only plant in North America that produces both engines and transmissions, including 4-cylinder engines, transmissions, and hybrid transaxles. 



How do I know if my Toyota is Japan or USA built?


You can tell if your Toyota is built in Japan or the USA by checking the first character of the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); 'J' indicates Japan, while '1', '4', or '5' indicate the USA. The VIN can be found on the driver-side dashboard or door jamb.
 
Method 1: Check the VIN

  • Locate the VIN: Find the 17-character VIN on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. 
  • Examine the first character: Look at the very first letter of the VIN. 
    • 'J': The vehicle was assembled in Japan. 
    • '1', '4', or '5': The vehicle was assembled in the United States. 
  • Other country codes: For your reference, other common codes are: '2' for Canada, and '3' for Mexico. 

Method 2: Check the window sticker (if available) 
  • Find the original sticker: If you have the original window sticker, also known as the Monroney label, look for a section that states the "Final Assembly Point" or "Country of Origin". 

Method 3: Check the 11th digit for specific models (e.g., RAV4) 
  • For certain models, such as the RAV4, the 11th digit of the VIN can also specify the assembly plant. An 'A' or 'T' can indicate an American plant, while 'J' can indicate a Japanese plant. 



Where are the new Tundra engines made?


The new Tundra will offer two new engines: a hybrid electric powered twin-turbo V6 engine and a gas-powered twin-turbo V6 engine. While the Tundra's s engine parts are being assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama (TMMAL), the Tundra will continue to be built at Toyota's San Antonio, Texas plant.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.