Who builds Toyota engines?
Toyota engines are built primarily in-house by Toyota Motor Corporation at a network of engine plants around the world, with some engines produced under contract or collaboration by partner manufacturers for specific models.
That approach combines Toyota's own design and manufacturing capabilities with selective external production to meet regional demand, spread supply risk, and access global markets. A notable example of external production is the FA-series 2.0-liter engine used in the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, which is built by Subaru under a collaboration between the two companies.
Inside Toyota's engine production network
Toyota organizes most of its core engine development and manufacturing within its own corporate framework, using a global network of plants dedicated to powertrains. This structure allows Toyota to standardize components, share advanced technologies such as the Dynamic Force Engine family, and maintain tight quality control across markets.
In-house manufacturing
Most mainstream Toyota engines are designed and produced in-house at Toyota-owned facilities. These plants are spread across Japan and around the world to supply Toyota, Lexus, and other connected brands. The in-house approach emphasizes process efficiency, lean manufacturing, and the ability to quickly implement new engine technologies across model lines.
Collaborations and contracted production
In certain cases, Toyota relies on partner facilities or joint ventures to produce engines for specific models or regional markets. A widely cited example is the engine shared with Subaru for the 86/BRZ family, where Subaru manufactures the engine under a collaboration arrangement. Toyota’s broader powertrain strategy may also involve sourcing components or completing assembly at partner sites for particular regional needs, while retaining core design and control within Toyota.
Global footprint of Toyota engine production
Toyota operates engine production capabilities across multiple continents to support regional models and market requirements. The following regional summary reflects the company’s international manufacturing footprint.
- Japan — multiple engine plants produce engines for domestic and export models, underpinning Toyota’s core powertrain lineup.
- North America — regional engine production supports Toyota and Lexus vehicles assembled in North American plants and supplied to nearby markets.
- Asia — engines are produced in various countries to serve growing regional demand and imported-vehicle programs.
- Europe — targeted engine production supports local-market models and adaptations for European emissions and fuel standards.
- Other regions — additional engine manufacturing capacity exists to meet local production needs and regional supply chains.
Across its engine network, Toyota emphasizes local sourcing where feasible, cross-site technology transfer, and continuous improvement to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and maintain reliability across its lineup.
Summary
Toyota builds most of its engines in-house at its own plants around the world, with selective use of external production for certain models or regional needs. The company’s powertrain strategy combines internal design and manufacturing excellence with collaborative arrangements, such as the engine shared with Subaru for the 86/BRZ, to meet diverse markets while maintaining tight control over quality and performance.
