The Toyota Hilux engine has been constantly updated since it first debuted in 1968. That first year, the Hilux was powered by a 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine called the 2R. It has since evolved many times over. Some models continued making use of a 4-cylinder engine while some models made a transition to larger V6 engines. Keep reading for more about the Toyota Hilux engine.
Toyota R Engine
The first engine to make an appearance in the Hilux was the R engine. The R engine was a 4-cylinder petrol that was used in various forms from 1968 to 1995. The 2R, 3R, 8R, 8R-C, 8R-E, 12R, 18R, 18R-C, 18R-E, 20R, 22R, 22R-E, and 22R-TE were all the variations of the R family of engines to be used in the Hilux.
In the beginning, the 2R was a 1.5 litre that grew and had various factory modifications through the 2.4 litre 22R-E used in 1995. The 22R has a reputation as one of the best Toyota Hilux engine ever used for longevity and reliability of easily being able to clock 500,000 kilometers (300,000 miles).
Toyota VZ Engine
The VZ was the first family of V6 engines ever used in the Toyota Hilux. The VZ engine ran on petrol (gasoline) and all versions featured electronic fuel injection. The Hilux made use of the 3VZ from 1988 to 1995 at which point it used the 5VZ. Displacement increased from 3.0 to 3.4 litres and power jumped from 112 kW (150 hp) to 142 (190 hp).
The 5VZ (or the 5VZ-FE to be exact) has been praised as the best V6 Toyota Hilux engine ever used for its reliability, light weight, and excellent fuel economy. When engines problems with the 3VZ arise, many Hilux owners seek out a 5VZ to install rather than rebuilding or replacing a 3VZ.
Toyota RZ Engine
After 1995, some models of Hilux continued to use 4-cylinders with the RZ. The RZ was a family of 4-cylinder engines that consisted of the 1RZ-E, 2RZ-FE and 3RZ-FE. Their displacements were 2.0 litres, 2.4 litres, and 2.7 litres respectively and they produced 78 kW (105 hp), 106 kW (142 hp), and 112 kW (150 hp) also respectively.
The 1RZ saw limited production. It was primarily used in Japan and select parts of Asia. The 2RZ first came to life in 1995 and ceased production in 2004 (2004 being the last model year this engine was used in a Hilux). Like the 2RZ, the 3RZ also came to life in 1995 and it’s still in use to this day.
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