The Most Trustworthy Diesel Motors Ever Crafted By Toyota

When it comes to Toyota diesel engines, making a choice among the numerous options can be quite challenging. Whether it’s the Hilux, the Corolla, or the Toyota 4Runner, you’ll discover that some of the most dependable Toyota diesel trucks, cars, and SUVs are three to four decades old and are still running smoothly with their original components. Presently, you won’t find any Toyota diesel engines for sale in the USA; however, there are a few diesel vehicles available, particularly in the heavy-duty full-size pickup truck sector.

The decline of diesel in mainstream automobiles is primarily due to Dieselgate, which instilled deep skepticism among Americans towards diesel. Nonetheless, there are some remarkable older diesel engines worth celebrating.

Here are ten of the most dependable diesel motors created by Toyota.

Information for this list has been sourced primarily from Toyota’s press portal.

1VD V8

The Toyota VD V8, also known as the 1VD-FTV, achieved its reliability through the use of a nearly indestructible graphite cast iron cylinder block. Coupling that with high-strength steel connecting rods and aluminum alloy pistons results in exceptional durability. The base model generates 182 horsepower in the 70-Series Land Cruiser, while a single turbocharger increases the output to 201 hp. The twin-turbo version can reach 282 hp in the larger Land Cruiser models and up to 365 hp for Toyota’s marine engines. Early versions of the VDs experienced issues with excessive oil consumption due to a malfunctioning vacuum pump, which was rectified in 2010.

4.2 1HD

The 4.2 1HD, a turbocharged straight-six powerplant with direct injection, was the driving force behind the FJ80 Land Cruiser during the period from 1995 to 1999. Additionally, it was utilized in marine vessels like the 370-420-hp Yamaha ME. Enthusiasts of off-roading appreciate the robust low-end torque that the 4.2 1HD provides, effortlessly navigating through challenging terrains in first gear. With its durable cast-iron block, this engine boasts exceptional resilience, while its straightforward straight-six design makes maintenance of the 1HD a trouble-free task, with spare parts readily available for potential repairs.

F33A

Launched in 2021 for the Land Cruiser, the F33A made history as Toyota’s inaugural V6 diesel engine. Apart from featuring in the latest Land Cruisers, the F33A powers the current-generation Lexus LX, albeit not in the United States. Constructed with high-strength steel connecting rods and a carbon steel crankshaft, the F33A achieves reduced overall weight without compromising on performance.

This engine is undeniably remarkable, particularly when considering its remarkable torque output. Boasting torque figures akin to those found in supercars, the F33A provides all its power from a mere 1,600 rpm. This attribute is perfect for off-road adventures, towing endeavors, or effortless city cruising.

1GD-FTV

The GD-6: Global Diesel 6-Speed. The motor even though actually an inline-four and not a V6. The 1GD-FTV made its debut in 2015. Apart from the Hilux, you can also discover the 1GD-FLV in the fresh Land Cruiser (not available in the USA), the Fortuner, and the Coaster, a Toyota minibus for communal transport use. Following the 1GD-FTV, we have the 2GD-FTV, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 147 hp, offered together with the initial variation of the modern Hilux. At the beginning, the 1GD-FTV faced challenges with excessive oil consumption but has since then exhibited steady performance due to its basic structure and unpretentious power specifications.

This particular year, Toyota included a mild-hybrid mechanism to this motor and brought it to multiple developing nations. This move is a strong indication of Toyota’s trust in this power unit.

5L

The 5L, and the electronically fuel-injected 5L-E, are part of the Toyota L lineup, which has been operational for almost half a century, commencing in 1977 and still in operation in regions where economical versions of the Hilux and Fortuner are needed. The reason for its affordability is the absence of turbocharging, unlike the previously mentioned GD-6. We could compile numerous lists with exclusively L models, but to keep it simple, we will focus on the latest releases, the 5L, and 5L-E.They effectively demonstrate the culmination of five decades of concentrated research and development. Numerous Toyota drivers favor the more refined 2L motor for its smooth ride, while the 5L and 5L-E excel in providing robust torque at lower RPM levels.

1KZ-TE

Debuting as a replacement for Toyota’s lightweight 2LTE engine in Japan, the 1KZ-TE was first offered for the 70-Series Land Cruiser Prado, before becoming available in the 1993 Toyota Hiace and Hilux Surf. The engine adopted a modern gasoline injector called ETCS-i, or Electronic Throttle Control System – intelligent, featuring higher injection pressures at the expense of fuel economy. The engine’s longevity can be attributed to its intelligent design and robust construction; including a steel crankshaft, aluminum alloy bearings, and fiber-reinforced metal top ring groove.

1.4 D-4D

The 1ND-TV, known as the 1.4 D-4D or simply the D-4D, ceased production after 2020, marking a nearly two-decade presence in the European market. It made its debut with the Toyota Yaris XP10 and the XP20 Yaris Verso. The engine was also utilized in Indian variants of the Corolla. The D-4D represented Toyota’s initial attempt at constructing a diesel motor featuring an aluminum cylinder block. This inline-four engine was designed to reduce emissions and enhance fuel efficiency while operating with reduced noise levels compared to previous diesel models. The key to the D-4D’s dependable performance lies in its simplistic yet robust design: a small engine with a resilient cylinder block tasked with delivering relatively moderate horsepower.

3B-II

The Toyota B Engine series has a history tracing back to the 1940s, but the focus here is on the 1988 revival, notably the 3B version. The 3Bs manufactured in 1988 and beyond, informally dubbed the 3B-II, were built on a single block without cylinder liners. While the original 3B powered 40-series Land Cruisers, the 3B-II gained recognition as an option in the Toyota Dyna. The engine’s straightforward, utilitarian architecture and cast-iron block contribute significantly to its remarkable longevity – there are few components in this engine that are prone to failure.

2H

Designed to supplant the initial H motor, the 2H was unveiled in 1981 and eventually emerged as the more dependable motor of the pair, showcasing many Dynas and Land Cruisers with over 600,000 miles on them. Well-known for its durability, drivers often mention that while the 2H motor is sturdy, it may feel underpowered in demanding situations. Nevertheless, at just 2,000 rpm, it generates 177 lb-ft of torque. While it may not be ideal for highway driving, it’s well-suited for off-road adventures through dirt, mud, and snow.

22R-E

Launched in 1981 and in production until 1997 for models like the Hilux Surf, the 22R-E was a versatile compact diesel motor favored by Toyota off-road enthusiasts. During the mid-1980s, Toyota made a series of modifications to the motor, one of which involved replacing the dual-row timing chain with a single-row chain with plastic guides in 1983. While this change reduced system resistance, the plastic guides were prone to breakage after 100,000 miles, potentially causing timing issues and engine malfunctions. The earlier iterations of the 22R-E are deemed more dependable due to this issue, but with regular replacements of the timing components, even the later engines can last for decades. Known for their uncomplicated design and manageable performance specifications, the R family of Toyota’s 4-cylinder diesel motors, particularly the 22R-E, deliver long-lasting reliability.