How Long Do Toyota Engines Last?

One of the most attractive features of a Toyota is the reliability of the Toyota engine. So, how reliable are Toyota engines? How long do Toyota engines last?

Toyota engines last 250,000 to 300,000 miles. If you have a Toyota vehicle, it will likely run in good condition for roughly 20 years before it wears out. The key to ensuring that your Toyota engine will last that long is regular maintenance.

Read on to learn more about how long Toyota engines last and how you can make them last for years.

How Long Do Toyota Engines Last?

how long do toyota engines last

Toyota engines last for a maximum of 300,000 miles. You can expect your Toyota vehicle to run in good condition for approximately 20 years before it totally wears out. To ensure your Toyota engine lasts that long, it is important to perform regular maintenance.

Many drivers love Toyota vehicles due to several factors. These include practicality, affordability, and fuel efficiency. But most importantly, Toyota is known for the reliability of its engines.

Are Toyota engines reliable? Let’s find out.

How Long Do Toyotas Last?

The average mileage reached by Toyota engines ranges between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. But if you consistently and strictly follow the regular maintenance schedule of your Toyota vehicle, it will most likely reach 300,000 miles or even more.

There are maintenance activities you can do on your own. Check out your Owner’s Manual for guidelines. But to ensure that your vehicle is thoroughly checked up and maintained, you can always bring it to your most trusted car care shop. Regular maintenance includes oil change, filter replacement, and others.

Also, the way you drive your car has an impact on the lifespan of the engine. How do you step on the brakes or gas? Do you change gears when necessary? In other words, if you abuse your car, it will most likely have a bad impact on its engine.

If you want your vehicle to reach at least 250,000 miles, make sure to use it properly.

Are Toyota Engines Reliable?

Toyota engines are well-known for being reliable and lasting for many years.

Since its inception, Toyota has already been integrating reliable engines in all its vehicles. But they have never stopped exerting their efforts to find ways to improve their engines further. Before Toyota produces an engine, it first undergoes thorough research and engineering.

Unlike its competitors, Toyota’s priority is not to produce engines with excessive horsepower. Instead, its objective has always been to produce engines that will surely last thousands of miles. This explains why, up until now, we still see 15-year-old Toyota cars running in excellent condition.

Performance Review of the Honda D16Z6 Engine

The Best and Most Reliable Toyota Engines of All Time

If you’re restoring a vehicle and looking for a great engine, Toyota has several types of engines to offer. Also, if you’re considering buying a second-hand or a brand new Toyota, it is best to know more about its engine.

Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Toyota engines that we know of. They include the following:

  1. 2ZZ-GE
  2. 1LR-GUE V10
  3. 2JZ-GTE
  4. 4U-GSE
  5. 1GR-FE / 2GR-FE
  6. 22R-E
  7. 1GD-FTV
  8. S Engine Series
  9. T Engine Series
  10. 2B / 3B Diesel

1. 2ZZ-GE

Toyota produced the 2ZZ-GE engine from 1999 to 2006. Then, Lotus Cars Ltd. continued to produce it until 2011. Production may have stopped, but it continues to exist up to this day.

It is a 1.8L inline 4-cylinder all-aluminum engine installed in several Toyota vehicle models. These include the Toyota Celica GT-S and the Toyota Matrix. Its performance depends on the type of vehicle it is used. But it could certainly deliver a maximum of 190 horsepower (hp).

The 2ZZ-GE has an impressive hp to weight ratio. This caught the attention of Lotus, so they then installed it in their Lotus Exige and Lotus Elise units. They incorporated a supercharger for added performance, allowing the units to have a maximum output of 240 hp.

This engine is convenient to source and upgrade. It may be small in size and displacement, but it is nonetheless powerful. Typically, this engine is swapped into the Toyota MR2 Spyder produced between 2000 and 2005.

2. 1LR-GUE V10

You can only find the 1LR-GUE V10 engine in one vehicle, which is the Lexus LFA. Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, and LFA is their supercar produced between 2010 and 2012.

The Lexus LFA is recognized as a technological tour de force. It is a limited edition, powered by the 1LR-GUE V10 engine, and is impressively assembled by hand.

Similar to other high-performance Toyota engines, Toyota also partnered with Yamaha to develop the 1LR-GUE. Since this engine is originally designed for a sports car, the 4.8L 1LR-GUE can deliver 553 hp.

3. 2JZ-GTE

That popular turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine installed in the Toyota Supra is the 2JZ-GTE. It features aluminum heads and a cast-iron engine block. This twin-turbo engine seems to have the smoothest acceleration of all. Also, it has always been known for being exceedingly durable.

Toyota produced this engine from 1991 to 2002. It is highly desirable and is typically swapped into custom vehicles. You will see this installed in Scion FR-S coupes and BMW sedans.

4. 4U-GSE

Toyota partnered with Subaru for the development of the 4U-GSE engine. This horizontally opposed 4 cylinder engine powers the Scion FR-S rear-wheel-drive coupe, also known as the Toyota GT-86.

The 4U-GSE successfully combines the boxer design of Subaru with the D4-S combination port and direct injection system of Toyota. It impressively delivers 197 hp at 7,000 RPM.

Car enthusiasts were in awe the first time Scion FR-S was released to the public. It was a car weighing 2,800 lbs, powered by the 4U-GSE engine, and paired with a 6-speed transmission.

5. 1GR-FE / 2GR-FE

The 1GR-FE and 2GR-FE engines form part of the GR Engine Series, consisting of aluminum heads and dual overhead cams. They are variations of the basic aluminum V6 design.

These are the contemporary engines from Toyota. You can find them in most Toyota models, including the Toyota Tundra and the Toyota Camry. Obviously, these engines are widely used, which is proof of their power and durability.

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) offered a bolt-on supercharger kit for the 4.0L 1GR-FE engine for a limited time. This successfully upgraded the engine’s power by roughly 65 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque.

Ward’s Autoworld has recognized the 305 hp direct-injection version of the 2GR-FE as one of “Ward’s 10 Best Engines” for 4 straight years.

6. 22R-E

toyota engine lifespan

Toyota has long established its reputation for producing reliable trucks. The 22R-E engine, in fact, plays a big role in it.

It was initially produced in 1982. By 1984, it eventually became a standard engine for Toyota pickup trucks and 4Runners. This continued until 1995.

The 22R-E forms part of the R Series of Toyota engines. It is the last version in the series, while the very first version was released in 1953. The R series is one of the longest production runs for a Toyota engine. Not to mention one of the best too.

Again, how long do Toyota engines last? On average, a Toyota engine can last between 250,000 miles to 300,000 miles. Meaning, expect your Toyota to last between 16 to 20 years before you see signs of usage or wearing out.

7. 1GD-FTV

Toyota initially released the 1GD-FTV engine in 2015, and it is being produced up until now. It is a Super-Efficient 4 Cylinder 2.8 Liter Diesel engine. You can find it installed in Toyota Hilux pickup trucks and Land Cruiser Prado sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

This engine delivers 174 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Replacing the 1KD engine, the 1GD-FTV produces 25 percent more torque. At the same time, it is 15 percent more fuel-efficient.

The 1GD-FTV also uses selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which successfully decreases NOx emissions by 99 percent. When it was initially released to the public, it was considered the most advanced diesel engine of all.

8. S Engine Series

Toyota produced the S Engine Series between 1980 and 2007. All variants consisted of aluminum heads, a cast-iron block, and a 1.8 to 2.2 liters displacement.

Among the models that had an S engine was the Toyota MR2 and the Toyota Celica. They were powered by the 3S-GTE turbocharged 2.0L engine, delivering 200 hp per unit.

The S Engine Series was available worldwide. However, it was commonly installed in the Toyota Celica released in the United States, Australia, Europe, and Japan.

9. T Engine Series

Before the S Engine Series, Toyota had a T Engine Series manufactured between 1970 and 1985. Basically, this engine series played a big role in Toyota’s worldwide exposure.

The T Engine Series powered several Toyota models, including the Toyota Corona, the Toyota Celica, and the Toyota Corolla. This engine provided decent performance, impressive fuel efficiency, and bulletproof reliability.

Its reliability is truly exceptional, and many drivers can attest to that. That’s why you will still see many old Toyota units running in good condition up until now.

10. 2B / 3B Diesel

The 2B and 3B Diesel engines form part of the B Engine Series of Toyota’s diesel engine family. They are not considered the most powerful diesel engines from Toyota. However, they are definitely known to be long-lasting and can reach 500,000 miles.

These engines are typically installed in Land Cruisers. Impressively, they have been providing excellent fuel economy.

How Much HP Does a Supercharger Add

How to Make Toyota Engine Last Longer

how long do toyotas last

You can always depend on the longevity of Toyota engines. However, if you abuse it, it will most likely not last as expected. On the contrary, you can maximize its use if you give it the tender loving care it needs.

Here are several car maintenance tips you can apply:

  1. Strictly Follow Regular Maintenance Schedule
  2. Address Engine Issues ASAP
  3. Regularly Check the Basics
  4. Don’t Push Your Gas Tank to Its Limits
  5. Buy High Quality Parts

1. Strictly Follow Regular Maintenance Schedule

You’ll be impressed by car owners who strictly follow their car’s maintenance schedule. Unfortunately, not all vehicle drivers are like that. Some are less attentive when it comes to this matter.

If the maintenance schedule sometimes slips your mind, setting a phone alarm for it is a good practice. Check the Owner’s Manual for the recommended checkup schedule. Save the date in your phone’s calendar and set the alarm.

2. Address Engine Issues ASAP

You will know that there’s an engine issue when the Check Engine light turns on. There are times when it hasn’t turned on yet, but you can feel that there’s something wrong with your car. If you encounter any of these, bring your Toyota to a car care shop as soon as you can. Ignoring the issue will only make it worse.

3. Regularly Check the Basics

Performing regular checkups is one way of taking care of your Toyota engine. As simple as monitoring fluids and oil or replacing filters will prevent it from getting worn out. It will also prevent you from spending large amounts of money on costly repairs.

4. Don’t Push Your Gas Tank to Its Limits

You may not be aware of it, but running on empty can result in engine issues too. It increases the chance of contaminants entering your vehicle. This can result in damage and decrease the lifespan of your vehicle.

5. Buy High-Quality Parts

After several years, some vehicle parts wear out and need replacement. Replacing them with cheap and low-quality parts will not allow you to save money. Cheap replacements can cause serious damage to your car. Worse, you might end up spending a lot of money on costly repairs.

So, it’s best to buy premium quality parts to ensure that your vehicle will last longer. That way, you can maximize the features of your vehicle.

Conclusion – How Long Do Toyota Engines Last

Toyota engines last 250,000 to 300,000 miles. If you have a Toyota vehicle, it will surely run in good condition for approximately 20 years before it wears out. But the ultimate key to ensuring that your Toyota engine will last that long is regular maintenance.

Engines produced by Toyota are all known for their durability. This is easy to prove as many old Toyota models are still up and running until now.

So, if you’re considering getting an engine, the Toyota engine is definitely an excellent choice. But then again, if you want it to last for a very long time, don’t forget to regularly provide it with the tender loving care that it needs.

Read next:

How to Rev Your Engine

Which Duramax Years to Avoid?

2003 Duramax Specs