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Toyota Hilux pick-up engines
Since its introduction in 1968, the Toyota Hilux has evolved into one of the most robust and reliable pick-ups in the world, offering a proven range of engines across eight generations. Toyota Hilux pick-up engines are characterized by exceptional durability and ease of maintenance, with each generation bringing new technologies and improved efficiency.
Toyota Hilux pick-up engines: Historic generations I-V (1968-2004)
The first five generations of the Toyota Hilux established its reputation as an indestructible work pick-up and laid the foundations for the legendary reliability of Toyota Hilux pick-up engines. These historic generations regularly reached 500,000 to 800,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, whereby the robust diesel engines of the fourth generation (1983-1997) are considered the absolute top engines. The first three generations (1968-1983) were mainly based on tried-and-tested petrol engines with simple technology, while modern diesel technology was introduced from the fourth generation onwards. Major engine damage was practically unknown in these Toyota Hilux generations - only wearing parts such as water pumps or alternators required replacement after 200,000-300,000 kilometers.
Toyota Hilux pick-up gasoline engines: Historic generations I-V (1968-2004)
The early Toyota Hilux petrol engines included proven units such as the 1.6-liter 4A-FE (105 hp) and the robust 2.4-liter 22R-E (116 hp), which proved to be one of the longest-lasting petrol engines in automotive history. The Toyota Hilux 22R-E engine from the fourth generation (1988-1997) is considered the best gasoline engine of all historical generations - with its simple intake manifold injection and cast-iron block, it easily reached 400,000-600,000 kilometers. In the fifth generation (1997-2004), the more modern 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE with 150 hp was added, but it was more complex in design. These Toyota Hilux pick-up engines were characterized by extreme ease of maintenance - oil change intervals of 10,000 kilometers and simple repair options made them ideal for tough working conditions.
Toyota Hilux pick-up diesel engines: Historic generations I-V (1968-2004)
The Toyota Hilux diesel range began in the third generation with the legendary 2.4-liter 2L engine (75 hp), which was available from 1979. The absolute highlight, however, was the 3.0-liter 1KZ-TE turbodiesel (125 hp) from the fifth generation, which is considered the best diesel engine of all historic Toyota Hilux pick-up engines. This engine combined the robustness of the earlier units with modern turbo and intercooler technology. The Toyota Hilux 2L-TE with 2.4 liters and turbocharging (90 hp) from the fourth generation proved to be particularly durable and economical. All of these diesel engines had indirect injection and mechanical injection pumps, which made them practically indestructible - mileages of over 1 million kilometers were not uncommon.
Toyota Hilux pick-up engines: Generation VI (2005-2015)

The sixth Toyota Hilux generation marked the transition to modern common-rail diesel technology and brought Euro 4-compliant engines for the first time. The Toyota Hilux pick-up engines of this generation typically reach 400,000 to 600,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, with the proven diesel engines continuing to spearhead the range. Major repairs are usually only due after 250,000-300,000 kilometers, mainly on the turbocharger or injection system. The absolute top engine was the 3.0-liter D-4D with 171 hp - a perfect compromise between power, efficiency and reliability. This generation also introduced modern safety and comfort technologies for the first time, without compromising the legendary robustness.
Toyota Hilux pick-up gasoline engines: Generation VI (2005-2015)
The Toyota Hilux gasoline engine range mainly comprised the proven 2.7-liter 2TR-FE with 166 hp and, in some markets, the smaller 2.0-liter 1TR-FE with 136 hp. These Toyota Hilux pick-up engines relied on proven intake manifold injection and chain instead of timing belt, which kept maintenance costs low. The Toyota Hilux 2TR-FE proved to be a reliable working engine with smooth power delivery and low susceptibility to repairs. Typical weaknesses were limited to wearing parts such as ignition coils after 150,000 kilometers or water pumps after 200,000 kilometers. Fuel consumption was 9-11 liters per 100 kilometers, which was acceptable for a pick-up of this size.
Toyota Hilux pick-up diesel engines: Generation VI (2005-2015)
The Toyota Hilux 2.5-liter D-4D (2KD-FTV) with 102-144 hp formed the basis of the diesel range and proved to be an extremely economical and reliable engine. The flagship was the Toyota Hilux 3.0-liter D-4D (1KD-FTV) with 171 hp, which combined the latest common-rail technology with variable turbocharger geometry. These Toyota Hilux diesel engines had particulate filters and met Euro 4 standards. The 3.0 D-4D developed into the best engine of this generation - with its torque of 343 Nm, it was ideal for towing and heavy loads, while fuel consumption was only 7-8 liters. Problems were mostly limited to the particulate filter on short journeys or occasional turbocharger damage after 300,000 kilometers.
| Toyota Hilux engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol engine (1TR-FE) | 136 HP | 9.5-10.5 l/100km | Ignition coils, water pump | Good |
| 2.7 Petrol engine (2TR-FE) | 166 HP | 10.0-11.0 l/100km | Very robust, few problems | Very good |
| 2.5 D-4D (2KD-FTV) | 102-144 HP | 6.5-7.5 l/100km | Particle filter for short journeys | Very good |
| 3.0 D-4D (1KD-FTV) | 171 HP | 7.0-8.0 l/100km | Occasional turbocharger damage | Very good |
Toyota Hilux pick-up engines: Generation VII (2016-today)

The current Toyota Hilux generation represents the state of the art in pick-up technology and offers exclusively ultra-modern diesel engines with Euro 6 standard. The Toyota Hilux pick-up engines of this generation reach 350,000 to 500,000 kilometers as expected with proper maintenance, although the more complex emission control system occasionally causes problems. Major repairs are typically only due after 200,000-250,000 kilometers, mainly to the complex exhaust gas purification system or the variable turbocharger. The absolute top-of-the-range engine is the 2.8-liter GD-6 with 204 hp - a technical masterpiece with bi-turbocharging and state-of-the-art injection technology. This generation also offers automatic transmission and extensive driver assistance systems for the first time, without compromising the legendary off-road capability.
Toyota Hilux pick-up diesel engines: Generation VII (2016-today)
The Toyota Hilux diesel range is based entirely on the new GD engine family with third-generation common-rail injection. The Toyota Hilux 2.4-liter GD-2 with 150 hp forms the basis and proves to be an economical and reliable work engine with only 6.1-6.8 liters of fuel consumption. The top model is the Toyota Hilux 2.8-liter GD-6 with 204 hp and 500 Nm torque, which has a sequential bi-turbocharger. These Toyota Hilux pick-up engines meet Euro 6d Temp standards through SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection and closed particulate filter. The GD-6 is shaping up to be the best engine of all Toyota Hilux generations - its combination of power, efficiency and technology is impressive, but maintenance costs have increased due to the complex exhaust technology. Typical problems relate to the AdBlue tank or emission control sensors, while the basic engines remain extremely robust.
| Toyota Hilux engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GD-2 | 150 HP | 6.1-6.8 l/100km | AdBlue system, particulate filter | Good |
| 2.8 GD-6 | 204 HP | 6.8-7.5 l/100km | Complex exhaust technology, sensors | Very good |
Conclusion: The best Toyota Hilux pick-up engines of all generations
The development of Toyota Hilux pick-up engines shows a continuous evolution from simple but indestructible units to ultra-modern, efficient drives. While the historical generations were characterized by extreme simplicity and durability, the modern Toyota Hilux engines offer significantly more power and efficiency while maintaining high reliability. The diesel engines have remained the first choice for professional users and frequent drivers across all generations.
- Best Toyota Hilux pick-up gasoline engine:
The Toyota Hilux 22R-E (116 hp, Generation IV) from the historic generations is considered indestructible and regularly reached over 500,000 kilometers without major repairs.
- Best Toyota Hilux pick-up diesel engine:
The Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 (204 hp, Generation VII) combines state-of-the-art technology with high performance while remaining true to the brand's virtues - reliability and durability.
- Best Toyota Hilux pick-up engine for frequent drivers:
The Toyota Hilux 3.0 D-4D (171 hp, Generation VI) offers the optimum balance of reliability, economy and sufficient power for all applications.
For maintenance and spare parts for all Toyota Hilux pick-up generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery.
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