The Datsun 720 used several engines depending on year and market; the most common in North America was a 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine, with diesel (2.2-liter) and 2.4-liter gasoline options available in other markets.
To understand what powers a Datsun 720, it helps to look at the engine families Nissan offered across its production run (1980–1986) and how those choices varied by region. The following overview highlights the main options you would encounter on typical models.
Engine options overview
The following list summarizes the primary engine families that powered the Datsun 720 during its production, noting common regional availability.
- 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine (Nissan L-series family), widely used in North American spec trucks. This engine was the standard gasoline option in many U.S. and Canadian 720s, available with carbureted or fuel-injected fuel delivery depending on year and trim.
- 2.4-liter inline-four gasoline engine (larger gasoline option offered in select markets/years). Some export models used a slightly larger gasoline four-cylinder in place of the 2.0 L, depending on local emissions and market demand.
- 2.2-liter inline-four diesel engine (Nissan SD-series, SD22). This diesel option was available in several overseas markets and in certain configurations where diesel powertrains were favored for durability and fuel economy.
Engine availability varied by country, dealer network, and model year. If you’re assessing a specific truck, checking the VIN plate or model documentation will confirm the exact engine code and displacement for that vehicle.
Market highlights
Regional differences shaped which engines showed up on the showroom floor. Here are representative patterns to help identify what you might find in a given market.
- North America (United States and Canada): The 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine was the staple option, with most trucks sourced in this configuration. Diesel variants were rare in the U.S. market.
- Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and some parts of Asia: Diesel options, notably the 2.2-liter SD22, were available where diesel pickup performance and fuel economy were prioritized. Gasoline options around 2.0–2.4 liters also appeared in certain trims.
- Other export markets and specialized fleets: A mix of gasoline 2.0–2.4-liter engines and the SD22 diesel could be found, depending on local demand, fuel availability, and regulatory requirements.
Because the Datsun 720 was a global model with multiple regional variants, the exact engine for a given truck should be verified against its documentation or the engine code stamped on the engine block.
Summary
The Datsun 720 offered a small family of engines, with the 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine serving as the common North American choice, and diesel (2.2-liter SD22) and occasional 2.4-liter gasoline options appearing in other markets. Engine availability was shaped by year, market, and regulatory standards, so exact powerplants can vary from truck to truck.
Is the Datsun 720 a collector's item?
However, since the mid-1960s, Japanese carmakers have also been exporting practical and affordable compact pickups to the US. Today, trucks like the 1984 Datsun 720 King Cab 4x4 recently for sale on eBay Motors in Pacific, Mo., are coveted collectors' vehicles.
Is the Nissan 720 engine reliable?
The Nissan 720 pickup is known for its durability, simplicity, and long service life. Engines in these trucks often accumulate high mileage and years of demanding use, including hauling, commuting, and work-related driving.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Nissan 720 have?
Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Z24 inline-four, producing roughly 106 horsepower.
What engines did the Nissan 720 have?
In the American market, the diesel engine was only available in the 2WD 720 (from 1982 to 1985). The Z24 was upgraded to Z24i single-point fuel-injection for some 1986 ST models. The rest of the world had versions with the smaller 1.5 L J15, 1.6 L J16 or 1.8 L L18 carbureted engines.