The 22R engine was used by Toyota in several of its older light trucks and SUVs, most notably the Toyota Pickup (sold as the Hilux in many markets) and the 4Runner, during the 1980s into the mid-1990s. It existed in carbureted and fuel-injected forms.
The engine is a 2.4-liter inline-four developed by Toyota. The 22R family includes carbureted versions (22R) and fuel-injected variants (22R-E), and it powered a range of light-duty Toyota trucks and sport-utility models across different markets. This article outlines which models used the engine and how the variants differed.
Where the 22R appeared
Below are the primary Toyota models that employed the 22R family, along with typical production windows for these configurations.
- Toyota Pickup / Hilux (global markets): produced roughly from the early 1980s through the mid-1990s, with both carbureted 22R and fuel-injected 22R-E variants offered depending on year and market.
- Toyota 4Runner (US and international markets): produced roughly from the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s, with 22R carbureted engines in earlier models and the 22R-E EFI variant appearing in later years.
These configurations reflect Toyota's use of the 22R across its mid-size pickup and SUV lineup during that era, spanning multiple markets around the world.
Engine variants and differences
Before detailing the variants, it helps to understand the two main 22R configurations and why buyers or restorers care about them.
- 22R — carbureted version: an early configuration that provided dependable performance in older pickups and 4Runners, with straightforward maintenance and simpler fueling systems.
- 22R-E — fuel-injected version: introduced later in production, offering electronic fuel injection and improved response, efficiency, and emissions characteristics.
In practice, the choice between these variants often comes down to availability of parts, ease of maintenance, and local emissions requirements, especially for vintage vehicle projects.
Market relevance and legacy
The 22R engine is remembered for its ruggedness and its role in Toyota’s lineup before modern fuel-injected, turbocharged powertrains became the norm. Today, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts and restorers who prize Toyota’s simple, durable design and its use in classic pickups and SUVs.
Summary
In short, Toyota used the 22R engine primarily in the Toyota Pickup/Hilux and the 4Runner (and related regional variants) from the 1980s into the mid-1990s, with carbureted 22R models giving way to the 22R-E fuel-injected variants in later years. The 22R family is a notable chapter in Toyota’s legacy of durable, straightforward powertrains.