Toyota’s reputation for reliability is legendary. And even though marketing helps, it is the real-life experiences of owners that really proves just how solid and durable these cars really are. At the heart of any model is its engine, if it can’t handle the pressure of hundreds and thousands of miles of grueling daily commutes, then no one really cares about how well the seats or bodywork stand up to years of abuse.Over the decades there have been many Toyotas that have become renowned for their unbreakable engines, and we picked a selection of the best ones from the 1980s till the present day that represented the pinnacle of Toyota’s legendary over-engineering. Thanks to clever design and solid engineering, these engines have all proven that they can last up to 500,000 miles and more with basic maintenance and a perhaps bit of verbal encouragement on cold mornings.1. Toyota 22R-E (2.4L I4)1981-toyota-celica-supra Production: 1982–1995Power Outputs: 105–112 hp / 137–142 lb-ftPopular Applications: Hilux (Pickup), 4Runner, Celica, CoronaThere really is nothing all that special about the 22R-E in terms of technological features. It earned its reputation for being “unkillable" thanks to a solid cast-iron block, simple SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) design and components made to last for years. It was built to endure the vibration and heat of off-road work without cracking or warping, and because it is an under-stressed, low-compression engine, the internal components are rarely pushed to their limits. The one weakness of the 22R-E is its plastic timing chain guides. Over time, these become brittle and shatter, allowing the chain to slap against the metal cover. Replacing these with aftermarket metal-backed guides makes the 22R-E virtually immortal.2. Toyota 1UZ-FE (4.0L V8)First Lexus LS400 in the USA Production: 1989–2004Power Outputs: 256–290 hp / 260–300 lb-ftPopular Applications:Lexus LS 400, Lexus SC 400, Toyota Crown, Toyota SoarerDeveloped with a massive budget to ensure it would be able to take on the world’s best, the 1UZ-FE was the engine fitted to the first ever Lexus, the LS400. It is one of the most refined and smooth V8 engines ever built, and has a forged steel crankshaft and cast aluminum bock and heads. A variant of this engine was even FAA-certified for use in airplanes. While the 1UZ-FE can soldier on for decades and surpass a million miles with just regular maintenance, parts can be pricey and design solutions like placing the starter motor in the valley underneath the intake manifold makes for high labor costs.3. Toyota 2JZ-GE (3.0L I6)image-placeholder-title Production: 1991–2007Power Outputs: 215–230 hp / 210–220 lb-ftPopular Applications: Supra (Non-Turbo), Lexus IS 300, Lexus GS 300, Toyota AltezzaWhile the turbocharged GTE version gets glory, the naturally aspirated GE is the one that is the reliability champ. Because it shares the same heavy-duty cast-iron block as the turbo version but operates under much lower pressure, the internal components hardly get a workout. Combine this with the ultra-smooth nature of an inline-six, and the 2JZ-GE will likely outlast the rest of the car. But, even on the best engines there can be minor issues and on later models equipped with intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i), the cam gear can eventually leak oil. Replacing the O-ring or the gear itself every 100,000 miles should keep the engine bay clean and the timing perfect.4. Toyota 1GR-FE (4.0L V6) Production: 2002–PresentPower Outputs: 236–285 hp / 266–289 lb-ftPopular Applications: 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, TundraThe 1GR-FE is a solid workhorse that’s been around for over two decades. It uses a timing chain instead of a belt, which reduces long-term maintenance costs and was designed specifically for trucks, prioritizing solid internals and strong low-down torque over high RPM power outputs. A forged steel crankshaft and cast-iron cylinder liners contribute to its longevity. It’s not uncommon to see these engines in 4Runners with 400,000 miles still running original internals. Early versions were prone to head gasket failures at high mileage, but Toyota updated the gasket design in mid-2006 which solved this issue. 5. Toyota 2AR-FE (2.5L I4)2022-toyota-camry-xle Production: 2008–2023Power Outputs: 169–180 hp / 170–173 lb-ftPopular Applications: Camry, RAV4, Scion tC, Lexus ES 250This engine proves that modern, high-efficiency designs can still be incredibly durable. It was built to be used in a variety of applications from small coupes to family sedans and SUVs. While it doesn’t produce tons of power, it is efficient, light and has a very durable aluminum block. Power delivery is torquey and linear thanks to dual VVTi, and maintenance costs are low. Early engines were known to consume oil, and water pumps can develop leaks so replacing these preventatively every 60,000 miles or so should help you on your way to some mega mileages.