Toyota 1.5L 4-cylinder

Toyota 1.5L 4-cylinder — every model and year that used this engine (11 models, 1981–2020), based on NHTSA VIN build data, with links to prices and reliability.

1.5L · 4 cylinders · seen in 11 models, 1981–2020

By the numbers

Output range 70–108 hp (median 93 hp). Gasoline: 100%. Based on 297 decoded NHTSA VIN build sheets.

About this engine family

The Toyota NZ engine family is a straight-4 piston engine series. The NZ series uses aluminium open deck engine blocks and DOHC cylinder heads. It also uses sequential multi-point fuel injection, and has 4 valves per cylinder with VVT-i.

In detail

The 1NZ-FXE is a hybrid version. Bore and stroke is . It features forged steel connecting rods and an aluminum intake manifold. The engine has a high physical compression ratio of 13.0:1, but the closing of the inlet valve is delayed, for an effective compression ratio of 9.5:1. The net result is that the engine has a greater effective expansion than compression—making it a simulated Atkinson cycle, rather than a conventional Otto cycle.

The reduction in cylinder charge means reduced torque and power output, but efficiency is increased. This combination makes the 1NZ-FXE suitable for use with the Hybrid Synergy Drive, where peak torque and power demands can be met by the electric motor and battery. Originally, the engine produces at 4000 rpm with of torque at 4000 rpm. In the 2000 update, the engine output was increased to at 4500 rpm with of torque at 4200 rpm.

The power output was increased again to at 5000 rpm for the second generation Prius. Peak thermal efficiency is about 37%. In 2011, upon the arrival of the Prius c/Aqua and the XP130 Yaris Hybrid, an improved version was introduced. Without any belt-driven accessories (equipped with an electric water pump), implementation of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a physical compression ratio of 13.4:1. The new version delivers an output of at 4800 rpm with of torque at 3600–4400 rpm.

The 1NZ-FXE Hybrid Synergy Drive in the Toyota Prius has won several International Engine of the Year awards: Best Eco-friendly 2000 Best Eco-friendly 2001 Best Fuel Economy 2005 Best 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre 2005 Best Fuel Economy 2006 Best 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre 2006 This engine was discontinued for international markets in 2020 and was replaced by the M15A-FXE engine. However, as of January 2025, the 1NZ-FXE engine is still available in Japan.

Transmissions (eCVT): P110 (1997–2000), P111 (2000–2003), P112 (2003–2009) and P510 (2011–present) Toyota Corolla Axio/Fielder Hybrid NKE165 (2013–2025) Toyota Prius NHW10/NHW11 (1997–2003) NHW20 (2003–2009) Toyota Prius c/Aqua NHP10 (2011–2021) Toyota Probox Hybrid NHP160V (2018–present, also sold as Succeed Hybrid until 2020 and as Mazda Familia Van Hybrid (NHP160M) from 2018) Toyota Sienta Hybrid NHP170G (2015–2022) Toyota Yaris Hybrid NHP130 (2012–2020, Europe)/Vitz Hybrid NHP130 (2017–2019, Japan) (2014–2025, based on Corolla Axio/Fielder Hybrid NKE165) The 1NZ-FE is a conventional Otto-cycle variant of the 1NZ-FXE with VVT-i on the intake camshaft.

The engine block is found in many Toyota models assembled in Japan and Asian countries. It retains the same bore and stroke, but the compression ratio is lowered to 10.5:1. Output is at 6000 rpm with of torque at 4200–4800 rpm. This engine was introduced to replace 5A-FE and 5E-FE 1.5 L engines. A new version of 1NZ-FE with major revision in the cylinder head was introduced exclusively for the Japanese market in September 2003, fitted first in the front-wheel drive model of XP80 Sienta.

This new version now features a new valve train mechanism with roller rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA), as opposed to bucket tappet mechanism in the older version, which also reduced the valves angle from 33 to 21⁰. The oil path was also modified for better lubrication in the reworked cylinder head, implementation of EGR system and a later opening thermostat (raised from 82 to 88°C). This revised engine can be identified by the use of a different plastic engine cover.

Other Japanese market models received this version during the full model change starting with the XP90 Vitz in February 2005, except for the popular E120 Corolla when it was implemented in the April 2004 facelift. Another update was occurred in 2012, the compression ratio was increased to 11.0:1. The 4-speed automatic transmission was also replaced by CVT, designed for this reworked engine.

Source: Wikipedia — Toyota NZ engine, CC BY-SA.

Models that used this engine

Model Years with this engine Fuel VIN builds seen
TERCEL 1981–1999 Gasoline 101
YARIS 2006–2020 Gasoline 68
PRIUS 2001–2009 Gasoline 59
ECHO 2002–2005 Gasoline 25

Engine usage derived from NHTSA VIN build data (displacement + cylinder configuration). Model links lead to prices, generations and reliability.

For sale with this engine