The Toyota Hiace offers different diesel engine options, depending on the market and the model year. Two of the most common diesel engines are the 1KD and the 2KD, which belong to the Toyota KD engine family. These engines have some similarities, but also some key differences that affect their performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.

In this article, we will compare the two most common Toyota Hiace diesel engines: the 1KD and the 2KD. We will look at their specifications, strengths, weaknesses, and which one is right for you.


Engine Comparison

The 1KD and the 2KD are both four-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection diesel engines. They belong to the Toyota KD engine family, which was introduced in 2001. The 1KD and the 2KD have some similarities, but they also have some significant differences. Here is a table that summarizes their main features:


SPECIFICATIONS1KD ENGINE2KD ENGINE
Displacement3.0L or 2,982CC2.5L or 2,494CC
Cylinders44
Valve Train

(DOHC) Double Overhead Camshaft

(DOHC) Double Overhead Camshaft

Fuel TypeDieselDiesel
Injection System

(CRDI) Common Rail Direct Injection

CRDI) Common Rail Direct Injection

Fuel Consumption8.5L/100KM7.5L/100KM
Turbocharger

Variable Nozzle Turbocharger (VNT)

Fixed Geometry Turbocharger (FGT)

Horsepower170hp at 3600rpm102hp at 2600rpm
Torque343Nm at 2000rpm260Nm at 2000rpm
Compression Ratio18.5:117.4:1
Cooling SystemWater cooledWater cooled

As you can see, the 1KD has a larger displacement, a more advanced turbocharger, and a higher horsepower and torque than the 2KD. This means that the 1KD is more powerful, responsive, and efficient than the 2KD. However, this also comes with some drawbacks, which we will discuss in the next sections.


Strengths and Weaknesses of the 1KD Engine

The 1KD engine is the flagship of the Toyota KD engine family. It is widely used in various Toyota models, such as the Hiace, the Hilux, the Fortuner, and the Land Cruiser Prado. It is also one of the most popular diesel engines in the world. Here are some of the reasons why:

  • Fuel efficiency: The 1KD engine has a variable nozzle turbocharger, which adjusts the airflow according to the engine load and speed. This improves the fuel efficiency and reduces the emissions of the engine. The 1KD engine can achieve an average fuel consumption of 8.5 L/100 km, which is quite impressive for a 3.0 L engine.
  • Reliability: The 1KD engine is built to last. It has a strong and sturdy design, with a cast iron block and an aluminum head. It also has a chain-driven dual overhead camshaft, which reduces the maintenance cost and the risk of timing belt failure. The 1KD engine can run for hundreds of thousands of kilometers without any major problems, as long as it is properly serviced and maintained.
  • Durability: The 1KD engine is designed to withstand harsh conditions and heavy loads. It has a forged steel crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons, which can handle high pressures and temperatures. It also has a water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which reduces the nitrogen oxide emissions and the engine knocking. The 1KD engine can perform well in various terrains and climates, such as deserts, mountains, and cold regions.


However, the 1KD engine is not perfect. It also has some weaknesses that you should be aware of:

  • Buildup of carbon deposits on the intake valves: The 1KD engine has a common rail injection system, which delivers high-pressure fuel directly into the combustion chamber. This improves the performance and efficiency of the engine, but it also causes a side effect: the buildup of carbon deposits on the intake valves. These deposits can reduce the airflow and the engine power, and can also cause rough idling, misfiring, and hard starting. To prevent this problem, you should use good quality fuel, change the oil and filter regularly, and clean the intake valves periodically.


Strengths and Weaknesses of the 2KD Engine

The 2KD engine is the smaller and simpler version of the 1KD engine. It is mainly used in the Toyota Hiace and the Toyota Hilux. It is also a reliable and durable engine, but it has some different characteristics than the 1KD engine. Here are some of them:

  • Simplicity: The 2KD engine has a fixed geometry turbocharger, which has a simpler and cheaper design than the variable nozzle turbocharger of the 1KD engine. This means that the 2KD engine has fewer parts and less complexity, which makes it easier to service and repair. The 2KD engine also has a belt-driven single overhead camshaft, which is less noisy and more fuel-efficient than the chain-driven dual overhead camshaft of the 1KD engine.
  • Durability: The 2KD engine is also a robust and resilient engine, with a similar construction as the 1KD engine. It has a cast iron block and an aluminum head, a forged steel crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons, and a water-cooled EGR system. The 2KD engine can also run for a long time without any major issues, as long as it is well maintained and cared for.
  • Fuel efficiency: The 2KD engine has a smaller displacement and a lower horsepower and torque than the 1KD engine. This means that the 2KD engine consumes less fuel and produces less emissions than the 1KD engine. The 2KD engine can achieve an average fuel consumption of 7.5 L/100 km, which is better than the 1KD engine.


However, the 2KD engine also has some drawbacks that you should consider:

  1. Emissions: The 2KD engine has a fixed geometry turbocharger, which does not adjust the airflow according to the engine load and speed. This results in higher emissions and lower efficiency than the variable nozzle turbocharger of the 1KD engine. The 2KD engine also does not have a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which is a device that traps and burns the soot particles from the exhaust gas. This means that the 2KD engine emits more particulate matter and black smoke than the 1KD engine.
  2. Performance: The 2KD engine has a lower horsepower and torque than the 1KD engine. This means that the 2KD engine has less power, acceleration, and responsiveness than the 1KD engine. The 2KD engine also has a lower top speed and a lower towing capacity than the 1KD engine. The 2KD engine may struggle to cope with heavy loads, steep hills, and high altitudes.


Which Engine is Right for You?

Now that you know the key differences between the 1KD and the 2KD diesel engines, you may wonder which one is right for you. The answer depends on several factors, such as your budget, your driving style, your driving needs, and your personal preference. Here are some recommendations for different types of drivers and uses:

If you are looking for a powerful, responsive, and efficient engine, and you don’t mind paying more for the initial cost and the maintenance, then the 1KD engine may be the best option for you. The 1KD engine is suitable for drivers who want to enjoy a smooth and fast ride, and who need to carry or tow heavy loads. The 1KD engine is also ideal for drivers who travel frequently in different terrains and climates, and who want to reduce their fuel consumption and emissions.

If you are looking for a simple, durable, and economical engine, and you don’t care much about the performance and the emissions, then the 2KD engine may be the best option for you. The 2KD engine is suitable for drivers who want to save money on the initial cost and the maintenance, and who don’t need to carry or tow heavy loads. The 2KD engine is also ideal for drivers who travel mostly in urban areas and flat roads, and who want to achieve a better fuel efficiency than the 1KD engine.


Conclusion

The Toyota Hiace is a versatile and reliable van that can serve various purposes. It also has different diesel engine options that can suit different types of drivers and uses. The 1KD and the 2KD diesel engines are the two most common Toyota Hiace diesel engines, and they have their own strengths and weaknesses. The 1KD engine is more powerful, responsive, and efficient, but it is also more expensive and complex. The 2KD engine is simpler, durable, and economical, but it is also less performant and more polluting. Which engine is right for you depends on your budget, your driving style, your driving needs, and your personal preference. We hope that this article has helped you to make an informed decision. Thank you for reading.