Every Toyota vehicle has a model code which describes the basic vehicle (e.g. Corolla), its generation and major options (engine type, gearbox type, body style, grade level). The model codes fall into three periods, 1937 to late 1950s, late 1950s to late 1970s and late 1970s to present. There was some overlap as new models were phased in using new codes while old models were phased out using the old codes. The model code is not the same as the VIN.

1937 to 1956 Each model was known by its engine code and a single letter for the chassis/body.

Examples: CodeEngineBodyAAA type1936-43 sedanABA type1936-43 cabrioletACA type1943–1948 sedanSAS type1947–1952 sedanBJB type1953–1955 Jeep (later renamed as the Land Cruiser)FJF type1954–1955 Jeep (later renamed as the Land Cruiser)RHR type1953–1955 sedanRRR type1955–1956 Master sedanRSR type1955–1958 Crown sedan

1956 to 1977 Each model was known by its engine code, chassis code, one or two digits for its generation, a single digit for variations within the generation and more letters representing options.

engine familyplatformgenerationvariationsteering -optionsTE21L -CAFD

Engine family: FFK3K-C, ...M2M, 4M, ...R3R-C, 8R-C, 18R-C, ...T2T-C, ...

Platform: CodeMeaningECorollaACelicaJLand CruiserNPickup truck (aka Hilux)P1000 / PublicaSCrownTCoronaXMark II

Steering: CodeMeaningblankRHD (for Japan)LLHDRRHD

Options: CodeMeaningAUSA or CanadaC2-speed automaticDDeluxeGFold down tailgateF4-doorH3-speed automatic (A30) with floor shiftJ3-speed automatic (A40)K4-speed manual with floor shiftM5-speed manual with floor shiftN3-speed automatic (A30) with column shiftVStation wagon (on some models)

1977 to present The new code was similar to the previous but now the options were grouped into specific columns.

engine familysuffix of engine family or prefix of platform or combination (optional)platformgenerationvariationsteeringwagon(optional) -model name(optional)body typetransmissiongradeengine classmarketMS123L -SEMGFW

Engine family: A2A, 4A, ...C1C, 2C, ...E1E, 2E, 3E, 4E, 5EFF, ...HHZ,...K4K, ...LL, 2L, ...M5M, 6M, 7MR8R, 18R, 20R, 21R, 22R, ...S1S, 2S, 3S, 4S, 5ST2T, 3T, ...Y1Y, 2Y, 3Y, ...

Platform and model name: PlatformModel nameACarina (RWD), Celica (RWD), SupraBCoasterDBlizzardECorolla/Sprinter/LevinFKijang/Tamaraw/Unser/Zace/QualisGCrown Eight/CenturyHHiAceJLand CruiserKStoutLTercel/Corolla II/Corsa/SolunaMLiteAceNPickup truck (aka Hilux)PStarletRModel F (aka Tarago, Van, Space Cruiser), Previa/EstimaSCrownTCorona/Carina (FWD/AWD)/Celica (FWD/AWD)/Curren/CaldinaUDynaVCamry/Scepter/Vista/Vienta/AurionWMR2XMark II/Chaser/Cresta/Cressida/Verossa/Mark XYToyoAceZSoarer/Lexus SC/LC

Steering: CodeMeaningblankRHDRRHDLLHD

Wagon: CodeMeaningblanknot wagon or vanGwagon or Van

Model name:

Body type: CodePassenger vehicleCommercial vehicleCcoupéD2-door sedanpick-up (double-cab)E4-door sedanG3-door hatchbackwagonH5-door hatchbackK2-door convertibleLliftbackP pickupR vanS2-door hardtopsofttopT4-door hardtoppick-up (single-cab)V2-door vanvan hardtopW4-door wagonX4-door vanY2-door blind vanZ2-door wagon

Transmission: CodeMeaningJ4-speed manual, column shiftB4-speed manual, column shiftK4-speed manual, floor shiftM5-speed manual, floor shiftF6-speed manual, floor shiftC2-speed automaticH3-speed automaticS4-speed automatic, column shiftP4-speed automatic, floor shiftG5-speed automatic, floor shiftL6-speed automatic, floor shiftXCVT automatic, floor shift

Grade:

Engine class: CodeMeaningblankstandard engine with single carburetorBtwin carburetorsCemission controlEEFIFtwin cam, EFIGtwin camHhybrid electricSstandard engine with single carburetorXdiesel turbo

Destination : CodeMeaningblankGeneral CountriesAUSACSwitzerland, SwedenDIndonesiaEMalaysiaGBrazilHArgentinaKCanadaMThe PhilippinesNSouth AfricaQAustraliaRTaiwanTThailandUVietnamVMiddle EastWEuropeXIndia

See also List of Toyota model codes

References