Since 2007, companies in the USA and Japan have been producing the 2.0-liter Toyota 3ZR-FE engine for front-wheel drive vehicles like the Avensis. The Dual VVT-i variable valve timing system is installed on this engine. An ethanol version with the 3ZR-FBE index is sold in several markets.
The engines in the ZR family are 1ZR-FE, 1ZR-FAE, 2ZR-FE, 2ZR-FAE, 2ZR-FXE, 3ZR-FE, and 3ZR-FAE.
The engine was mounted on:
- Toyota Avensis 3 (T270) since 2009;
- Toyota Corolla 10 (E150) in 2006 – 2013; Corolla E170 since 2013;
- Toyota RAV4 4 (XA40) since 2012.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2007 |
| Displacement, cc | 1986 |
| Fuel system | MPI |
| Power output, hp | 140 – 150 |
| Torque output, Nm | 190 – 200 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 80.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 97.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 |
| Features | ACIS and ETCS-i |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | Dual VVT-i |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-20 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota RAV4 2014) — city — highway — combined |
10.0 6.4 8.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 123 |
Disadvantages of the 3ZR-FE engine
Overrun by oil. This issue affects early release models. It can be removed by substituting W30, a more viscous modification, for the conventional filled oil. High mileage also requires compression.
The motor was knocked in. You should replace the timing belt tensioner if it starts to make noise at mid-speed. In other situations, the drive belt might be at fault and needs to be changed as well.
Issues with idling. RPM may start to float and other typical issues may manifest if the throttle valve sensor is malfunctioning and in an unclean state.
The pump is running and producing sound. Every 70,000 kilometers, replace it.
A thermostat malfunction that prevents the engine from warming up to a normal level is a characteristic of the Toyota 3ZR engine. The motor will lose power if it simply overrides the VVTi valve. Nevertheless, the unit is quite good despite all of its flaws. It can travel over a quarter of a million kilometers without experiencing any issues if given the right care.