Since 2008, the 2.7-liter Toyota 1AR-FE engine has been put together in US and Japanese factories. Many different models with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are equipped with this motor. This unit comes with the Dual VVT-i variable valve timing system in every version.
The engines in the AR family are 6AR-FSE, 8AR-FTS, 2AR-FE, 2AR-FXE, 2AR-FSE, 5AR-FE, and 1AR-FE.
The engine was mounted on:
- Toyota Highlander 2 (XU40) in 2009 – 2013; Highlander 3 (XU50) since 2013;
- Toyota Sienna 3 (XL30) since 2010;
- Toyota Venza 1 (GV10) in 2008 – 2017;
- Lexus RX270 3 (AL10) in 2008 – 2015.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 2672 |
| Fuel system | injector MPI |
| Power output, hp | 180 – 190 |
| Torque output, Nm | 245 – 255 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 90 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 105 |
| 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-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.4 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota Venza 2013) — city — highway — combined |
12.3 7.1 9.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 139 |
Disadvantages of the 1AR-FE engine
The Toyota 1AR engine is incredibly durable and dependable. Its service life can surpass 300,000 kilometers with proper and consistent maintenance. Nevertheless, despite its perfection, it also has certain drawbacks:
- The pump has a limited resource and occasionally fails on low runs;
- owners complain about loud engine operation, particularly during cold starts;
- A single-row timing chain frequently stretches after 150,000 kilometers;
- Loss of compression can occur, but only at very high mileage.