The first vehicles in Toyota’s AR engine series were introduced in 2008, making it a relatively recent development. Currently, drivers of Japanese automobiles in the US and Canada hold these engines in high regard. Nonetheless, some family members are dispersing throughout the globe.
Since 2008, factories in the US and Japan have been assembling the 2.5-liter Toyota 2AR-FE engine. Many of the company’s front-wheel drive models, such as Lexus and Scion, have the motor installed. The Dual VVT-i variable valve timing system is included with every model of this device.
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 Alphard 3 (AH30) since 2015;
- Toyota Camry 6 (XV40) in 2009 – 2011; Camry 7 (XV50) in 2011 – 2017; Camry 8 (XV70) since 2017;
- Toyota RAV4 3 (XA30) in 2008 – 2012; RAV4 4 (XA40) since 2012;
- Lexus ES250 6 (XV60) since 2012;
- Scion tC AGT20 in 2010 – 2016.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 2494 |
| Fuel system | injector MPI |
| Power output, hp | 169 – 181 |
| Torque output, Nm | 225 – 235 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 90 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 98 |
| Compression ratio | 10.4 |
| 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 RAV4 2014) — city — highway — combined |
11.4 6.8 8.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 141 |
Disadvantages of the 2AR-FE engine
A reasonably good family of motors in terms of operational parameters and design. The devices are very sturdy and hardly exhibit any issues. The pump leaks and the distinctive knocks from the VVTi clutch in a cold state are the exceptions, and they can be fixed by swapping out these parts.
Furthermore, keep in mind that the cylinder block is disposable, cannot be fixed, and necessitates a full replacement—that is, reinstalling the motor—in the event of a skew. The Toyota 2AR engine can travel over 300,000 kilometers without experiencing any issues and is generally dependable and long-lasting. Naturally, adhering to the manufacturer’s specifications is essential to extending the resource; this includes performing routine maintenance and using only premium oil and gasoline.