Since 2011, the 2.5-liter Toyota 2AR-FXE engine has been installed in hybrid versions of the company’s well-known models, including those sold under the Lexus brand, at facilities in Japan and the USA. Because it uses the Atkinson cycle and has a Dual VVT-i system, it is incredibly cost-effective.
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 AH30 since 2015;
- Toyota Avalon XX40 in 2012 – 2018;
- Toyota Camry XV50 in 2011 – 2017;
- Toyota Harrier XU60 since 2013;
- Toyota RAV4 XA40 in 2012 – 2018;
- Lexus ES 300h XV60 in 2012 – 2018;
- Lexus NX 300h AZ10 since 2014.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2011 |
| Displacement, cc | 2494 |
| Fuel system | injector MPI |
| Power output, hp | 152 – 161 |
| Torque output, Nm | 206 – 213 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 90 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 98 |
| Compression ratio | 12.5 |
| Features | Hybrid |
| 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 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2015) — city — highway — combined |
6.0 5.9 5.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 149 |
Disadvantages of the 2AR-FXE engine
The engine has nearly no weak points and is highly reliable;
Only a water pump can malfunction out of all the nodes up to 100,000 kilometers;
Many owners complain about the VVT-i clutches crackling, but only during a cold start; a single-row timing chain can stretch closer to 200,000 kilometers.