In 2008, Toyota launched the production of a 2AR-FE motor as an alternative to the 2.4L 2AZ. The brand applied high technologies while designing this item, making 2AR-FE reach identical power but consume less fuel than its forerunner. Besides the 2.5L motor, Toyota also manufactures 2.7L 1AR-FE.
2AR keeps an aluminum cylinder block featuring thin cast iron inserts inside. Those inserts can’t be replaced, while the block can’t be subjected to repairs. Forged steel crankshaft can move by 10 mm to the offset crankshaft.
Featuring 8 counterbalances for better balance, the crankshaft runs three balance shafts via a gear inside the crankcase to kill vibrations. Gaining many updates, the aluminum alloy cylinder head features a dual overhead camshaft with 16 valves. Intake valves are 36.5 mm, while exhaust ones are 31 mm. Besides, unlike 2AZ, it got hydraulic lifters.
Each of the two camshafts is supplied with variable timing system Dual-VVTi, while the valve mechanism includes roller rockers. 2AR-FE was built with a low friction technique. Pistons are provided with piston rings with decreased tension. The variable oil pump is operated in 3 stages.
The Acoustic Control Induction System, or shortly ACIS, is an intake system with a variable structure. The plastic intake manifold is able to alter the intake duct length in 2 steps by valves, depending on rpm and throttle angle. Utilizing fresh long-nozzle fuel injectors with 12 holes, the motor is apt to save fuel and is more eco-friendly. Besides, the intake comprises stainless steel header and a catalytic converter.
In 2016, Toyota substituted 2AR-FE with fresh 2.5L A25A-FKS from the “Dynamic Force Engines” range.
Toyota 2ARFE Specs
| Manufacturer | Kamigo Plant Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama |
| Also called | Toyota 2AR |
| Production | 2008-present |
| Cylinder block alloy | Aluminum |
| Configuration | Straight-4 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves per cylinder |
| Piston stroke, mm (inch) | 98 (3.86) |
| Cylinder bore, mm (inch) | 90 (3.54) |
| Compression ratio | 10.4 (2AR-FE) 12.5 (2AR-FSE) 13.0 (2AR-FXE) |
| Displacement | 2494 cc (152.2 cu in) |
| Power output | 113 kW (154 HP) at 5,700 rpm 126 kW (171 HP) at 6,000 rpm 130 kW (177 HP) at 6,000 rpm 133 kW (181 HP) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque output | 187 Nm (138 lb·ft) at 4,400 rpm 226 Nm (167 lb·ft) at 4,100 rpm 221 Nm (163 lb·ft) at 4,200 rpm 232 Nm (171 lb·ft) at 4,100 rpm |
| Redline | – |
| HP per liter | 61.7 68.6 71.0 72.6 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Weight, kg (lbs) | 150 (330) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (mpg) -City -Highway -Combined | for Camry XV50 11.0 (21) 5.9 (40) 7.8 (30) |
| Turbocharger | Naturally aspirated |
| Oil consumption, L/1000 km (qt. per miles) | up to 1.0 (1 qt. per 750 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-20, 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine Oil Capacity, L (qt.) | 4.4 (4.65) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000) |
| Normal engine operating temperature, °C (F) | – |
| Engine lifespan, km (miles) -Official information -Real | – 300,000+ (180,000) |
| Tuning, HP -Max HP -No life span loss | 300+ – |
What Cars Have A Toyota 2ARFE Engine?
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota RAV4
- Scion tC
- Lexus ES300h
- Lexus GS300h
- Lexus IS300h
- Lexus NX300h
- Toyota Alphard
- Toyota Harrier
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2AR-FE Engine Dual VVT-i
2AR-FE motor gained the Dual VVT-i system (variable valve timing with intelligence), driving intake and exhaust camshafts within 50 and 40 degrees accordingly concerning crankshaft angle. What is more, valve overlap varied from 7 to 97 degrees while intake and exhaust duration was equal to 244 degrees.
Each regulator of VVT-i contained a housing, controlled by the timing chain plus a vane, united with the intake and exhaust camshaft. Intake and exhaust sides kept actuators of vane-type featuring 4 blades. Camshaft timing oil control valve managed the spool valve utilizing duty cycle control of the engine control module.
Consequently, hydraulic pressure was employed for the progressive or lagging part of the VVT-i system, leading to revolution in the VVT-i controller circumferential direction for altering intake and exhaust valve timing. Immediately after reaching the necessary timing, valve timing was maintained by the neutral position of the camshaft timing oil control valve.
To guarantee the proper start of the motor, a lock pin latched the exhaust camshaft at the most progressive end soon after switching off the ignition. Additionally, to insure that the lock pin functions properly, the exhaust side of VVT-i controller featured an updated assist spring, which employed torque in the advance side after the motor stopped running.
The engine control module determined appropriate valve timing, taking into account motor speed, intake air weight, location of a throttle plus motor coolant temperature. Likewise, it reached the appropriate valve timing by granting feedback management, employing signals from the camshaft and crankshaft location sensors, which detected current valve timing.
Toyota 2AR-FE Engine Problems And Reliability
As these motors are built with the application of the newest technologies, their owners rarely witness their malfunctions. Though, some small problems may arise. Thus, water pump may leak. Or, VVTi system can start to knock if the motor isn’t warmed up. This is not a serious dysfunction and it causes no harm to the whole system. But if you wish to stop that, you may do some VVTi repairing.
In a nutshell, 2AR-FE is a decent motor with great durability. You will face almost no troubles if you provide it with regular service along with buying fuel and oil only of good quality.
Moreover, it’s advisable to change the motor oil more frequently. Thus, you will reach greater lifespan of this motor, which is able to run more than 180,000 miles (300,000 kilometers).
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