There are three unique 2.7-liter engines that appear in Toyota trucks and SUVs. Let’s take a look at their specs and issues so you know what you’re getting yourself into before you buy.
For some people, the thought of having a four-cylinder-powered pickup truck or SUV is off-putting. However, having the lightweight practicality of a smaller engine can be extremely beneficial in off-road situations.
What’s more, a smaller-displacement inline four-cylinder has significant savings on fuel compared to a V6 or V8. So, if you’re not looking to haul excessively heavy items or tow cars and big trailers, a four-cylinder truck or SUV is likely all you’ll need.
Over the years, the Toyota T100, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Tacoma have all come with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine option. These engines are the Toyota 3RZ-FE, 2TR-FE, and 1AR-FE. Though the displacement is 2.7-liters for all three engines, they came in different vehicles and had slightly different specifications.
Let’s look at the specs and what issues to look for when shopping for a vehicle equipped with each of these Toyota 2.7-liter four-cylinder engines.
Toyota 3RZ-FE Engine: 150 HP can Be Super-charged to 225 HP
The oldest of the Toyota 2.7-liter inline-four lineup is the 3RZ-FE, which initially launched in 1994 and was discontinued after 2004. The vehicles you’ll find the 3RZ engine in as delivered to the U.S. include: the Toyota T100, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota 4Runner.
The 3RZ-FE has standard dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) construction, wherein the cylinder head contains two camshafts controlling the valves. The engine has four valves per cylinder for a total of 16. It uses a stout cast-iron engine block and an aluminum cylinder head. Both the bore and stroke are 95-millimeters, and it has a 9.5 to one compression ratio.
Power output is 150 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. Power could be increased to 225 horsepower with a Toyota Racing Development supercharger kit.
3RZ-FE Engine Issues
Toyota’s are notoriously stout and reliable. This is especially true in their older off-road vehicles like the ones the 3RZ-FE comes in. This being the case, the 3RZ-FE remarkably has no notable failure points.
The 3RZ-FE has forged carbon-steel connecting rods, aluminum pistons with resin-coated skirts, and oil jets spraying the pistons to keep them cool and functional. Furthermore, it has a forged crankshaft. All of these attributes combined make for an engine that is as close to bulletproof as one could be.
The 3RZ-FE is capable of a life span well above and beyond 250,000 miles when cared for properly. While cars this old will tend to have some failing gaskets and leaks, as one might expect, one can very easily put their trust into a 3RZ-FE powered Toyota.
So, if you’re searching for a new off-road vehicle or around town utility brute, a 4Runner, Tacoma, or T100 equipped with the 2.7-liter is something you can truly depend on.
Toyota 2TR-FE Engine (2003-Present)
After discontinuing the 3RZ-FE engine, Toyota introduced the replacement engine bearing the same 2.7-liters of displacement, the 2TR-FE. This engine shares similar properties to the 3RZ engine but has much more modern amenities, according to Motor Reviewer.
The 2TR-FE 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is found only in the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner in the U.S. It continues to be produced as of 2021.
Like the 3RZ, the 2TR-FE uses standard DOHC construction with a cast-iron engine block and an aluminum cylinder head. The biggest advancement with the 2TR, though, is the addition of variable valve timing from the beginning of its production. It saw another upgrade in 2015 when Toyota added their Dual VVT-i system, meaning the valve timing is variable on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to maximize efficiency and power output.
Like the 3TR, it has a square bore and stroke with both remaining at 95-millimeters. Once again, a forged crankshaft, aluminum pistons, and oil jets to cool the pistons make their triumphant return.
Pre-2015 examples have a compression ratio of 9.6 to one and 160 horsepower with a complimenting 178 lb.-ft. of torque.
Engines from 2015 and newer with the Dual VVT-i system have a compression ratio of 10.2 to 1 and make 164 horsepower with 181 lb.-ft. of torque.
2TR-FE Engine Issues
According to Motor Reviewer, the 2TR engine is indeed stout enough to meet Toyota’s reliable legacy standards. However, given that it is a modern engine with complex electronic controls and developments, it is important to maintain proper maintenance and oil levels to ensure a long life. It is relatively free of issues, but not entirely.
The prominent issue with the Toyota 2TR-FE 2.7-liter engine is oil leaks from a faulty front crankshaft (front main) seal for engines produced through 2008. At this point, most of these leaking seals have been replaced, and engines newer than 2008 got an upgraded seal that corrected the problem.
Another issue is that this engine is just generally not powerful enough for the vehicles it is equipped to. Modern vehicle sizes and safety features have made vehicles like the Tacoma and 4Runner heavier than ever, so having a four-cylinder with under 170 horsepower effectively makes it only useful for running around town.
With proper maintenance, though, the 2TR engine is also well capable of a lifespan beyond 250,000 miles.
Toyota 1AR-FE Engine Optimizes Airflow
Finally, the Toyota 1AR-FE engine is yet another 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which began production in 2008 and continues to be produced1 today. The 2.7-liter engine is found in the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Sienna minivan.
The 1AR uses a standard DOHC design, but unlike the other 2.7-liter options, it features both an aluminum engine block and an aluminum cylinder head.
In addition, it has had Toyota’s Dual VVT-i system in place since the beginning of its production. It also has a variable geometry intake manifold to optimize airflow based on engine rpm.
The 1AR-FE engine has a compression ratio of 10 to 1, and power output is between 182 and 187 horsepower, depending on which vehicle it is in. The torque output also varies between 182 and 186 horsepower.
1AR-FE Engine Issues
Unsurprisingly, just like the previous two 2.7-liter engines, the 1AR engine is notably without flaw in terms of mechanical operation and functionality. Toyota takes longevity in its engineering very seriously. So, one is typically able to drive just about any Toyota vehicle without any concerns of major mechanical failure.
However, the biggest complaint about the 1AR-FE engine, especially in the case of the Toyota Highlander, is that it just isn’t quite powerful enough. Furthermore, it actually gets worse fuel economy than the V6 variants of the Highlander.
Best Options: Toyota’s 2.7-liter Four-cylinder Engine Family
Overall, any Toyota vehicle equipped with any form of their 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine family is going to be a vehicle you can depend on. However, in the cases of newer vehicles, it may be best to go with the V6 options. A four-cylinder option will certainly do the job, but a more powerful one will do it better.
That being said, older vehicles like the 4Runner, T100, and early Tacomas equipped with the 3RZ-FE 2.7-liter engine are great run-around vehicles that generally can be found for a few thousand dollars or less. They are dependable and quite capable, especially if looking for an off-road vehicle.
Photos: Toyota
