Toyota 2AR-FE 2.5L Engine
The Toyota 2AR-FE is a 2.5L four-cylinder built from 2008 to 2018, powering the Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Venza and Scion tC. Used 2AR-FE engines run $1,200 to $2,100. It replaced the 2AZ-FE and fixed that engine's stripped head bolt problem — but early units had their own oil consumption issue worth checking before you buy.
Need one now? See our Toyota 2.5L engines in stock, or text your VIN to +1 (361) 470-5276 and we'll confirm your exact engine code.
Oil consumption — check this first
Some 2AR-FE units, mainly from the earlier production years, burn oil between changes. The cause is piston ring design — the oil control rings can allow oil past into the combustion chamber.
What owners report
- Oil level dropping noticeably between changes
- A quart or more consumed every 1,000 to 3,000 miles in worse cases
- No visible leaks and no blue smoke in many cases, which makes it easy to miss
What to check before buying
Ask for the donor vehicle's oil consumption history. A unit that used oil heavily is a unit whose rings are worn — the mileage number alone will not tell you this.
Later production units improved. If your build allows a later-year engine, it is the lower-risk choice.
→ Browse tested Toyota 2AR-FE engines in stock
2AR-FE Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
| Displacement | 2.5L / 152 cu in |
| Configuration | Inline 4, DOHC, 16 valves |
| Block | Aluminum with cast iron liners |
| Valvetrain | Dual VVT-i |
| Fuel | Port injection |
| Power | Roughly 169 – 180 hp depending on application |
| Production | 2008–2018 |
2AR Family — which one do you have?
| Code | Type | Used in |
| 2AR-FE | Standard, port injection | Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Venza, Scion tC |
| 2AR-FXE | Atkinson cycle, hybrid | Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid |
| 2AR-FSE | D-4S direct + port | Lexus IS 250h, GS 300h |
The hybrid version is not interchangeable. The 2AR-FXE runs a different cycle with different cams, pistons and management. A hybrid engine will not work in a standard Camry, and the reverse is also true. We match by VIN before anything ships.
2AR-FE vs 2AZ-FE — the upgrade that mattered
The 2AR-FE replaced the 2.4L 2AZ-FE, and the change fixed a real problem.
| 2AZ-FE 2.4L | 2AR-FE 2.5L | |
| Years | 2001–2012 | 2008–2018 |
| Head bolts | Known to strip out of the block | Redesigned — not an issue |
| Oil consumption | Common on many units | Present on some earlier units |
| Power | Around 158 hp | Around 178 hp |
They are not interchangeable despite both being Toyota four-cylinders in the same vehicles. Different displacement, different mounting, different management. Check your year carefully — 2008 to 2012 Camry and RAV4 could have either.
How to Identify Your Engine
Read the 8th digit of your VIN, then confirm against year and model. Toyota VIN coding varies by platform, so the engine code stamped on the block is the final word.
The reliable check: send us your full 17-character VIN. Text it to +1 (361) 470-5276 and we'll confirm in minutes, or browse all Toyota used engines to see what's available for your year.
Other Known Issues
Water pump
A common wear item on higher-mileage units. Worth replacing during installation while the engine is out and access is easy.
VVT-i actuator rattle
A brief rattle on cold start from the variable valve timing actuator. Usually short-lived and not a failure, but worth noting on a run test.
Timing chain
The 2AR-FE uses a chain rather than a belt, which is a durability advantage. Chain guides and tensioners still wear at high mileage, so inspect them during the swap.
Which Vehicles Use the 2AR-FE
| Vehicle | Years |
| Toyota Camry (4-cylinder) | 2010–2017 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2009–2018 |
| Toyota Highlander (4-cylinder) | 2009–2013 |
| Toyota Venza (4-cylinder) | 2009–2015 |
| Scion tC | 2011–2016 |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid (2AR-FXE) | 2012–2017 |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2AR-FXE) | 2016–2018 |
Driving a Scion? We also stock used Scion engines for the tC, xB and xD.
Which Years to Buy
- 2014–2018 — the safest buy. Later production, fewest oil consumption reports.
- 2011–2013 — good engines, but ask about oil consumption history.
- 2009–2010 — earliest units, cheapest. Check service records carefully.
Used 2AR-FE Prices
| Application | Condition | Typical price |
| Camry 2.5L | Used, tested | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| RAV4 2.5L | Used, tested | $1,300 – $2,000 |
| Highlander / Venza 2.5L | Used, tested | $1,400 – $2,100 |
| Any application | Remanufactured | $2,600 – $3,800 |
Free freight to any US address — residential included. Most suppliers charge $150 or more for residential delivery.
→ Shop Toyota 2AR-FE engines — live prices and mileage
What's Included
Complete engine assembly: block, head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, valve cover and oil pan. Intake manifold and accessories are included where present on the donor unit at no extra charge, but are not covered under warranty.
You will typically transfer from your old engine: alternator, A/C compressor, starter, flexplate, sensors, and vehicle-specific brackets.
Shipping and Warranty
| Warranty | 6 months standard, parts and return freight. Extended to 3 years available. |
| Shipping | Free, all 50 states, residential and commercial |
| Prep time | 3–5 business days |
| Transit | 2–4 business days |
| Before shipping | We photograph your exact unit and send it for approval |
| Returns | 30 days, free return shipping |
Full terms: used engine warranty policy · shipping policy · returns and refunds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Toyota 2AR-FE a reliable engine?
Yes. It is a durable four-cylinder that commonly reaches 200,000 to 250,000 miles with regular maintenance. It fixed the stripped head bolt problem that affected the earlier 2AZ-FE. Its main weakness is oil consumption on some earlier production units, caused by piston ring design.
Does the 2AR-FE burn oil?
Some units do, mainly from earlier production years. The cause is oil control ring design allowing oil past into the combustion chamber. Owners report a quart or more consumed every 1,000 to 3,000 miles in worse cases, often with no visible leaks or smoke. Ask for the donor vehicle's oil consumption history before buying.
What's the difference between 2AR-FE and 2AZ-FE?
The 2AR-FE is 2.5L and replaced the 2.4L 2AZ-FE. The change fixed the 2AZ-FE's stripped head bolt problem and raised output from around 158 hp to around 178 hp. They are not interchangeable — different displacement, mounting and engine management. On 2008 to 2012 Camry and RAV4, either engine is possible, so check your year and VIN.
Will a Camry Hybrid engine fit a regular Camry?
No. The hybrid uses the 2AR-FXE, which runs the Atkinson cycle with different cams, pistons and engine management. It will not work in a standard Camry, and a standard 2AR-FE will not work in a hybrid. We verify this by VIN before anything ships.
How long does a 2AR-FE last?
Commonly 200,000 to 250,000 miles with regular oil changes. The timing chain is a durability advantage over belt-driven engines. Water pumps are the most common wear item and are worth replacing during installation.
How many miles is too many for a used 2AR-FE?
Under 110,000 miles is a strong buy. 110,000 to 160,000 is workable on a compression-tested unit with service records. Above 180,000 we'd recommend a lower-mileage unit, particularly given the oil consumption concern on earlier engines.
Do you have other Toyota engines and transmissions?
Yes. We stock over 1,000 used Toyota engines covering the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6, 2AZ-FE 2.4L, 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 and 1ZZ and 2ZR 1.8L, plus used Toyota transmissions for the Camry, Corolla, RAV4 and Tacoma.
Need a Toyota 2AR-FE?
Browse Toyota 2.5L engines in stock with live prices and documented mileage, or call and text +1 (361) 470-5276 with your VIN. Free nationwide shipping, 6-month warranty, photos before we ship.
Other engine guides: all engine guides · Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 · Honda 1.5L Turbo · Ford 5.4L Triton · GM 5.3L Vortec · contact us