3.5L Toyota 2GR-Engine Metrics
Transmission pairings are summarized at the bottom of this page.
Engine Size
3456cc
Block Design
V6 60°
Induction
Atmospheric Intake
Valvetrain
Dual VVT-i DOHC 24V
PWR
220-232 kW
Peak Tq
357 - 380 N·m
Compression Ratio
11.8:1 (varies depending on variant and application
Fuel System
D-4S Dual Injection, Direct injector or Multiple port depending on model
Redline
Up to 6,600 RPM
Engine Life
250,000+ MI
Oil Capacity
5.7 US Quarts
Key 2GR 3.5L Variants
- 2GR-FE: FWD transverse standard for SUVs/sedans; Port injection. 2GR-FSE: RWD performance with D-4S direct injection; high output. 2GR-FKS: Modern cycle featuring D-4S and Atkinson capability for efficiency. Market availability: Lexus RX350, IS350, GS350; Toyota Camry, Highlander, Tacoma, Avalon. Specifications depend on specific tuning and regional emissions hardware.
- Overall a terrific engine and probably one of the best V6 engines made in the last decade or two. There are many that mourn the demise of this engine in the Toyota and Lexus lineup in favor of the 2.5L turbo engines and 4 cylinder hybrids.Â
- The engine is extremely and has a linear power band but does not have the low in punch of some of the artificially aspirated 4 and 6 cylinders, although arguably makes up for it with smoothness and durability.Â
- The vehicles it is most widely used in is the Lexus RX350, Toyota Highlanders and Toyota Camry's although other engines have been found in them as well depending on the year and trim. The highly popular RX series SUV began using the engine in 2007 when the name changed from RX330 to RX350.Â
Technical Health and Service Outlook
The 2GR series is known for its robust engineering and high-mileage capability, though owners should be aware of specific age-related wear issues.Â
​
1. Timing cover: this ugly issue has come up for many owners of the 2GR engine which they quickly find requires removal of the engine to service due to lack of access with the transversely mounted engine. It does some times appear fairly early in the engines life as well (less than 60,000km). One the bright side usually it's a slow leak that can be ignored if one is so inclined as long as you keep an eye on the oil level.Â
​
2. VVT system: Cold start rattle. This seems to effect the earlier 2GR engines far more than the later ones (prior to 2013). It is rarely a catestrophic issue which likely many owners ignore.Â
​
3. Water pump: this issue like the timing cover comes up frequently. As the 2GR has a chain driven valve train, it does not require regular timing belt and associated water pump replacement intervals, however this means that the water pump gets forgotten about until it starts leaking. Often occurs around the 100,000 mile mark, and many believe you can potentially extend it's life with early coolant changes.Â
​
4. VVT line and oil cooler lines: This one was a big "oops" in engineering. The rubber lines for both the VVT system (runs up the front of the engine) and the lines to the oil cooler harden with time and can rupure will driving resulting in the engine pumping out it's oil in very short order most often resulting in the engine being destroyed. This becomes more and more of an issue as the rubber of the line ages. There was a factory recall for this issue so many have been replafced, but it is worth checking. Metal replacement lines are widely available which put a stop to this concern once and for all.Â
Typical Maintenance Expenditures (CAD)
$1,000 – $3,000 yearly (Usage Dependent)
2GR-FE
Pros
- Simple port injection; minimal carbon buildup
- Exceptional parts availability
- Proven 300k+ mile durability
- 268-275 HP depending on application
Cons
- Lower fuel efficiency vs FKS
- Timing cover oil leaks common
- Less top-end power delivery
- VVT and oil cooler lines should be replaced
2GR-FSE
Pros
- High 300hp+ output; performance focus
- D-4S dual injection prevents carbon
- Superior high-RPM throttle response
Cons
- More complex direct injection hardware
- Requires premium fuel exclusively
- Limited to specific RWD based platforms
2GR-FKS
Pros
- Atkinson cycle strategy possible under some operating conditions
- Modern D-4S tuning; clean emissions
- Refined start-stop integration (in some application)
- Can run on regular fuel in some applications
Cons
- ​
- Increased electronic complexity
- Higher pressure fuel pump noise
Paired Transmissions
Common automatic gearboxes matched to 2GR applications.
5-Speed Automatic
- Typical Code: U151E/F
- Years Used: 2002-2013
- Paired Models: Toyota Camry, RX350, Toyota highlander, Toyota Avalon, V6 Rav4
- Notes: At times a bit rough shifting due to programming but a very robust transmission. Used in the second generation RX in both the RX330 and RX350 versions and replaced with the 3rd generation with the 6 speed.Â
6-Speed Automatic
- Typical Code: U660F/E
- Years Used: 2007-2017
- Paired Models: Toyota Camry's, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Sienna, RX350
- Notes: Outstanding transaxle. Smooth and very durableÂ
8-Speed Automatic
- Typical Code: U881Â
- Years Used: 2016-2022
- Paired Models: Lexus RX350
- Notes: The 8 speed transaxle is a bit confusing as there were actually two different transmisisons used by Toyota in these years.Â
- The UA series and the U881.Â
- The UA series is fairly mailigned due to final drive failures and challenges in rebuilding on the aftermarket. The U881, however is a different transmission based on the earlier 6 speed and has a much better track record and is the explanation on why the 4th generation RX350 has not suffered any of the transmission final drive failures that are seen in the highlander and V6 Camry, Sienna and Avalon models (the RX350 only used the U881 in the forth generation).Â