Toyota 2.7

[mjk1967]

Casually looking at the used market for Toyota Venzas.

What's the overall feeling of the 2.7 engine?
Thanks.

 

[JHZR2]

I never understood the venza, seems like a bit of misuse of a vehicle platform - Highlander is more utilitarian, and sienna is vastly more useful than a highlander. What’s the point?

That said, my MIL has a 2.7 in a fwd highlander. May not be the exact same engine model as you’re looking at, but it’s a good powerplant. It will carry a highlander full of people (all seats in all three rows filled) in severe service terrain, with zero issues. It’s not the absolutely smoothest engine, but it runs well and quiet.

My in laws actually have a 2.7L and 3.5L highlander, and we all prefer the 2.7L version. Maybe its gearing, or something else, but we all agree. It’s a fine engine.

 

[TheOilWizard]

I never understood the venza, seems like a bit of misuse of a vehicle platform - Highlander is more utilitarian, and sienna is vastly more useful than a highlander. What’s the point?

Two-row crossovers are extremely popular. Not everyone wants or needs the larger three-row crossover such as the Highlander. Seems like a very nice vehicle to me.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I am not at all an expert - but the 1AR-FE - aka Toyota 2.7l, is the same as the 2AR-FE - aka Toyota 2.5l used in the Rav4 and Camry from 2008 to 2018 - except it has a little longer stroke and hence a little more torque. I think the 2.5l of that generation was pretty highly regarded in general. I imagine the slightly larger version was pretty good as well?

 

[AutoMechanic]

I personally like the 2.7 and it’s much easier to work on than the V6 engines in my opinion. The only thing I don’t like it in is the Tacoma because it makes that feel underpowered but in a car or SUV it’s ok. Much easier to change the oil in too than those 6 cylinders.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The 2.7L 1AR-FE is a good engine, MUCH better than any 2GR

It is almost impossible to find a FWD 4-cylinder Venza

I personally like the 2.7 and it’s much easier to work on than the V6 engines in my opinion. The only thing I don’t like it in is the Tacoma because it makes that feel underpowered but in a car or SUV it’s ok. Much easier to change the oil in too than those 6 cylinders.

The Tacoma has a different engine, 2TR-FE

 

[Astro14]

I never understood the venza, seems like a bit of misuse of a vehicle platform - Highlander is more utilitarian, and sienna is vastly more useful than a highlander. What’s the point?

That said, my MIL has a 2.7 in a fwd highlander. May not be the exact same engine model as you’re looking at, but it’s a good powerplant. It will carry a highlander full of people (all seats in all three rows filled) in severe service terrain, with zero issues. It’s not the absolutely smoothest engine, but it runs well and quiet.

My in laws actually have a 2.7L and 3.5L highlander, and we all prefer the 2.7L version. Maybe its gearing, or something else, but we all agree. It’s a fine engine.

Maybe the Highlander and Sienna are too big for some folks. The Venza we looked at a few years ago was nicely appointed, much better than the Highlander, smaller, better MPG, easier to park, and fit our needs.

Ultimately, we didn’t buy it. But we’re empty nesters- so we don’t need a big three row crossover. A smaller two row is much more desirable.

 

[wag123]

It is a great engine, very reliable/durable and highly regarded. It does well in the Venza. Go for it.

 

[Zee09]

I personally like the 2.7 and it’s much easier to work on than the V6 engines in my opinion. The only thing I don’t like it in is the Tacoma because it makes that feel underpowered but in a car or SUV it’s ok. Much easier to change the oil in too than those 6 cylinders.

The 6 cylinder oil change is a fiasco and that oil filter nonsense is a big turn off to me.

 

[mjk1967]

The 6 cylinder oil change is a fiasco and that oil filter nonsense is a big turn off to me.

If the setup is similar to my 11 Avalon, I agree. I'm not a fan of cartridge filters....