Toyota engine reliability: 2GR vs 2AR?

[Elkins45]

Obviously the V6 2GR has a horsepower advantage over the four cylinder, but for a basic transportation appliance I really don’t care, and most likely MPG would be higher with the four. In terms of reliability is there a big difference between the two or are other factors more important in choosing between two Toyotas?

My wife’s RAV has a 2AR and it’s been trouble free for 150k miles, but it has started developing a VVT rattle, which I understand isn’t uncommon. Does the 2GR also have this issue?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I'd always take the I4 over the V6

Any transverse V6 is difficult to work on, especially Toyota. Getting to the back of the engine takes hours!

 

[The Critic]

Only the early 2GR engines had issues with rattling cam gears. Mostly resolved by early 2010 era.

Recent 2GR-FKS engines can have issues with the valve seats.

 

[doublebase]

I would take the 2GR over the 2AR.

And it’s not about the HP or excellent fuel economy the 2GR has as a V6, it’s the overall reliability.

I’m not saying the 2AR is terrible or “bad”, but they do have a history of ring issues, oil consumption and VVT rattle through some of their years. And it’s unavoidable, no maintenance plan will stop or cure it. There’s certain inherent design flaws with the rings and skirts (if I remember).

Meanwhile you have the 2GR’s puring along for 200,000, 300,000, 400,000 thousand miles with owners all over telling us ZERO oil consumption, zero issues. I’ve seen a few with startup rattle, but that was at really high mileage. I’ve seen one with a VVT code in my lifetime, after two oil changes it went away (200,000 mile neglected Sienna mini van). I have never seen a single 2GR come in with a check engine light (aside from that Sienna), or a misfire, vacuum leak. Nothing. And they may be one of the most abused/neglected engines I’ve ever seen. 10,000 plus mile intervals in family haulers, short tripped, long tripped and everything in between…usually with a trailer hitch on back towing something they shouldn’t be.

 

[Delta]

I honestly think they're both as reliable. They have their different quirks that's for sure. Now if we throw the A25A into the mix, I will take that over the 2GR or 2AR. Besides some initial roll-out issues they seem to be tracking really well. Great power and great economy.