2GR-FE Engine in Phoenix, Arizona
The 3.5-litre Toyota V6 that powered a generation of Camrys, RAV4s, Highlanders and Lexus models, now common enough in the Valley that replacement is a straightforward proposition.
- Family
- 2GR-FE (GR-series)
- Displacement
- 3.5 L
- Configuration
- V6, 60-degree
- Valvetrain
- DOHC, 24 valves, Dual VVT-i
- Produced
- 2006 onward
Bore and stroke are omitted for this family: the code covers variants with different figures, and a single pair of numbers would be wrong for some of them.
The 2GR-FE is a 3.5-litre V6 from Toyota's GR family, introduced in 2006 as the successor to the MZ-series. It uses Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts) and produces significantly more output than the engines it replaced while meeting stricter emissions standards.
The engine's breadth of application is its defining characteristic. It was fitted to the Camry V6, the RAV4 V6, the Highlander, the Sienna, and a wide range of Lexus models including the RX350, ES350, GS350 and IS350. That spread means the used supply is deep and the family code alone does not identify the specific variant.
Later production introduced the 2GR-FKS, which adds D-4S dual injection (direct plus port) and produces more power with better efficiency. The FKS is a different engine from the FE in terms of fuel system and engine management, and the two are not interchangeable without addressing the ECU and fuel system.
2GR-FE versus 2GR-FKS
The 2GR-FE is the port-injected version; the 2GR-FKS adds Toyota's D-4S dual injection system. The two are not interchangeable from an engine management perspective, and a listing that says only "2GR" has not told you which one it is.
The FKS appeared in later model years of the same vehicles, so model year alone is not a reliable guide. The VIN or the stamp on the engine settles it.
Application-specific differences
Camry, RAV4, Highlander and Lexus applications differ in accessory layout, mounting and wiring despite sharing the family code. Supplying year, trim and VIN ensures the correct configuration.
These are now aging enough that the timing chain tensioner, valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals are worth inspecting on any used unit.
Vehicles built with a 2GR-FE
A broad application range spanning the Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Venza and several Lexus models, each with its own accessory layout and emissions calibration.
| Vehicle | Years | Trim / body | Engine code | Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | 2007–2017 | V6 | 2GR-FE / 2GR-FKS | USDM |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2006–2012 | V6 | 2GR-FE | USDM |
| Toyota Highlander | 2008–2013 | V6 | 2GR-FE | USDM |
| Lexus RX350 | 2007–2015 | : | 2GR-FE | USDM |
| Lexus ES350 | 2007–2018 | : | 2GR-FE | USDM |
2GR-FE variants
The 2GR-FE is the core naturally aspirated variant. The later 2GR-FKS adds D-4S direct injection and is a different engine.
- 2GR-FEBoth
- The standard 3.5-litre specification across Camry, RAV4, Highlander and Lexus models.
- 2GR-FKSUSDM
- Later D-4S dual-injection version with revised intake and higher output.
Identifying a 2GR-FE
- The engine code is stamped on the block. The GR family also includes the 2GR-FKS and the 2GR-FSE, which are different specifications.
- The 2GR-FE can be distinguished from the earlier 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE by its larger size, different intake manifold shape and the Dual VVT-i solenoids on both cylinder heads.
- The 2GR-FKS has a different intake manifold and fuel system from the 2GR-FE. The two are visually distinguishable at the fuel rail and injectors.
A seller describing an engine as a particular variant is making a checkable claim. Asking for a photograph of the stamp on the actual unit is not a sign of distrust; it is the normal way this gets confirmed. The engine code guide shows where each family is stamped if you want to read the one in your own car first.
What varies between 2GR-FE units
These are the differences that decide whether two engines with the same family code are substitutes in a particular car.
- The 2GR-FE and 2GR-FKS are different engines in terms of fuel system and engine management. Confirm which a listing describes.
- Unlike the MZ-series it replaced, the 2GR-FE uses a timing chain rather than a belt, which removes one scheduled service item.
- Oil consumption has been reported on certain 2GR-FE production runs, though it is less systematic than the 1MZ-FE issue.
- Camry, RAV4, Highlander and Lexus applications differ in accessory layout and mounting despite sharing the family code.
Nothing on this page confirms that a specific 2GR-FE will work in your vehicle. That takes the year, model and trim at one end and a specific unit at the other, and it happens before a price is given rather than after. What goes into that check is set out here.
Ask about a 2GR-FE for your vehicle
The code is pre-filled. Add the year, model and trim, and the variant question gets settled on our side before anything is confirmed.
Common questions
Is the 2GR-FE the same as the 2GR-FKS?
No. The 2GR-FKS adds D-4S dual injection (direct plus port fuel injection) and produces more output with better efficiency. It is a different engine from the FE in terms of fuel system, intake and engine management. The two are not interchangeable without addressing those systems.
Which Toyota models use the 2GR?
The 2GR-FE was fitted to the Camry V6 (2007–2017), the RAV4 V6 (2006–2012), the Highlander V6 (2008–2013) and the Sienna, among others. The Lexus RX350, ES350, GS350 and IS350 also used variants of the 2GR family.
Related pages
- 1MZ-FE EngineToyota's 3.0 V6 from the Camry, Solara and Highlander.
- 2AZ-FE EngineThe 2.4 four from the Camry, RAV4 and Highlander.
- 1UZ-FE EngineThe all-aluminium 4.0 V8 that launched the Lexus LS 400.
- Toyota CamryThe 2AZ-FE and the two failure modes worth asking about.
- Toyota RAV4The Camry’s engine with an all-wheel-drive variable attached.
- Toyota EnginesToyota engine families from the 2AZ-FE to the JZ-series sixes.
- What Comes With a JDM EngineWhat is usually attached, what almost never is, and what to confirm in writing.
Find the right engine for your vehicle
Tell us the year, model and trim. We identify the engine your vehicle takes and come back with current availability and pricing.