The compact straight-four engine series NR engines are 1.3 and 1.5-liter aluminum blocks with dual overhead cam (DOHC) cylinders and SFI fuel injection that uses four valves per cylinder for variable valve timing or dual VVT-i depending on the application.
This article will tackle things you need to know about the Toyota 2NR-FE engine.
What are Toyota 2NR-FE Engines?
The Toyota 2NR-FE has a slightly larger displacement than the 1NR-FE and has five iterations under its 8-year development. As the name says, the 2NR-FE engine is a member of the NR family of engines. Toyota’s NR engine family consists of various tiny inline four-cylinder engines with capacities ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 liters.
Aluminum engine blocks and DOHC cylinder heads are used in the NR series. It also has four valves per cylinder and employs multi-point or direct fuel injection. Dual VVT-i is standard on the 1NR, 2NR, 3NR, 4NR, 5NR, 6NR, and 7NR engines, while VVT-iW is standard on the 8NR engine, allowing it to function in the Otto cycle as well as a modified-Atkinson cycle to increase thermal efficiency.
The Toyota Etios received the 1.5 L variation of the NR series engine in the fourth quarter of 2010. It is the first new engine produced by Toyota in over eight years that does not have VVT-i and is designed to save expenses for the Toyota Etios.
Incorporating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head was a novel innovation applied to this engine to cut pollution. From the 2017 model year, a dual VVT-i equipped variant was later produced and initially utilized in the Toyota Avanza and several 1.5L versions in the Asian market.
Engine Specifications and Design:
- Production Run: 2010 – Present
- Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
- Cylinder Block Material: Aluminum
- Configuration: Inline 4
- Bore: 72.5 mm
- Stroke: 90.6 mm
- Valvetrain: DOHC four valves per cylinder
- Displacement: 1.5 L (1496 cc)
- Compression Ratio: 11.5 and 10.5
- Weight: 190 lbs.
- Maximum HP: 106 HP at 6,000 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 103 lb-ft at 4,200 RPM
Engine Design:
The Toyota 2NR-FE is a four-cylinder inline engine with reducing expenses as the main thing in mind. Further, the primary objective of enhancing engine performance while cutting emissions and fuel consumption.
The cylinder block is intended for lightweight engines with high compression ratios. The aluminum “open deck” with thin cast-iron liners functions as a single sturdy component, delivering strength and power that will endure until the engine is rebuilt.
Because the wall thickness between these cylinders is only 7 mm, you won’t have to worry about reboring your engine if something goes wrong – you’ll be ready to go straight away.
The crankshaft axis has been shifted by 8 mm relative to the cylinder axis lines, lessening the lateral component of the piston’s force imposed on the cylinder wall and reducing wear. The crankshaft has four balancing weights, shorter journals, and separate main bearing covers.
The high-rise spacer is a fantastic addition to the engine that allows for more intensive coolant circulation at the top of a cylinder, which enhances heat dissipation and helps to equal out thermal load.
The camshafts are contained in a separate housing on the cylinder head, which simplifies the design and production of the cylinder head.
Hydraulic lash adjusters and roller rockers are part of the valvetrain system. In Asian marketplaces, old-style adjustable tappets are still employed.
To make the most of its performance, Toyota employs advanced engineering. The intake channel was simplified, and airflow improved using computer simulation so that smooth air could flow with less turbulence.
All surfaces were rounded out to reduce or eliminate any rough edges, which could cause drag on engine operation and turn all sharp curves into gently sloping ones.
The Toyota 2NR-FE engine is a sophisticated and efficient design that features an innovative piston construction to reduce friction. The reduced contact surface allows for better gas sealing, which also helps with pumping losses as well as NOx emissions from the previous model year’s version of this unit – all without sacrificing too much weight or space.
With cool exhaust recirculation, you can feel good about running your car on electricity instead of dirty fuel injectors every day; not only does it help save money, but it cleans up our air quality.
Pistons are anodized and coated with a PVD anti-wear compound to reduce the strain on your engine. This makes it more efficient for you, which means that these pistons will provide better gas mileage.
Piston coatings are applied liberally during the manufacturing process so as not only to protect against corrosion but also extend their life by protecting systematic wear caused primarily due to compression rings rubbing against each other or ring gear teeth scuffing off a piece of metal.
Applications of Toyota 2NR-FE Engine:
- Toyota Etios
- Toyota Vios XP150 (Dual VVT-i)
- Toyota Yaris XP150 (Dual VVT-i)
- Toyota Sienta XP170 (Dual. VVT-i)
2NR-VE
Daihatsu improved the 1.5-liter 2NR-FE engine to create the new 2NR-VE engine for its products. Since 2021, the Perodua Myvi and Toyota Rush have been equipped with an idle stop-start mechanism to improve fuel efficiency.
The maximum power generated by the second iteration of the Toyota 2NR-FE is 103 HP at 6,000 RPM and 100 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 RPM.
Applications of Toyota 2NR-VE Engine:
- Daihatsu Gran Max
- Toyota TownAce
- 2020 – Present Mazda Bongo
- 2015 – 2021 Toyota Avanza/Daihatsu Xenia
- 2021 – Present Toyota Avanza/Veloz/Daihatsu Xenia
- Perodua Myvi (M800)
- Daihatsu Terios/Toyota Rush/Perodua Aruz
2NR-FBE
This engine does not differ much from the base 2NR-FE engine. It is available In Brazil as a flex-fuel engine for the Etios. It can run on gasoline or any combination of gasoline and ethanol, up to 100 percent ethanol.
Its power output is 108 HP at 5,600 RPM and has a max torque of 100 lb-ft at 3,100 RPM.
Applications of Toyota 2NR-FBE Engine:
- Toyota Etios (Brazil only)
- Toyota Yaris (Brazil only)
- 2016 – Present Toyota Vios
2NR-FKE
The new 2NR-FKE engine is the newest variant of Toyota’s popular 2NR-FE, and it has some interesting differences from other models. The 38% thermal efficiency means that this machine can do about 8 miles per gallon. However, you won’t be able to get as high a top speed with its torque maxing out at only 200 rpm less than before – but don’t worry because they increased peak power by 12%.
The Atkinson cycle-like design principle allows engines to operate more efficiently under certain conditions while achieving higher output speeds without sacrificing anything else, such as low fuel consumption or fast acceleration rates, making them perfect for cars driven on winding roads.
Application of Toyota 2NR-FKE Engine:
- 2019- Present Toyota Yaris/Yaris ATIV (Thailand)
Problems Surrounding Toyota 2NR-FE Engines
The Toyota 2NR engines are some of the most reliable and efficient on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. The following problems will be addressed throughout this section to help you avoid and mend them.
Some of these issues include:
1. Excessive Soot Deposits
Excess soot deposits in the combustion chamber, valves, and valve seats can reduce compression. This causes the engine to start for a longer amount of time, resulting in DTC P1604. TSB EG-00037T-TME recognizes the problem as an excessive deposit of this sort that may cause a decrease or loss of power.
The following excerpt describes an issue with some automobiles. It has been found that they take longer than usual due not just to the greater time required for ignition but also to build up within particular components such as pistons being covered with residue.
2. Excessive Oil Consumption
The most well-known and prevalent fault with the NR engines, not only with 2NR-FE, is excessive oil consumption, which usually manifests at miles below 60,000 miles. The piston rings are stuck, according to Toyota’s conventional explanation.
Although cylinder block reboring is not necessary, the requirement to replace pistons and connecting rods concurrently prevent a low-cost engine renewal.
Oil consumption was identified as a concern in TSB EG-0095T-1112. Early in 2017, production adjustments were introduced, including redesigned rings and pistons with connecting rods and valve cover replacement for those with greasy valves or nozzles.
3. Clattering noise from the Timing Chain area
You may have heard the grinding or clanking sound of your timing chain, which can be an indicator that it needs to be replaced. This is detailed in TSB EG-00039T – Toyota’s technical service bulletin for this issue. There are two options available; either do nothing or just replace one part by installing a new tensioner arm on top of their already installed engine block without changing any other parts.
4. Rattling or Knocking Noise During Operation
During engine operation, large deposits in the combustion chamber cause a rattling or banging noise. This problem is acknowledged and explained in TSB EG-0094T-0714, which describes some production adjustments introduced at the beginning of 2014 to fix it for good.
The engine’s performance can be dramatically improved with this part’s new, more customized variant. You’ll also want to get your hands on ECU firmware that has been reprogrammed for increased gas mileage and power output.
Summary
The Toyota 2NR-FE engine is a great choice for those looking to have some fun on their way through town. Its lower but still powerful and efficient VVTi drivetrain produces just as much power while using less gas than before.
Add in excellent fuel economy, too- you’ll never regret this reliable little jewel of auto machinery. The new generation Toyota NR can’t be beaten when considering all these features rolled into one small package.
This affordable and reliable engine will take you anywhere with its fuel efficiency. It doesn’t have major issues, so it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to save money on their car payments or just be able to drive around town efficiently.