Toyota Hiace Petrol Engine Options 1TR and 2TR: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are looking for a reliable and versatile vehicle, you might have considered the Toyota Hiace. The Toyota Hiace is a light commercial van that can be used for various purposes, such as passenger transport, cargo delivery, ambulance service, and more. The Toyota Hiace has been in production since 1967 and has undergone several generations and modifications.

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a Toyota Hiace is the engine option. The engine is the heart of the vehicle and it determines its performance, fuel efficiency, durability, and reliability. The Toyota Hiace offers different engine options, depending on the market and the model year. In this article, we will focus on the petrol engine options 1TR and 2TR, which are available in some regions, such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The 1TR and 2TR engines are both four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engines that use petrol as fuel. They belong to the TR engine family, which is a series of engines developed by Toyota to replace the old RZ engine family. The 1TR and 2TR engines have some similarities and differences, and each one has its own pros and cons. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the 1TR and 2TR engines, covering their specifications, features, strengths, weaknesses, and common problems. We will also compare the two engines side-by-side and give you some tips on how to choose the right engine option for your needs.

1TR Engine

Overview

The 1TR engine is a 2.0-liter engine that was introduced in 2004. It is mainly used in the Toyota Hiace and the Toyota Hilux. The 1TR engine has a bore of 86 mm and a stroke of 86 mm, giving it a displacement of 1998 cc. The 1TR engine has a compression ratio of 9.6:1 and a maximum power output of 100 kW (134 hp) at 5600 rpm. The 1TR engine has a maximum torque of 182 Nm (134 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm.

Specifications

Here are some of the main specifications of the 1TR engine:

• Engine type: Inline-4, 16-valve, DOHC, petrol
• Displacement: 1998 cc
• Bore x stroke: 86 mm x 86 mm
• Compression ratio: 9.6:1
• Power: 100 kW (134 hp) at 5600 rpm
• Torque: 182 Nm (134 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm
• Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
• Ignition system: Electronic spark ignition (ESI)
• Cooling system: Water-cooled
• Lubrication system: Wet sump
• Emission standard: Euro 4

Features

The 1TR engine has some features that make it a good engine option for the Toyota Hiace. Some of these features are:

• Variable valve timing (VVT-i): The 1TR engine uses the VVT-i system, which is a technology that adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust valves according to the engine speed and load. This improves the engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
• Chain drive: The 1TR engine uses a chain drive to connect the crankshaft and the camshaft. This reduces the noise and vibration of the engine and also eliminates the need for periodic belt replacement.
• Aluminum alloy cylinder block: The 1TR engine has an aluminum alloy cylinder block, which is lighter and stronger than a cast iron block. This reduces the weight and improves the heat dissipation of the engine.

Strengths

The 1TR engine has some strengths that make it a suitable engine option for the Toyota Hiace. Some of these strengths are:

1. Good power and torque: The 1TR engine has a decent power and torque output for its size. It can provide enough power and torque for the Toyota Hiace to carry passengers or cargo with ease.
2. Good fuel efficiency: The 1TR engine has a good fuel efficiency rating for a petrol engine. It can achieve an average fuel consumption of 9.5 L/100 km (24.8 mpg) in the Toyota Hiace. This is partly due to the VVT-i system, which optimizes the fuel injection and combustion.
3. Good durability: The 1TR engine has a good durability record for a petrol engine. It can last for a long time if it is properly maintained and serviced. The chain drive and the aluminum alloy block also contribute to the durability of the engine .

Weaknesses

The 1TR engine also has some weaknesses that make it a less ideal engine option for the Toyota Hiace. Some of these weaknesses are:

1. Low power and torque compared to the 2TR engine: The 1TR engine has a lower power and torque output than the 2TR engine, which is a 2.7-liter engine. The 2TR engine has a power of 118 kW (158 hp) and a torque of 241 Nm (178 lb-ft), which are significantly higher than the 1TR engine. This means that the 2TR engine can provide more acceleration and speed for the Toyota Hiace.
2. High emissions compared to the diesel engine options: The 1TR engine has a high emission level compared to the diesel engine options, such as the 1KD and the 2KD engines. The 1TR engine has a CO2 emission of 223 g/km, while the 1KD and the 2KD engines have a CO2 emission of 204 g/km and 211 g/km, respectively. This means that the 1TR engine is less environmentally friendly and may incur higher taxes and fees in some regions.
3. High maintenance costs compared to the diesel engine options: The 1TR engine has a high maintenance cost compared to the diesel engine options, such as the 1KD and the 2KD engines. The 1TR engine requires more frequent oil changes, spark plugs, filters, and other parts than the diesel engines. This means that the 1TR engine is more expensive to maintain and operate in the long run.

2TR Engine

Overview

The 2TR engine is a 2.7-liter engine that was introduced in 2004. It is mainly used in the Toyota Hiace and the Toyota Fortuner. The 2TR engine has a bore of 95 mm and a stroke of 95 mm, giving it a displacement of 2694 cc. The 2TR engine has a compression ratio of 9.6:1 and a maximum power output of 118 kW (158 hp) at 5200 rpm. The 2TR engine has a maximum torque of 241 Nm (178 lb-ft) at 3800 rpm.

Specifications

Here are some of the main specifications of the 2TR engine:

1. Engine type: Inline-4, 16-valve, DOHC, petrol
2. Displacement: 2694 cc
3. Bore x stroke: 95 mm x 95 mm
4. Compression ratio: 9.6:1
5. Power: 118 kW (158 hp) at 5200 rpm
6. Torque: 241 Nm (178 lb-ft) at 3800 rpm
7. Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
8. Ignition system: Electronic spark ignition (ESI)
9. Cooling system: Water-cooled
10. Lubrication system: Wet sump
11. Emission standard: Euro 4

Features

The 2TR engine has some features that make it a good engine option for the Toyota Hiace. Some of these features are:

• Variable valve timing (VVT-i): The 2TR engine uses the VVT-i system, which is a technology that adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust valves according to the engine speed and load. This improves the engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
• Chain drive: The 2TR engine uses a chain drive to connect the crankshaft and the camshaft. This reduces the noise and vibration of the engine and also eliminates the need for periodic belt replacement.
• Aluminum alloy cylinder block: The 2TR engine has an aluminum alloy cylinder block, which is lighter and stronger than a cast iron block. This reduces the weight and improves the heat dissipation of the engine.

Strengths

The 2TR engine has some strengths that make it a suitable engine option for the Toyota Hiace. Some of these strengths are:

1. High power and torque: The 2TR engine has a high power and torque output for its size. It can provide more power and torque than the 1TR engine, which is a 2.0-liter engine. This means that the 2TR engine can provide more acceleration and speed for the Toyota Hiace.
2. Good fuel efficiency: The 2TR engine has a good fuel efficiency rating for a petrol engine. It can achieve an average fuel consumption of 10.2 L/100 km (23.1 mpg) in the Toyota Hiace. This is partly due to the VVT-i system, which optimizes the fuel injection and combustion.
3. Good durability: The 2TR engine has a good durability record for a petrol engine. It can last for a long time if it is properly maintained and serviced. The chain drive and the aluminum alloy block also contribute to the durability of the engine.

Weaknesses

The 2TR engine also has some weaknesses that make it a less ideal engine option for the Toyota Hiace. Some of these weaknesses are:

1. High emissions compared to the diesel engine options: The 2TR engine has a high emission level compared to the diesel engine options, such as the 1KD and the 2KD engines. The 2TR engine has a CO2 emission of 240 g/km, while the 1KD and the 2KD engines have a CO2 emission of 204 g/km and 211 g/km, respectively. This means that the 2TR engine is less environmentally friendly and may incur higher taxes and fees in some regions.
2. High maintenance costs compared to the diesel engine options: The 2TR engine has a high maintenance cost compared to the diesel engine options, such as the 1KD and the 2KD engines. The 2TR engine requires more frequent oil changes, spark plugs, filters, and other parts than the diesel engines. This means that the 2TR engine is more expensive to maintain and operate in the long run.
3. Low power and torque compared to the 3RZ engine: The 2TR engine has a lower power and torque output than the 3RZ engine, which is a 2.7-liter engine that was used in the previous generation of the Toyota Hiace. The 3RZ engine has a power of 112 kW (150 hp) and a torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), which are slightly higher than the 2TR engine. This means that the 2TR engine is not a significant improvement over the 3RZ engine.

Common Problems Associated with Both 1TR & 2TR

The 1TR and 2TR engines share some common problems that may affect their performance and reliability over time. Some of these common problems are:

• Oil leaks: Both the 1TR and 2TR engines may develop oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, the oil pan gasket, the oil filter, or the oil cooler. These oil leaks can cause the engine to lose oil pressure and lubrication, which can lead to engine damage. The oil leaks can also cause oil stains and smells in the vehicle. To prevent or fix this problem, you should check the oil level and condition regularly, and replace any leaking or damaged parts as soon as possible.
• Overheating: Both the 1TR and 2TR engines may overheat due to a faulty thermostat, a clogged radiator, a leaking coolant hose, or a damaged water pump. These overheating issues can cause the engine to lose power and performance, and may also damage the cylinder head or the head gasket. The overheating can also cause the engine to emit white smoke and steam from the exhaust. To prevent or fix this problem, you should check the coolant level and condition regularly, and flush and refill the cooling system as needed. You should also inspect and replace any faulty or worn parts as soon as possible.
• Misfiring: Both the 1TR and 2TR engines may misfire due to a faulty spark plug, a dirty fuel injector, a bad ignition coil, or a worn timing chain. These misfiring issues can cause the engine to run rough and lose power and fuel efficiency. The misfiring can also cause the engine to emit black smoke and carbon deposits from the exhaust. To prevent or fix this problem, you should check the spark plugs and wires regularly, and clean or replace them as needed. You should also check the fuel injectors and the ignition coils for any signs of dirt, corrosion, or damage, and clean or replace them as needed. You should also check the timing chain for any signs of wear or slack, and adjust or replace it as needed.

Comparison of 1TR and 2TR Engines

The 1TR and 2TR engines are both good engine options for the Toyota Hiace, but they have some differences that may affect your decision. Here is a comparison of the 1TR and 2TR engines based on some key factors:

• Fuel efficiency: The 1TR engine has a slightly better fuel efficiency than the 2TR engine. The 1TR engine can achieve an average fuel consumption of 9.5 L/100 km (24.8 mpg) in the Toyota Hiace, while the 2TR engine can achieve an average fuel consumption of 10.2 L/100 km (23.1 mpg) in the Toyota Hiace. This means that the 1TR engine can save you some money on fuel costs in the long run.
• Power and torque: The 2TR engine has a higher power and torque than the 1TR engine. The 2TR engine has a power of 118 kW (158 hp) and a torque of 241 Nm (178 lb-ft), while the 1TR engine has a power of 100 kW (134 hp) and a torque of 182 Nm (134 lb-ft). This means that the 2TR engine can provide more acceleration and speed for the Toyota Hiace, especially when carrying heavy loads or climbing steep hills.
• Durability: The 1TR and 2TR engines have similar durability ratings. They can both last for a long time if they are properly maintained and serviced. The chain drive and the aluminum alloy block also contribute to the durability of both engines. However, the 2TR engine may have a slight edge over the 1TR engine in terms of durability, as it has a larger displacement and a lower engine speed, which means less stress and wear on the engine parts.
• Reliability: The 1TR and 2TR engines have similar reliability ratings. They are both generally reliable engines, but they may encounter some common problems over time, such as oil leaks, overheating, and misfiring. These problems can be prevented or fixed by regular maintenance and inspection. However, the 2TR engine may have a slight edge over the 1TR engine in terms of reliability, as it has a higher power and torque, which means less strain and effort on the engine when driving.
• Maintenance costs: The 1TR engine has a lower maintenance cost than the 2TR engine. The 1TR engine requires less frequent oil changes, spark plugs, filters, and other parts than the 2TR engine. This means that the 1TR engine is cheaper to maintain and operate in the long run.

Conclusion

The 1TR and 2TR engines are both good engine options for the Toyota Hiace, but they have some differences that may affect your decision. The 1TR engine is a 2.0-liter engine that has a slightly better fuel efficiency, a lower maintenance cost, and a lower emission level than the 2TR engine. The 2TR engine is a 2.7-liter engine that has a higher power and torque, a higher durability, and a higher reliability than the 1TR engine. The choice between the 1TR and 2TR engines depends on your personal preference, budget, and driving needs.

Tips for choosing the right engine option for your Toyota Hiace:

• Consider the availability and price of petrol in your region. If petrol is scarce or expensive, you may want to opt for the 1TR engine, which has a better fuel efficiency than the 2TR engine. If petrol is abundant or cheap, you may want to opt for the 2TR engine, which has a higher power and torque than the 1TR engine.
• Consider the road and traffic conditions in your region. If you drive on smooth and flat roads with light traffic, you may want to opt for the 1TR engine, which has enough power and torque for the Toyota Hiace to run smoothly. If you drive on rough and hilly roads with heavy traffic, you may want to opt for the 2TR engine, which has more power and torque for the Toyota Hiace to overcome obstacles and challenges.
• Consider the purpose and usage of your Toyota Hiace. If you use your Toyota Hiace for passenger transport, you may want to opt for the 1TR engine, which has a lower emission level and a lower maintenance cost than the 2TR engine. If you use your Toyota Hiace for cargo delivery, you may want to opt for the 2TR engine, which has more power and torque and a higher durability and reliability than the 1TR engine.

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