The conventional school of thought is that most wear on an engine occurs when it starts up as it operates for a short period with no oil pressure. That is the reason cars with highway miles are thought to have good engines even with high mileage. As I was driving today I noticed that the engine must have turned off and on 50 times in one trip in response to the accelerator input. Presumably there is no oil pressure every time it starts. Does this not result in excessive wear? I don't think it has an electric oil pump so how it it lubricated during frequent starts? Also the Prius engine seems to have a good record of reliability. Anybody have any data on the robustness and reliability of the engine in the 300h? I know it is also used in the camry hybrid and how has it survived there?

Also is the drivetrain of the Camry and Lexus identical or does the Lexus have a bigger motor or something like that?
Thanks

 

Design features of the 2AR-FXE engine accommodate the constant starting-up. From resin on the piston skirts to a valve in the oil pump that diverts relief pressure directly back into the suction side of the pump, even the oil strainer itself is low profile to enable an overall lower engine height (less travel of oil). Its safe to say these things are designed to handle the "abuse".

 

Starting up the hybrid engine is not at all like starting a conventional engine. Camry hybrid taxis in Toronto have gone over 400,000 km in good shape.

 

The ES300h engine is entirely belt less and has low friction bits everywhere to maximize efficiency. I've noticed mine being a lot smoother now at 7000 km than when new. I did an oil and filter change at 1000 km out of habit but that's probably not necessary.

I would be a lot more confident with a Toyota hybrid engine lasting almost forever compared to a VW hybrid with a small turbo and dual clutch transmission. The battery pack or planet gears would probably break down before the engine.

 

The Toyota hydrid engine and traction battery is best in the industry and has the longest warranty.