The 2UZ-fe and 2UZ-fe VVt-i are officially interference engines, according to Toyota.
Which means the valves will contact pistons tops if camshaft and crankshaft rotation is not keep in unison within a specific range. During a timing belt break, while engine running, the camshafts stop rotating leaving some valves open. While the crankshaft continues at least a few more revaluation, moving piston up into contact with valves "interference"
In the real world it's seem these are
not interference engines. Edited 1/18/18
We've many accounts in mud of Timing belt breaks under load in the non 2UZ VVT engine, without any interference. We've also accounts of crankshafts being rotated with timing belt off, without any interference.
I recently rotated the crankshaft more than 360 deg with timing belt off on this 2UZ-fe VVT engine. Where as I can't say for certain that any intake valves where fully extended, although it did appear two where. I did have 5 exhaust valve stuck wide open. There was no Interference in this 2UZ-fe VVT engine. But this is not under load.
Edites 1/18/18: I just spoke with one of the most knowledgeable Toyota Service manager I've ever come across. He does much the same as I buying and restore 80 and 100 series. Was a tech for many years before become a service manager. He works at one of the top rated Toyota Service center (Dealership) in the world. He said the 2UZ-fe VVT-i is an interference engine. It happen at their shop when a Tech use the "T" marks (wrong mark) while doing a timing belt job. After assemble while reving to burp, the engine blew. Piston tops damaged and valves bent. They bought the customer a new engine.
Next chance I get I'll make sure some intakes values are fully open, to get a better idea of the VVT interference question.
I suppose it is possible a very loose engine with weak valve springs could interfere under load. But that would be rare with the 2UZ-fe to be so loose, based on the break down condition of the Tundra 1 million mile engine, it was still tight!
Million Mile Tundra: The Tear Down