2016–2024 Toyota Highlander Oil Capacity & Fluid Specs
Quick answer
The 2017–2023 Highlander 3.5L V6 takes 5.8 quarts of 0W-20 with a filter change; the 2016 V6 takes 6.4 quarts; the 2023.5–2024 2.4L turbo takes 5.6 quarts of 0W-20; the 2020+ hybrid takes about 4.8 quarts of 0W-16. Lug nut torque is 76 lb-ft on every year.
Specs below come straight from Toyota's own owner's manuals (2016, 2020 and 2023 turbo editions), with page citations on file. The trap on this truck is the V6 swap: the 2016 2GR-FE takes 6.4 quarts, but the 2017+ 2GR-FKS takes only 5.8; pour the old amount into the new engine and you're overfilled. The 2020 redesign (XU70) kept the V6, added the 2.5L hybrid, then mid-2023 the V6 retired for the 2.4L turbo, which, against turbo instinct, still specifies plain 0W-20 (ILSAC GF-6A) and adds a second little cooling circuit for the intercooler. Every gas engine here uses the same cartridge-filter setup, so budget for a 64mm cap wrench once and you're set for the decade.
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3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS, 2017–2023)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 5.8 qt (5.5 L), printed in the 2020 manual; 2017–2019 use the same engine, verify your year |
| Engine oil (without filter) | 5.6 qt (5.3 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 0W-20 (5W-20 acceptable if 0W-20 unavailable; return to 0W-20 at the next change) |
| Oil filter | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) |
| Automatic, 8-speed (UA80, total) | 8.0 qt (7.58 L) total per the 2020 manual; service is by level-check procedure, not a full exchange: 2017–2019 owners verify · Toyota ATF WS |
| Coolant (engine) | 12.9 qt (12.2 L) with Stop & Start · 12.5 qt (11.8 L) without, Toyota Super Long Life (pink), per the 2020 manual |
| Transfer case (AWD) | 0.41 qt (0.39 L) · Toyota Differential Gear Oil LX |
| Rear differential (AWD) | 0.56 qt (0.53 L) · Toyota Differential Gear Oil LX |
Engine layout: banks, cylinder numbers & firing order
- Configuration
- V6 (60°)
- Mounting
- Transverse: mounted sideways (FWD)
- Firing order
- 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6
- Which side is Bank 1?
- Bank 1 is the bank that contains cylinder #1:rear bank (firewall side).
Bank 1 (cylinders 1, 3, 5) is the rear bank (firewall side); Bank 2 (cylinders 2, 4, 6) is the front bank (radiator side). That's the head a bank-specific code (P0420/P0430, P0171/P0174, or an upstream oxygen-sensor code) is pointing you to.
3.5L V6 (2GR-FE, 2016)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 6.4 qt (6.1 L) |
| Engine oil (without filter) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 0W-20 (5W-20 acceptable temporarily) |
| Oil filter | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) |
| Automatic, 6-speed (U660E, total) | 6.9 qt (6.5 L) total 2WD · 7.1 qt (6.7 L) total AWD, a pan drain takes roughly half · Toyota ATF WS |
| Coolant (engine) | 12.3 qt (11.6 L) · 12.6 qt (11.9 L) with towing package, Toyota pink |
| Transfer case (AWD) | 0.8 qt (0.8 L) · Toyota Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 |
| Rear differential (AWD) | 0.5 qt (0.5 L) · Toyota Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 |
Engine layout: banks, cylinder numbers & firing order
- Configuration
- V6 (60°)
- Mounting
- Transverse: mounted sideways (FWD)
- Firing order
- 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6
- Which side is Bank 1?
- Bank 1 is the bank that contains cylinder #1:rear bank (firewall side).
Bank 1 (cylinders 1, 3, 5) is the rear bank (firewall side); Bank 2 (cylinders 2, 4, 6) is the front bank (radiator side). That's the head a bank-specific code (P0420/P0430, P0171/P0174, or an upstream oxygen-sensor code) is pointing you to.
2.7L 4-cyl (1AR-FE, 2016–2019 LE 2WD)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L) |
| Engine oil (without filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 0W-20 (5W-20 acceptable temporarily) |
| Oil filter | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) |
| Automatic, 6-speed (U760E, total) | 6.9 qt (6.5 L) total · Toyota ATF WS |
| Coolant (engine) | 10.7 qt (10.1 L), Toyota pink |
2.4L Turbo (T24A-FTS, 2023.5–2024)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 5.6 qt (5.3 L) |
| Engine oil (without filter) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 0W-20 (ILSAC GF-6A, yes, the turbo still specifies 0W-20; 5W-20 acceptable temporarily) |
| Oil filter | Cartridge, the turbo's element differs from the V6's; verify the part number for your VIN |
| Automatic, 8-speed (total) | 7.5 qt (7.1 L) total; service per level-check procedure · Toyota ATF WS |
| Coolant (engine) | Engine 12.3 qt (11.6 L) with Stop & Start · 11.7 qt (11.1 L) without + separate intercooler circuit 3.3 qt (3.1 L): Toyota pink, two circuits |
| Transfer case (AWD) | 0.41 qt (0.39 L) · Toyota Differential Gear Oil LX |
| Rear differential (AWD) | 0.56 qt (0.53 L) · Toyota Differential Gear Oil LX |
2.5L Hybrid (A25A-FXS, 2020–2024)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L). Toyota's published hybrid figure; the hybrid manual is not among our verified sources, so confirm in yours |
| Oil viscosity | 0W-16 (0W-20 acceptable if 0W-16 unavailable; return to 0W-16 at the next change) |
| Oil filter | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) |
| Hybrid transaxle (eCVT) | Dealer-procedure service, the hybrid manual defers transaxle quantities to the dealer · Toyota ATF WS |
| Coolant (engine) | Two separate circuits (engine + power control unit/inverter), quantities per the hybrid manual; verify before servicing |
Oil drain plug torque: ≈30 lb-ft (41 N·m) commonly cited, not printed in the owner's manual; verify in the repair manual
Capacities compiled from the owner’s manual. Always confirm with your own manual before servicing.
Quick reference
| Lug nut torque | 76 lb-ft (103 N·m), printed in the 2016, 2020 and 2023 manuals |
| Tire pressure (factory placard) | 35 psi (2016–2019) · 36 psi (2020–2024); confirm on your door-jamb label |
| Common factory tire sizes | 245/60R18 · 245/55R19 (2016–19) · 235/65R18 · 235/55R20 (2020–24) |
| Spark plugs / gap | 2016 V6: Denso FK20HR11, 0.043" · 2.7L: Denso SK16HR11, 0.043" · 2017–23 V6: Denso FK20HBR8, 0.031" (per 2020 manual) · 2.4T: NGK DILZKAR8E7H, 0.028"; do not adjust the gap |
| Fuel tank | 19.2 gal (2016–2019) · 17.9 gal (2020–2024), regular 87 octane on every engine, turbo included |
| Battery | Varies by year/engine (Group 24F common on 2016–19; EN-spec LN on 2020+), not printed in the manual, verify at the parts counter |
| Wiper blades | Not printed in the manual, measure yours or use the in-store fit guide before buying |
A/C refrigerant & compressor oil
| Years / engine | Refrigerant | Charge | Compressor oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2019 all engines (3.5L V6 2GR-FKS gas; 3.5L V6 hybrid) | R-134a | 22.9 oz (650 g) | Denso ND-Oil 8 (PAG 46 equivalent), 4.5 oz |
| 2020-2024 all engines (3.5L V6 2GR-FKS gas; 2.5L hybrid w/ electric compressor) | R-1234yf | 18.5 oz (525 g) | PAG 46 low-viscosity (gas); Denso ND-Oil 12 / electric-compressor-spec oil for hybrid |
⚠ Refrigerant type and charge can change by model year and trim. Always confirm against the under-hood A/C charge label on your specific vehicle before recharging: that decal is the authoritative source. A wrong charge, or the wrong oil (PAG vs. POE), can damage the compressor.
How to read A/C gauges: pressure chart & diagnosis →Maintenance schedule highlights
| Item | Interval |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | Every 10,000 mi / 12 mo (5,000 severe) |
| Tire rotation | Every 5,000 mi |
| Engine air filter | Every 30,000 mi |
| Cabin filter | Every 15,000–30,000 mi |
| Spark plugs (iridium) | Every 120,000 mi |
| Coolant | First 100,000 mi, then every 50,000 |
Exact products for this vehicle
- 0W-20 full synthetic, 6-qt supply (V6/turbo) / 0W-16 (2020+ hybrid) ↗
- Toyota 04152-YZZA1 cartridge filter (with O-rings) ↗
- Drain plug gasket (Toyota 90430-12031) ↗
- 64mm 14-flute oil filter cap wrench ↗
- Funnel + 8-qt drain pan (the V6 drains fast) ↗
- Lisle 24780 spill-free coolant funnel: purges trapped air on refill ↗
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DIY oil change: quick steps
-
1 Set up
Warm engine, level ground. The Highlander has decent clearance, most owners skip ramps. The cartridge filter housing hangs below the engine, accessible from underneath.
-
2 Drain
14mm drain plug, new aluminum gasket every time (Toyota 90430-12031). The V6 holds nearly 6 quarts; use a wide pan and don't start the threads until the stream fully stops.
-
3 Cartridge filter
64mm cap wrench, swap the element and BOTH O-rings (lightly oiled), and torque the cap modestly: the plastic housing cracks from over-tightening. ≈18 lb-ft typical, verify yours.
-
4 Refill, verify, reset
Fill per your engine's table, check the dipstick after five minutes of settling, run and inspect. Reset: 2020+, gauge-cluster Settings → vehicle settings → scheduled maintenance; 2016–2019, switch the display to Trip A, key off, then hold the trip button while powering on until the zeros appear.
Common problems on this vehicle
Fuel pump recall (2017–2019)
2017–2019 Highlanders are covered by the Denso low-pressure fuel pump recalls (NHTSA 20V-012, expanded by 20V-682; Toyota campaign 20TA02). The pump impeller can swell, deform, and stall the engine at speed. Run your VIN through our free recall check; the fix is a no-cost dealer pump replacement.
8-speed drivability complaints (2017–2018)
The 2017 switch to the 2GR-FKS and 8-speed UA80 brought hesitation and harsh-shift complaints. Toyota addressed them in stages: T-SB-0194-17 (lack of power / shift hesitation, a calibration update) and T-SB-0160-18 (whine, harsh shifting, or MIL, up to a remanufactured transmission under warranty). If your 2017–2018 shifts rough, cite these bulletins at the dealer before paying for diagnosis.
Front lower bumper cover recall (2020–2023)
About 750,000 2020–2023 Highlanders (gas and hybrid) were recalled because a minor parking-lot tap can leave the front lower bumper cover loose enough to detach while driving: NHTSA 23V-720, Toyota campaign 23TA12. The remedy is added retention clips or replacement covers, free at the dealer. Another one our VIN tool catches instantly.
EVAP codes from the fuel cap
Like most Toyotas of this era, the Highlander sets P0455/P0442 most often from a loose or aging fuel cap: field experience, not a documented defect. Re-seat the cap and clear the code before buying parts; our EVAP guide walks the cheap ladder in order.
Related code: P0455
Codes this vehicle is known for
Recall results below are shown for 2024 models; check your exact year with the free VIN tool.
Open recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Service bulletins (TSBs)
Manufacturer communications and technical service bulletins for this vehicle are available on NHTSA’s site:
View TSBs on NHTSA.gov ↗Frequently asked questions
- How much oil does the Highlander V6 take?
- Depends on the year, per Toyota's manuals: the 2016 (2GR-FE) takes 6.4 quarts with a filter change; the 2017–2023 (2GR-FKS) takes 5.8 quarts. Both use 0W-20. This is the most common overfill mistake on these trucks: match the quantity to your engine, not your habit.
- What oil does the Highlander Hybrid use?
- The 2020+ hybrid (2.5L A25A-FXS) specifies 0W-16, about 4.8 quarts with the filter; confirm in your hybrid manual, which we haven't page-verified. The older 2016–2019 Hybrid (3.5L 2GR-FXE) uses 0W-20; check your manual for its exact capacity before filling.
- Does the 2.4L turbo need special oil?
- No, Toyota's 2023 manual specifies ordinary 0W-20 full synthetic (ILSAC GF-6A), 5.6 quarts with the filter, same viscosity as the V6. The turbo does add a separate 3.3-quart intercooler coolant circuit, so there are two cooling systems to check, both Toyota pink.
- What transmission fluid does the Highlander take, and does it ever need changing?
- Toyota ATF WS in every gas automatic (6-speed through 2016-ish, 8-speed after) and in the hybrid eCVT. Toyota publishes no change interval for normal use, and the printed capacities are totals: a pan drain-and-fill moves roughly half. Many owners do a WS drain-and-fill around 60,000 miles under severe use; the level check is a temperature-specific procedure, so follow the repair manual or let a shop set it.
- What's the lug nut torque?
- 76 lb-ft (103 N·m), star pattern: printed in the 2016, 2020 and 2023 manuals alike. Toyota also says to re-check the nuts after 1,000 miles when wheels have been off.
