2012–2013 XU40 (2nd generation, final years)
2012–2013 Toyota Highlander Fluid Types and Capacities
Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: Toyota WS ATF. 2.7L: U760E 6-speed, total fill ~6.9 qt (6.5 L); V6: 5-speed automatic, total fill ~9.3–9.5 qt (8.8–9.0 L); Hybrid eCVT transaxle: ~4.9 qt (4.6 L). No dipstick, level set by overflow check.. Coolant: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink, pre-mixed). 2.7L: ~7.3–10.4 qt (6.9–9.8 L) depending on AC/tow config; V6: ~9.3–12.4 qt (8.8–11.7 L); Hybrid: ~14.3 qt engine loop + 2.4 qt inverter loop. First change 100k mi, then every 50k..
Last verified
2012–2013 Toyota Highlander fluid guide
High confidence| System | Fluid type & capacity |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink, pre-mixed). 2.7L: ~7.3–10.4 qt (6.9–9.8 L) depending on AC/tow config; V6: ~9.3–12.4 qt (8.8–11.7 L); Hybrid: ~14.3 qt engine loop + 2.4 qt inverter loop. First change 100k mi, then every 50k. |
| Transmission | Toyota WS ATF. 2.7L: U760E 6-speed, total fill ~6.9 qt (6.5 L); V6: 5-speed automatic, total fill ~9.3–9.5 qt (8.8–9.0 L); Hybrid eCVT transaxle: ~4.9 qt (4.6 L). No dipstick, level set by overflow check. |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Power steering | None (electric power steering) |
Plain washer fluid; no special spec
Which Toyota Highlander model years does this cover?
These fluids specifications apply to every Toyota Highlander built from 2012 through 2013 — the XU40 (2nd generation, final years), mid-size 3-row crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander
- 2012Carryover of the 2011 facelift (revised fascia, PSX26W fog lamps). Towing: 5,000 lbs V6 with factory tow prep (3,500 without), 1,500 lbs 2.7L, 3,500 lbs hybrid
- 2013Final XU40 year; subject of the 14V-148 second-row seat recall
2012–2013 Toyota Highlander fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander take?
- Toyota WS ATF. 2.7L: U760E 6-speed, total fill ~6.9 qt (6.5 L); V6: 5-speed automatic, total fill ~9.3–9.5 qt (8.8–9.0 L); Hybrid eCVT transaxle: ~4.9 qt (4.6 L). No dipstick, level set by overflow check.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander use?
- Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink, pre-mixed). 2.7L: ~7.3–10.4 qt (6.9–9.8 L) depending on AC/tow config; V6: ~9.3–12.4 qt (8.8–11.7 L); Hybrid: ~14.3 qt engine loop + 2.4 qt inverter loop. First change 100k mi, then every 50k..
What brake fluid does a 2012–2013 Toyota Highlander take?
- DOT 3 brake fluid.
Sources
- Toyota technical data, Highlander XU40 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)
- Toyota TrueStart battery application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)
- Toyota Genuine spark plug application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)
- NHTSA recall 14V-148, second row seat lock
- TirePressure.org, 2013 Toyota Highlander placard pressures
- fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Highlander EPA ratings
- XenonPro, 2011–2013 Highlander bulb size chart
- AutoZone, 2013 Highlander wiper blade fitment (26/20)
