---
title: "2012-2013 Toyota Highlander Oil Type: 0W-20, 4.6 qt"
description: "The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.6 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/oil"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander Oil Type and Capacity

The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.6 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.

**Quick answer**: The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander (2.7L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE)) takes 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil, 4.6 quarts with a filter change (OEM filter Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge)). Other engines differ; see the tables below.

## 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander 2.7L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.6 qt / 4.4 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| OEM filter | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG9972 (Ultra), Wix 57047, Purolator L25608 |
| Change interval | 10,000 mi / 12 months with 0W-20 synthetic (normal); 5,000 mi / 6 months (severe service) |

Note: Cartridge-style filter; needs a 64mm cap wrench. Same element as the V6 and most 4-cyl Toyotas of this era.

## 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Permitted if 0W-20 unavailable; return to 0W-20 at next change) |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6.4 qt / 6.1 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| OEM filter | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG9972 (Ultra), Wix 57047, Purolator L25608 |
| Change interval | 10,000 mi / 12 months with 0W-20 synthetic (normal); 5,000 mi / 6 months (severe service) |

Note: Filter housing is accessed from under the car. 6.4 qt with filter, widely confirmed by owners; check the dipstick.

## 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander 3.5L Hybrid (2GR-FXE, AWD e-Four) oil (High confidence)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6.4 qt / 6.1 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| OEM filter | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG9972 (Ultra), Wix 57047 |
| Change interval | 10,000 mi / 12 months (normal); 5,000 mi (severe) |

Note: Same 6.1 L (6.4 qt) with-filter capacity as the gas 2GR-FE.

## Which Toyota Highlander model years does this cover?

These oil 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.

- [2012 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012)
- [2013 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2013)

## What changed during the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2012 | Carryover 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 |
| 2013 | Final XU40 year; subject of the 14V-148 second-row seat recall |

## 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander oil: common questions

### How many quarts of oil does a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander take?

It depends on the engine. The 2.7L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) takes 4.6 quarts; The 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) takes 6.4 quarts; The 3.5L Hybrid (2GR-FXE, AWD e-Four) takes 6.4 quarts, all figures include a new filter.

### What kind of oil does a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander take?

0W-20 meeting API SN / ILSAC GF-5, full synthetic (required, not merely recommended). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.

### Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander?

The factory specification is 0W-20 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice.

### How often does a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander need an oil change?

10,000 mi / 12 months with 0W-20 synthetic (normal); 5,000 mi / 6 months (severe service). Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.

### What oil filter does a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander take?

The OEM filter is Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge). Common equivalents: Fram XG9972 (Ultra), Wix 57047, Purolator L25608.

## Sources

- [Toyota technical data, Highlander XU40 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)](https://toyota-club.net/files/techdata/ttx/highlander_40u.htm)
- [Toyota TrueStart battery application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/03_Batteries2022_hi.pdf)
- [Toyota Genuine spark plug application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/09_SparkPlugs2022_hi.pdf)
- [NHTSA recall 14V-148, second row seat lock](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V148000)
- [TirePressure.org, 2013 Toyota Highlander placard pressures](https://tirepressure.org/toyota/highlander/2013)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Highlander EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2013_Toyota_Highlander.shtml)
- [XenonPro, 2011-2013 Highlander bulb size chart](https://www.xenonpro.com/blogs/home/2011-to-2013-toyota-highlander-headlight-bulb-sizes)
- [AutoZone, 2013 Highlander wiper blade fitment (26/20)](https://www.autozone.com/ignition-tune-up-and-routine-maintenance/wiper-blade-windshield/toyota/highlander/2013)

## Other Toyota Highlander generations

- [2020-2025 Toyota Highlander oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2020-2025/oil)
- [2014-2019 Toyota Highlander oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/oil)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/oil).

## More for the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.