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XU70 (4th generation) · 2020–2025 · Mid-size 3-row crossover SUV (TNGA-K platform)

2021 Toyota Highlander parts and specs

Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place.

Last verified

Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Quick facts

Engine oil
0W-20, 5.8 qt (base engine)
Battery
Group H6 (LN3) EFB
Tire size
235/65R18 (base trim)
Wiper blades
26" / 18" / 10" rear
Max towing
5,000 lbs
Cabin filter
Toyota 87139-0E040

Specifications for the 2020–2025 Highlander

Oil & filter

Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval

Battery

BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded

Tires & wheels

Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque

Wiper blades

Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths

Air & cabin filters

Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals

Bulbs

Headlight, fog and marker bulb types

Brakes

Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes

Fluids

Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities

Service schedule

What's actually due at every mileage interval

Problems & reliability

Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid

Oil light reset

Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools

Key fob battery

Which coin cell the remote takes

Specs

Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy

These specifications are shared across every Highlander of the XU70 (4th generation) generation. See the 2020–2025 Toyota Highlander overview for the full picture, or the Toyota Highlander guide to compare every generation.

What changed for the 2021 Toyota Highlander

  • 2021XSE trim added

Known problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander

4 of the 7 issues we track for the 2020–2025 generation are documented against the 2021 model year, and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin.

  • 8-speed transmission whine, shudder, and failures (2020–2022 V6)

    major

    The dominant NHTSA complaint category for this generation: 2020–2022 V6 cars with the UA80 8-speed report whining/grinding (front carrier pinion shafts on AWD units), low-speed shudder, harsh shifts, and in a minority of cases full transmission replacement. Toyota addressed symptoms with software and hardware TSBs; out-of-warranty replacements are expensive, so get any noise diagnosed while the 5 yr/60k powertrain warranty applies.

    Typical cost: Free under powertrain warranty; $4,000–$8,000+ for a transmission out of warranty

  • Hybrid fuel tank won't fill to capacity

    moderateToyota fuel-fill TSBs; 2022 class action (no NHTSA recall)

    Many 2020–2021 Highlander Hybrids can't take anywhere near the advertised 17.1 gallons, the pump clicks off around 12–13 gallons and the range estimate suffers. A tank-venting design issue prompted a class action; Toyota issued service bulletins and replaced fuel tank assemblies on some vehicles. If affected, document fills and work with the dealer under warranty.

    Typical cost: Free under warranty/TSB (fuel tank assembly replacement) where Toyota accepts the claim

  • Occupant Classification System sensor short (recall)

    majorNHTSA 23V-865

    A short circuit in the front passenger seat's OCS sensor can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying properly. Part of Toyota's ~1-million-vehicle December 2023 recall; dealers inspect and replace the sensor free.

    Typical cost: Free under recall

  • Front lower bumper cover detaches after minor impacts (recall)

    minorNHTSA 23V-720

    A minor parking-lot bump can leave the front lower bumper cover loose or falling off entirely, a road hazard. Toyota recalled 2020–2023 Highlanders to improve the bumper cover retention free of charge.

    Typical cost: Free under recall

3 more issues reported in other 2020–2025 years
  • Stop-start ECU programming error (recall) — 2020
  • Steering spiral cable. Driver airbag may deactivate (recall) — 2023
  • Instrument cluster can fail to display speed and warnings (recall) — 2023–2024

Full detail, costs and sources on the Toyota Highlander problems and years to avoid guide.

Which engines were offered in the 2021 Highlander?

EngineTrimsOilOil capacity
3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS), 2020–2022L, LE, XLE, XSE (2021+), Limited, Platinum; 8-speed automatic with stop-start0W-205.8 qt
2.5L Hybrid (A25A-FXS + THS II), 2020–2025Hybrid LE, XLE, XSE (2023+), Bronze Edition (2022+), Limited, Platinum; FWD or AWD0W-164.8 qt

About the Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is Toyota's three-row family crossover, and the 2012–2025 span covers three generations with very different powertrains but the same low-drama ownership reputation. 5L 2GR-FE V6 (plus an AWD-only hybrid) with simple port injection, 0W-20 oil, and a Group 24F battery. Its documented weak spots are 2GR-FE water pump leaks and failing power-liftgate struts.

7 and the 2GR-FE, then switched in 2017 to the direct+port-injected 2GR-FKS with an 8-speed automatic and stop-start; that 8-speed drew shudder/whine complaints (TSB T-SB-0160-18), and 2017–2019 models sit inside Toyota's huge Denso fuel-pump recall. 5L hybrid (0W-16 oil) became the volume seller. 3, lug torque is 76 ft-lbs, the key fob takes a CR2032, and gas V6/turbo models tow up to 5,000 lbs with the factory tow package (hybrids 3,500 lbs).

Maintenance is interval-driven Toyota fare: 10,000-mile synthetic oil changes, 30,000-mile air and cabin filters, coolant at 100k then every 50k, and iridium plugs at 120k.

For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the full Toyota Highlander guide.

Other Toyota Highlander years

2025202420232022202020192018201720162015201420132012
Data confidence for this generationVerified

Sources