Toyota Highlander · 2012–2025
Toyota Highlander Oil Type and Capacity
The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes.
Last verified
Has the Toyota Highlander oil specification changed by year?
| Model years | Viscosity | Capacity | OEM filter | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2025 | 0W-20, 0W-16 | 5.8 / 5.6 / 4.8 qt | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) | 10,000 mi / 12 months (normal); 5,000 mi / 6 months (severe service) |
| 2014–2019 | 0W-20 | 4.6 / 6.4 / 5.8 qt | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) | 10,000 mi / 12 months (normal); 5,000 mi / 6 months (severe service) |
| 2012–2013 | 0W-20 | 4.6 / 6.4 qt | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (cartridge) | 10,000 mi / 12 months with 0W-20 synthetic (normal); 5,000 mi / 6 months (severe service) |
Each row links to the full specification for that generation, including trim-by-trim breakdowns and the part numbers. Where engines within a generation differ, that page separates them.
Full specifications by generation
The oil on a Toyota Highlander is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers.
2020–2025 Toyota Highlander
XU70 (4th generation) · Mid-size 3-row crossover SUV (TNGA-K platform) · Oil & filter
2014–2019 Toyota Highlander
XU50 (3rd generation) · Mid-size 3-row crossover SUV · Oil & filter
2012–2013 Toyota Highlander
XU40 (2nd generation, final years) · Mid-size 3-row crossover SUV · Oil & filter
Toyota Highlander oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a Toyota Highlander take?
- It depends on the engine. The 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS), 2020–2022 takes 5.8 quarts; The 2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder (T24A-FTS), 2023–2025 takes 5.6 quarts; The 2.5L Hybrid (A25A-FXS + THS II), 2020–2025 takes 4.8 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a Toyota Highlander take?
- 0W-20 meeting API SN Plus/SP / ILSAC GF-5 / GF-6A, 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 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 Toyota Highlander need an oil change?
- 10,000 mi / 12 months (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 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 XU70 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)
- Toyota Owners, 2021 Highlander Hybrid owner's manual, 12-volt battery location
- Toyota TrueStart battery application chart, H6 EFB (gas) / H5 LN2 (hybrid)
- Lakeland Toyota parts, 17801-F0050 engine air filter, 2021/2023 Highlander fitment
- Woburn Toyota parts, 04152-YZZA1 oil filter element fitment for the 2.4L turbo
- Lakeland Toyota parts, 90919-A1008 spark plug (2.4L turbo)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2023 Highlander 2.4L T24A-FTS: 0W-20, 5.6 qt
- NHTSA recall 23V-865, occupant classification sensor
- NHTSA recall 25V-595, instrument cluster display
- ClassAction.org, 2020–2021 Highlander Hybrid fuel tank fill issue
- The Weekly Driver, 2020–2025 Highlander NHTSA complaint analysis (transmission cluster)
- Wheel-Size.com, 2023 Toyota Highlander OE fitments
- fueleconomy.gov, 2021 / 2023 Highlander EPA ratings
Find your exact Highlander
Jump to a model year for the engines it offered, what changed, and the problems documented against it: