2015 Toyota Highlander Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2015 Toyota Highlander takes 4.6 quarts (4.4 liters) of 0W-20 synthetic engine oil with a new oil filter for the 2.7L 1AR-FE engine, and 6.4 quarts (6.1 liters) for the 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 engine.

Quick answer

2.7L 1AR-FE I4 Engine:

• Oil Capacity: 4.6 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20
• Oil Spec: API SN (or later) / ILSAC GF-5 (or later) fully synthetic
• OEM Oil Filter: Toyota 04152-YZZA6
• Aftermarket Oil Filter Cross-References:
  • Fram PH4967
  • Wix 57047
  • Mobil 1 M1C-153 or M1-103A

3.5L 2GR-FE V6 Engine:

• Oil Capacity: 6.4 quarts (6.1 liters) with filter
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20
• Oil Spec: API SN (or later) / ILSAC GF-5 (or later) fully synthetic
• OEM Oil Filter: Toyota 04152-YZZA6
• Aftermarket Oil Filter Cross-References:
  • Fram PH4967
  • Wix 57047
  • Mobil 1 M1C-153 or M1-103A

Capacity by engine option

Oil change interval

Toyota recommends changing the engine oil and filter in your 2015 Highlander every 10,000 miles or 12 months under normal driving conditions when using synthetic oil. For severe driving conditions, such as towing, extensive idling, or driving in very dusty environments, it is advisable to shorten this interval to 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Drain plug torque

• Drain Plug Torque (2.7L & 3.5L): 30 ft-lbs (41 Nm)
• Always replace the crush washer with a new one during each oil change to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. The OEM crush washer part number is Toyota 90430-12031.

How to change the oil

1. Gather your supplies: correct oil, new oil filter, new crush washer, drain pan, wrench for the drain plug, oil filter wrench, and a funnel.
2. Warm up the engine slightly to help the oil flow better, then park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. Locate the drain plug under the vehicle, place the drain pan beneath it, and carefully remove the plug. Allow all the old oil to drain completely.
4. Once drained, replace the drain plug with a new crush washer and torque it to 30 ft-lbs.
5. Locate the oil filter housing (on the 2.7L and 3.5L engines, it's a canister-style filter located near the front or bottom of the engine, respectively). Use an oil filter wrench to remove the cap and then pull out the old filter element.
6. Replace the old filter element with a new one and install a new O-ring that usually comes with the new filter. Lubricate the O-ring with fresh oil.
7. Reinstall the filter housing cap, tightening it to the specified torque (check your oil filter packaging or a service manual for this specific torque, typically around 18-20 ft-lbs for the plastic housing).
8. Add the recommended amount of new oil through the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
9. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
10. Turn off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, and then check the oil level with the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary to reach the "full" mark.

Common issues / tips

• Canister-Style Oil Filter: The 2015 Highlander uses a cartridge-style oil filter, not a spin-on type. Ensure you have the correct oil filter wrench for the housing cap. It's crucial to replace the inner O-ring and drain plug crush washer every time.
• Plastic Oil Filter Housing (3.5L V6): Some models with the 3.5L V6 engine may have a plastic oil filter housing. Be careful not to overtighten it, as it can crack. Aftermarket aluminum housings are available as an upgrade for those concerned about durability.
• Oil Drain Valve: Consider installing an aftermarket oil drain valve (like Fumoto or Valvomax) to make future oil changes cleaner and easier, eliminating the need to remove the drain plug with each service.
• VVT-i System Sensitivity: The 2GR-FE V6 engine, with its Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, is sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. Using the recommended 0W-20 synthetic oil and adhering to change intervals is crucial for preventing sludge buildup and ensuring proper VVT-i operation.

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