2017 Toyota Highlander Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Welcome to Repairius's comprehensive guide to the transmission and axle gear ratios for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Understanding these ratios is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their vehicle for towing, fuel economy, or simply maintaining peak performance.

Transmission gear ratios

The 2017 Toyota Highlander was primarily equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission (Direct Shift-8AT) for most V6 models, while the 4-cylinder models retained a 6-speed automatic.

8-Speed Automatic Transmission (Direct Shift-8AT) – V6 Models

6-Speed Automatic Transmission – 4-Cylinder Models

Available axle ratios

The 2017 Toyota Highlander utilizes different final drive ratios depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. Toyota often refers to these as "differential gear ratios."

Note: For the 2017 Highlander, the "axle ratio" is integrated into the transaxle design for front-wheel drive (FWD) models, and a similar final drive ratio is used for all-wheel drive (AWD) models. Toyota typically does not use traditional "axle codes" in the same way domestic manufacturers might for rear-wheel drive trucks or SUVs.

How to identify your axle ratio

Identifying the axle ratio on a 2017 Toyota Highlander isn't as straightforward as with some other vehicles that use separate rear axles with identifiable tags or RPO codes. For your Highlander, the final drive ratio is an integral part of the transaxle assembly.

• Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual is often the best initial source for detailed specifications related to your specific vehicle configuration.
• VIN Decoder: Using a Toyota VIN decoder can provide a comprehensive list of factory specifications for your exact vehicle, including the final drive ratio.
• Dealership: A Toyota dealership can look up your vehicle's build sheet using the VIN, which will accurately detail all powertrain components and their ratios.

There won't be a door-jamb RPO sticker or an axle tag in the traditional sense for the final drive ratio on a 2017 Toyota Highlander, as the "axle" is essentially the transaxle for FWD and the combination of the transaxle and rear differential for AWD.

Towing vs MPG impact

Understanding the relationship between gear ratios, towing capability, and fuel economy is essential:

• Numerically Lower Ratio (e.g., 3.003): A numerically lower final drive ratio means the engine will operate at lower RPMs at a given road speed. This typically translates to better fuel economy, especially during highway cruising. However, it also means less mechanical advantage for acceleration and towing, requiring the engine and transmission to work harder, potentially leading to increased wear if frequently overloaded.
• Numerically Higher Ratio (e.g., 3.842 for 4-cylinder): A numerically higher final drive ratio means the engine will operate at higher RPMs at a given road speed. This provides greater mechanical advantage, improving acceleration and towing capacity. The trade-off is generally lower fuel economy, particularly at highway speeds, as the engine is revving higher.

For the 2017 Toyota Highlander, the V6 models with the 3.003 ratio offer a robust balance of towing capability (up to 5,000 lbs) and respectable fuel economy, thanks in part to the wider spread of the 8-speed automatic transmission. The 4-cylinder model's higher ratio is necessary to compensate for the smaller engine's power output, providing adequate performance for lower towing capacities.

Common issues

While the 2017 Toyota Highlander is known for its reliability, like any vehicle, some driveline components can experience issues over time. However, specific widespread "common issues" directly related to the final drive gear ratios (ring & pinion whine, carrier bearing, limited-slip clutch wear) are not typically reported for the 2017 Highlander in the same way they might be for traditional truck axles. This is largely due to the integrated transaxle design and the generally lower stress placed on these components in a crossover SUV.

That said, general maintenance is key:

• Fluid Changes: Regular fluid changes for the transmission and, for AWD models, the rear differential, are critical to ensuring the longevity of all internal components. Old or contaminated fluid can lead to premature wear.
• Bearing Wear: While not a "common issue" in a widespread sense, bearings can eventually wear out, leading to hums or growls that change with vehicle speed. This could affect the differential or transaxle bearings.

Always address any new noises or vibrations promptly to prevent more significant damage.

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