2018 Toyota Highlander Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2018 Toyota Highlander takes 4.6 quarts (4.4 liters) of 0W-20 engine oil for the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, or 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) of 0W-20 engine oil for the 3.5L V6 engine.

Quick answer

2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine

• Oil Capacity: 4.6 quarts (4.4 liters)
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20
• Oil Spec: API SN (or later) or ILSAC GF-5 (or later)
• Oil Filter (OEM): Toyota Part No. 04152-YZZA6
• Oil Filter (Aftermarket Cross-Reference):
  • Fram: CH10158
  • Wix: 57047
  • Mobil 1: M1C-153

3.5L V6 Engine

• Oil Capacity: 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters)
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20
• Oil Spec: API SN (or later) or ILSAC GF-5 (or later)
• Oil Filter (OEM): Toyota Part No. 04152-YZZA1
• Oil Filter (Aftermarket Cross-Reference):
  • Fram: CH10358
  • Wix: 57069
  • Mobil 1: M1C-251A

Capacity by engine option

Oil change interval

Toyota recommends the following oil change intervals for the 2018 Highlander:

• Normal Duty: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This applies to vehicles regularly driven in conditions such as:
  • Towing or carrying heavy loads
  • Driving in dusty conditions
  • Repeated short trips in cold weather
  • Extensive idling or low-speed driving

Drain plug torque

For both the 2.7L and 3.5L engines in the 2018 Toyota Highlander, the oil drain plug torque specification is 30 ft-lbs (41 Nm). Always use a new crush washer with each oil change to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. The OEM crush washer part number is 90430-12031.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Drive the vehicle for a few minutes to bring the oil to operating temperature, which helps it drain more easily.
2. Lift and secure: Safely lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and support it with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
3. Locate and drain: Place a drain pan under the oil pan. Locate the drain plug, then carefully remove it. Allow all the old oil to drain completely.
4. Replace crush washer: Once drained, clean the drain plug and install a new crush washer. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it to 30 ft-lbs (41 Nm).
5. Remove old filter: Locate the oil filter. Depending on your engine, you may need a special oil filter wrench to remove the cartridge-style filter. Be prepared for some oil to spill.
6. Install new filter: Ensure the old O-rings are removed from the filter housing. Lubricate new O-rings with fresh oil and install them on the new filter cartridge. Install the new filter cartridge into the housing and hand-tighten, then use a wrench to tighten an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand-tight.
7. Refill with fresh oil: Lower the vehicle. Remove the oil filler cap and pour in the recommended amount and type of new oil. Start with slightly less than the full capacity and check the dipstick as you add.
8. Check for leaks and level: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Turn it off, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then check the dipstick. Top off if necessary. Inspect for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.

Common issues / tips

• Cartridge-style oil filter: The 2018 Highlander uses a cartridge-style oil filter rather than a spin-on canister. This requires removing the filter housing and replacing the internal cartridge and O-rings. Ensure you have the correct filter wrench for the housing.
• Plastic Drain Plug (V6 models): Some V6 models of this generation may come with a plastic drain plug from the factory. While reusable, many owners opt to replace it with an aftermarket metal drain plug for increased durability. If you have the plastic drain plug, be careful not to overtighten it.
• Proper O-ring placement: When replacing the cartridge filter, it