2021 Toyota Highlander Oil Capacity & Filter Specs

The 2021 Toyota Highlander takes between 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) and 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) of oil with a filter change, depending on whether it is equipped with the 2.5L Hybrid engine or the standard 3.5L V6 engine. As one of Toyota's most popular family SUVs, maintaining the correct oil level and using the proper specifications is vital for longevity and fuel economy.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the oil capacity, recommended viscosity, oil filter part numbers, and basic service instructions for the 2021 Toyota Highlander.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity (with filter): 5.8 quarts (5.5 L) for the 3.5L V6; 4.8 quarts (4.5 L) for the 2.5L Hybrid.
• Recommended Weight/Viscosity: 0W-20 for the 3.5L V6; 0W-16 for the 2.5L Hybrid.
• Oil Specification: API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6B (for 0W-16) or GF-6A (for 0W-20), or Toyota Genuine Motor Oil.
• Oil Filter (3.5L V6): OEM Toyota 04152-YZZA1 (Cartridge). Aftermarket: Fram CH11898, Wix 57047, Mobil 1 M1C-256A.
• Oil Filter (2.5L Hybrid): OEM Toyota 90915-YZZN1 (Spin-on). Aftermarket: Fram PH4967, Wix 51394, Mobil 1 M1-103A.

Capacity by engine option

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was offered with two distinct powertrains. Be sure you know which engine you have before purchasing your oil.

Note: If 0W-16 is unavailable for the Hybrid, 0W-20 may be used for one oil change, but it must be replaced with 0W-16 at the next service.

Oil change interval

Toyota recommends the following oil and filter change intervals based on your driving habits:

• Normal Duty: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Severe duty applies if you frequently drive on dirt/dusty roads, tow heavy loads, use a car-top carrier, idle extensively, or regularly drive in temperatures below freezing for short trips.

Even if you follow the 10,000-mile interval, Toyota requires tire rotations and fluid level checks every 5,000 miles.

Drain plug torque

• Drain plug torque: 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm) for both engines.
• Crush washer: Always replace the drain plug crush washer (Toyota part number 90430-12031) with a new one at every oil change to prevent leaks.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the vehicle: Warm up the engine to operating temperature. Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and safely lift the front of the vehicle using jack stands or ramps.
2. Access the oil pan and filter: Remove the lower engine splash shield or access panel to expose the oil pan and filter.
3. Drain the oil: Place a drain pan underneath. Loosen the 14mm drain plug, being careful of hot oil. Allow it to drain completely.
4. Replace the filter:
   • For the V6: Use a 64mm, 14-flute oil filter wrench to remove the cartridge housing. Drain it, replace the paper filter element, and install the two new O-rings (lube them with fresh oil). Torque the housing to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm).
   • For the Hybrid: Unscrew the conventional spin-on filter. Lube the new filter's rubber gasket with fresh oil and hand-tighten it (about 3/4 turn after gasket contact).
5. Reinstall drain plug: Install a new crush washer and tighten the drain plug to 30 ft-lbs.
6. Refill and check: Lower the vehicle, add the specified amount of fresh oil, and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes to circulate, check for leaks, turn the engine off, and recheck the dipstick level after 5 minutes. Top off as necessary.
7. Reset the maintenance light: Use the steering wheel controls to navigate to the vehicle settings menu on the multi-information display, select "Scheduled Maintenance," and select "Yes" to reset the data.

Common issues / tips

• Cartridge Filter Housing (V6): The plastic filter housing on the 3.5L V6 is notorious for cracking if over-tightened or if the wrong tool is used. Invest in a high-quality aluminum 64mm, 14-flute filter wrench (like the Motivx Tools model) to prevent damage. Do not exceed the 18 ft-lbs torque spec.
• 0W-16 Oil Availability: The 2.5L Hybrid requires ultra-low viscosity 0W-16 oil. While becoming more common, it is sometimes hard to find at big-box auto parts stores. It’s a good idea to buy it online or at the dealer in advance.
• O-Ring Placement: When changing the V6 cartridge filter, pay close attention to where the large O-ring sits on the housing. It belongs in the designated groove slightly below the threads, not pushed all the way against the lip. Incorrect placement will result in a massive oil leak immediately upon startup.

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