2021 Toyota Highlander – Tire Size & Pressure

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 235/65R18 (LE, XLE, Bronze Edition), 235/55R20 (XSE, Limited, Platinum)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 36 PSI (front and rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3mm
• Wheel Size: 18x8J (LE, XLE, Bronze Edition), 20x7.5J (XSE, Limited, Platinum)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 104H (235/65R18), 102V (235/55R20)
• Spare Tire Size: T165/90D18 (compact temporary spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Trim	Tire Size	Wheel Size
LE, XLE, Bronze Edition	235/65R18	18x8J
XSE, Limited, Platinum	235/55R20	20x7.5J

Recommended replacement tires

When it's time for new tires on your 2021 Toyota Highlander, you have several excellent options, depending on your priorities for performance, longevity, and budget.

All-Season Performance (Premium)

• Michelin Defender LTX M/S: A long-standing favorite for SUVs and trucks, offering exceptional tread life, excellent wet and dry traction, and a comfortable, quiet ride. Expect to pay around $220-$270 per tire.
• Goodyear Assurance MaxLife: Known for its impressive mileage warranty and all-season capability, providing reliable grip in various conditions. Typically priced around $190-$240 per tire.

All-Season Performance (Mid-Range)

• Continental CrossContact LX25: Balances comfort, quietness, and confident all-season traction. A great value for the performance it delivers. Usually in the $170-$220 range per tire.

Value-Oriented All-Season

• Sumitomo HTR A/S P03: Offers solid all-season performance and a comfortable ride at a more accessible price point. Generally costs between $140-$180 per tire.

When to inflate to max load psi

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is not a heavy-duty truck, so you should never inflate your tires to the "max load" PSI printed on the tire's sidewall. This pressure is a maximum safety limit for the tire itself, not a recommended operating pressure for your vehicle. Always refer to the tire pressure placard located on your driver's side door jamb for the recommended cold tire inflation pressure (36 PSI for both front and rear).

Inflating to the max load PSI can lead to:

• A harsh, uncomfortable ride
• Reduced traction and braking performance
• Uneven tire wear (excessive wear in the center of the tread)
• Increased risk of tire damage or blowouts

Lug nut torque & pattern

Proper lug nut torque is crucial for wheel safety. For the 2021 Toyota Highlander, the recommended lug nut torque is 85 lb-ft (115 Nm). Always use a torque wrench to ensure accurate tightening. The bolt pattern is 5x114.3mm, meaning there are 5 lug nuts, and the bolts are arranged in a circle with a diameter of 114.3mm.

When tightening lug nuts, follow a star or crisscross pattern. This ensures even pressure on the wheel hub and prevents rotor warp or uneven seating of the wheel. Do not simply tighten them in a circle.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Highlander generally report good tire longevity and performance, but some common issues can arise:

• Uneven Tread Wear: This is often a sign of improper tire inflation, poor alignment, or worn suspension components. Regular tire rotations (every 5,000-7,500 miles) and alignments are key to preventing this.
• Road Noise: As tires wear, or if choosing certain aggressive tread patterns, road noise can become more prominent. High-quality all-season tires are typically designed to minimize this, but it's still a factor to consider.
• Hydroplaning (in worn tires): Even with excellent tires, as the tread depth decreases, their ability to channel water away from the contact patch diminishes, increasing the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions. Be mindful of tire wear and replace tires before they reach their minimum tread depth.
• TPMS Sensor Malfunctions: The occasional TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor issue can occur, sometimes requiring replacement. The 2021 Highlander uses 315 MHz sensors.

Regular tire inspections, maintaining correct tire pressure, and timely rotations and alignments will help you get the most out of your Highlander's tires and ensure a safe, comfortable ride.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.