2023 Toyota Highlander Oil Capacity, Viscosity & Filter Specs

The 2023 Toyota Highlander takes 5.6 quarts of oil for the 2.4L turbocharged gas engine or 4.8 quarts of oil for the 2.5L hybrid engine, including an oil filter replacement. As an ASE-certified master technician, I always emphasize that using the correct oil viscosity, capacity, and filter is critical to keeping your Highlander running smoothly for years to come. In 2023, Toyota replaced the venerable 3.5L V6 with a punchy 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder for the standard gas models, while the 2.5L hybrid powertrain carries over. Here is everything you need to know to service this vehicle.

Quick answer

Here is the essential information for a standard 2023 Toyota Highlander equipped with the 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine:

• Oil Capacity: 5.6 quarts (5.3 Liters) with filter change
• Recommended Weight: SAE 0W-20
• Oil Specification: API SP / ILSAC GF-6A
• OEM Oil Filter: Toyota 90915-YZZN1
• Aftermarket Oil Filters: Fram XG10381, Wix 51394, Mobil 1 M1-103A

(Note: See the section below if you have the Hybrid model, as the specs differ slightly.)

Capacity by engine option

For the 2023 model year, the Highlander is offered with two distinct powertrains. Be sure to verify which engine your vehicle has before purchasing your oil.

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's factory maintenance schedule depends heavily on how you use your vehicle:

• Normal Duty: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first). This applies to light highway driving with minimal idling or heavy hauling.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. You fall into this category if you frequently tow a trailer, use a car-top carrier, drive on dirt/dusty roads, take repeated trips under 5 miles in freezing temperatures, or idle extensively.

Given the addition of the turbocharger on the 2.4L gas engine, many technicians highly recommend sticking closer to the 5,000-mile severe duty schedule to protect the turbo bearings.

Drain plug torque

• Drain Plug Torque: 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm)
• Crush Washer: Always replace the drain plug gasket with a new OEM-style crush washer (Toyota part number 90430-12031). The blue fibrous side should face the oil pan. Reusing the old washer is a common cause of slow oil leaks.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain faster and suspend contaminants. Shut the engine off.
2. Lift the vehicle: Securely lift and support the front of the vehicle using ramps or a jack and certified jack stands.
3. Access the oil pan: Remove the lower engine splash shield or access door to expose the oil pan and filter.
4. Drain the oil: Place a catch pan under the oil pan. Remove the 14mm drain plug and allow the oil to drain completely.
5. Reinstall drain plug: Install a new crush washer on the drain plug, thread it in by hand, and torque to 30 ft-lbs.
6. Replace the filter: Move your catch pan under the oil filter. Unscrew the old spin-on filter. Wipe the engine mounting surface clean. Apply a light film of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter, and tighten it 3/4 to 1 turn after the gasket makes contact.
7. Fill and check: Lower the vehicle. Add the specified amount of new oil (5.6 qts for the 2.4L; 4.8 qts for the 2.5L Hybrid) into the top filler cap. Run the engine for 30 seconds, shut it off, wait two minutes, and verify the level on the dipstick.

Common issues / tips

For the 2023 Highlander generation, the most significant change is the 2.4L turbo engine. Turbocharged engines are particularly sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. Never use an oil grade lower than API SP, as it is specifically formulated to prevent Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear in modern turbocharged direct-injection engines.

Additionally, both the 2.4L and 2.5L engines use traditional metal spin-on oil filters, moving away from the plastic cartridge-style filter housings Toyota used on the outgoing 3.5L V6. This makes DIY oil changes much easier and cleaner, but be careful not to over-tighten the spin-on filter, which can damage the rubber gasket.

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