Toyota Highlander Maintenance Schedule

Choose your Toyota Highlander generation

Toyota Highlander generations, and why the schedule changes

3rd generation (XU50) (2014-2019)

2.7L I4 (1AR-FE, LE FWD base trim) with a 6-speed automatic; 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE through 2016, then direct-injection 2GR-FKS from 2017) with a 6-speed automatic (2014-2016) or new 8-speed Direct Shift automatic (2017-2019); 3.5L V6 Hybrid (2GR-FXE) with a hybrid transaxle

Oil: 0W-20 full synthetic across every engine. Interval: 10,000 miles or 12 months normal duty; 5,000 miles under severe duty.

The 2017 mid-cycle refresh changed the V6 from port injection (2GR-FE) to direct injection (2GR-FKS) and added a new 8-speed automatic - the base 2.7L I4 kept its 6-speed throughout
Direct-injection 2GR-FKS/2GR-FXE engines (2017-2019) need spark plugs at 60,000 mi in addition to 120,000 mi; port-injected engines and the 2.7L I4 only need them at 120,000 mi
AWD models: rear differential and transfer case fluid are inspect-only under normal duty at every interval - Toyota specifies a fluid REPLACEMENT only under severe duty (towing, car-top carrier, heavy loading), unlike the following XU70 generation, which replaces both unconditionally

4th generation (XU70) (2020 onward)

3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS, 2020-2022) or 2.4L Turbo I4 (T24A-FTS, 2023+) with an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic; 2.5L Hybrid I4 (A25A-FXS) with a hybrid transaxle, all years - the base 2.7L I4 was discontinued for this generation

Oil: 0W-20 full synthetic (V6 and Turbo); 0W-16 full synthetic (2.5L Hybrid, new spec for this generation). Interval: 10,000 miles or 12 months normal duty; 5,000 miles under severe duty.

The 2.4L Turbo (2023+) replaced the 3.5L V6 entirely - not a trim-level split, a full engine swap across the gas lineup
The Turbo's spark-plug interval (40,000 mi) is shorter than the V6's (60,000 mi) - confirmed directly on each year's Toyota maintenance chart
The 2.5L Hybrid I4 has a single 120,000-mile spark-plug interval across the whole generation, with no shorter interval the way both gas engines have
The 8-speed automatic AND the Hybrid transaxle are both inspect-only under normal duty per Toyota's own chart - no fixed-mileage fluid replacement unless the truck is driven under severe duty (towing, extensive idling)
AWD models: rear differential and transfer case fluid ARE replaced unconditionally at 30k/60k/120k under normal duty on this generation - unlike the preceding XU50, which only requires it under severe duty

What a Toyota Highlander needs, and when

These are the 2026 Toyota Highlander intervals. Earlier model years differ by generation, so open your own year for the exact schedule.

Every 5,000 mi: Tire rotation; Inspect brake linings/drums and pads/discs; Inspect and adjust all fluid levels; Inspect wiper blades
Every 10,000 mi / 12 months: Engine oil & filter change (0W-20 V6/Turbo or 0W-16 Hybrid); Tire rotation; Inspect brakes and fluid levels
Every 15,000 mi: Inspect cabin air filter; Inspect ball joints and dust covers; Inspect brake lines and hoses; Inspect drive shaft boots; Inspect engine coolant
Every 30,000 mi: Replace cabin air filter; Replace engine air filter; Inspect automatic transmission for signs of leakage (all engines, including the Hybrid transaxle - no fixed replacement under normal duty)
Every 30,000 mi (AWD models): Replace rear differential fluid; Replace transfer case fluid
Every 40,000 mi (2.4L Turbo I4 T24A-FTS spark plugs): Replace all 4 spark plugs - shorter interval than the outgoing V6, confirmed on the 2023-2026 T-MMS charts