Toyota Highlander Maintenance Schedule, 2020-2026: 4th generation (XU70)

Model years on this page: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Toyota Highlander 2020-2026 at a glance

4th generation (XU70) (2020-present)

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). Oil changes: 10,000 miles or 12 months normal duty; 5,000 miles under severe duty.

Quick specs - Toyota Highlander 2020-2026

Engine
  • 2020-2022: 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS, only gas engine on the new XU70 platform - the 2.7L I4 was dropped) / 2.5L Hybrid I4 (A25A-FXS, replaces the 3.5L V6 hybrid)
  • 2023-2026: 2.4L Turbo I4 (T24A-FTS, replaces the 3.5L V6 entirely) / 2.5L Hybrid I4 (A25A-FXS, unchanged)
Oil type
  • 2020-2022: 0W-20 full synthetic (3.5L V6); 0W-16 full synthetic (2.5L Hybrid, new spec for this generation) - per Toyota's own T-MMS oil-viscosity note for each engine
  • 2023-2026: 0W-20 full synthetic (2.4L Turbo, ILSAC GF-6A - per the 2023 Owner's Manual, SOURCES.om2023); 0W-16 full synthetic (2.5L Hybrid, per the T-MMS chart)
Oil capacity
  • 2020-2022: 5.8 qt with filter (3.5L V6 2GR-FKS); 4.8 qt with filter (2.5L Hybrid) - per the 2020 Owner's Manual Specifications chapter (SOURCES.om2020, SOURCES.omhv2020)
  • 2023-2026: 5.6 qt with filter (2.4L Turbo); 4.8 qt with filter (2.5L Hybrid) - per the 2023/2020 Owner's Manual Specifications chapters (SOURCES.om2023, SOURCES.omhv2020)
Transmission
  • 2020-2022: 8-speed automatic, Toyota UA80F (AWD)/UA80E (FWD), Direct Shift-8AT (3.5L V6); electronically controlled hybrid transaxle (2.5L Hybrid)
  • 2023-2026: 8-speed automatic, Direct Shift-8AT (2.4L Turbo); electronically controlled hybrid transaxle (2.5L Hybrid)
Transmission fluidToyota Genuine ATF WS - the SAME fluid in the 8-speed automatic (gas/Turbo) and the Hybrid transaxle, confirmed in the Owner's Manual (SOURCES.om2019, SOURCES.omhv2020): 8.0 qt reference capacity (2GR-FKS 8-speed), 6.9 qt (2.7L I4 6-speed), 4.6 qt (Hybrid transaxle)
CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink, pre-mixed 50/50)

Toyota Highlander 2020-2026 maintenance schedule

Each model year's source document is named under "by model year" below. A row or service that only some years have names those years.

IntervalService
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
  • Inspect steering gear and linkage
  • Inspect rear differential and transfer case fluid (AWD)
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) (2023-2026 only)
  • Replace all 4 spark plugs - shorter interval than the outgoing V6, confirmed on the 2023-2026 T-MMS charts
Every 60,000 mi (3.5L V6 2GR-FKS spark plugs) (2020-2022 only)
  • Replace all 6 spark plugs (direct-injection engine; in addition to the 120,000 mi interval below, i.e. every 60,000 mi)
Every 60,000 mi
  • Replace cabin air filter
  • Replace engine air filter
Every 60,000 mi (AWD models)
  • Replace rear differential fluid
  • Replace transfer case fluid
Every 60,000 mi (severe duty: towing) - Hybrid transaxle
  • Replace automatic transmission fluid (Toyota Genuine ATF WS) - the Hybrid transaxle is inspect-only under normal duty; this replacement is specified only for towing, car-top-carrier, or heavy-vehicle-loading use. Confirmed directly on the 2019, 2022 and 2023 Hybrid guides; 2014-2015 follow the same 2016-guide carryover as the rest of this file's early Hybrid data
Every 100,000 mi (coolant)
  • Replace engine coolant (Toyota Super Long Life, pink) - first replacement; every 50,000 mi thereafter
Every 120,000 mi (3.5L V6 spark plugs - 2GR-FE 2014-2016 or 2GR-FKS 2017-2022) (2020-2022 only)
  • Replace all 6 spark plugs - the 2GR-FKS (2017-2022) also gets the additional 60,000 mi interval above; the earlier 2GR-FE (2014-2016) does not
Every 120,000 mi (2.5L Hybrid I4 A25A-FXS spark plugs)
  • Replace all 4 spark plugs - a single interval, unlike the gas V6/Turbo engines in the same years
Every 120,000 mi
  • Replace cabin air filter
  • Replace engine air filter
Every 120,000 mi (AWD models)
  • Replace rear differential fluid
  • Replace transfer case fluid

When to replace each part - Toyota Highlander 2020-2026

The schedule above is organized by mileage. This is the same information organized by part, for when you already know what you are replacing and just need the interval.

Engine oil & filterEvery 10,000 mi or 12 months (Toyota Maintenance Reminder, both engines); severe duty drops this to 5,000 mi per the T-MMS chart
Transmission fluidThe T-MMS chart lists inspection only under normal duty at every interval through 120,000 mi, with NO fixed-mileage replacement, on EVERY trim including the Hybrid - Toyota specifies a fluid change only under severe duty (towing, extensive idling)
CoolantFirst replacement at 100,000 mi per the T-MMS chart; every 50,000 mi thereafter is Toyota's standard Super Long Life follow-on interval used across this site's other Toyota models (RAV4, Camry, Tacoma) - the chart itself does not print past the range checked for this file
Spark plugs
  • 2020-2022: 3.5L V6: every 60,000 AND 120,000 mi (i.e. every 60,000 mi). 2.5L Hybrid: every 120,000 mi only - a single interval, confirmed against both the 2021 and 2022 Hybrid guides
  • 2023-2026: 2.4L Turbo: every 40,000 mi (40k/80k/120k) - confirmed on the 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 T-MMS charts, a shorter interval than the outgoing V6. 2.5L Hybrid: every 120,000 mi only, unchanged
Engine air filterInspect at 15,000 mi; replace every 30,000 mi (both engines) per the T-MMS chart
Cabin air filterInspect at 15,000 mi; replace every 30,000 mi (both engines) per the T-MMS chart
BrakesInspect brake linings/drums and pads/discs at every interval from 5,000 mi on (T-MMS chart); no fixed-mileage pad-replacement interval is published - wear varies by trim weight and use
TiresRotate every 5,000 mi per the T-MMS chart; replace at 2/32" tread depth minimum
Battery12V auxiliary: test annually, typical lifespan 4-6 years. Hybrid HV battery: covered under Toyota's Hybrid System Warranty (8 years/100,000 miles per the T-MMS warranty section; check your specific guide for exact terms)

OEM-spec parts for the Toyota Highlander 2020-2026

PartFitment noteBuy
Toyota Genuine 0W-20 Full Synthetic Oil (5 qt)3.5L V6 and 2.4L Turbo specCheck price on Amazon
Toyota Genuine 0W-16 Full Synthetic Oil (5 qt)2.5L Hybrid spec, 2020+Check price on Amazon
Toyota Genuine ATF WS 00289-ATFWS (4 x 1 qt)For the 6-speed U760E and 8-speed UA80 automatics, AND the Hybrid transaxle - do not substitute generic ATFCheck price on Amazon
Compare WS automatic transmission fluid for the 2020-2026 Toyota Highlander on Amazon
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant Pink (1 gal)Toyota pink SLLC - do not mix with green or orange coolantCheck price on Amazon
Compare coolant for the 2020-2026 Toyota Highlander on Amazon
Toyota Genuine Iridium Spark Plugs for Highlander V62GR-FE/2GR-FKS 6-cylinder setCheck price on Amazon
Toyota Highlander Cabin Air FilterReplace every 30,000 mi per the T-MMS chartCheck price on Amazon
Toyota Highlander Engine Air FilterReplace every 30,000 mi per the T-MMS chartCheck price on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure: ServiceSage Auto participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep our content free and up-to-date.

Toyota Highlander 2020-2026 torque specs

Lug nut2020-2025: 76 ft-lbs (103 Nm) (21mm socket)
Oil drain plug2020-2025: 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm) (14mm socket)
Spark plug2020-2022, 2024-2025: 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm) (5/8in socket)

Torque specs via WhatSizeBolt.

How to reset the oil life / maintenance light - Toyota Highlander

Physical trip-button hold (analog gauge cluster)

  1. Engine off, turn the ignition to ON/position II (do not start the engine). Push-button-start models: press the Power button once without touching the brake pedal.
  2. Make sure the odometer (not a trip meter) is displayed - press the trip-reset stalk to cycle back if needed.
  3. Press and hold the trip/odometer reset button.
  4. Keep holding for about 10-15 seconds, until the "MAINT REQD" wrench light flashes and then goes out.
  5. Release the button and start the engine to confirm the light stays off.

Digital multi-info display (color screen, steering-wheel arrows)

  1. Ignition ON, engine off.
  2. Use the steering-wheel arrows to open the settings/gear icon on the multi-info display.
  3. Navigate to Vehicle Settings, then Scheduled Maintenance (exact wording varies slightly by model year).
  4. Select Reset and confirm.

Toyota Highlander by model year

Each model year's own record: the manual its schedule comes from, and what NHTSA and the EPA list for that year.

2020 Toyota Highlander

Maintenance schedule source: Toyota Highlander Warranty & Maintenance Guide, 2020

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander:

CampaignReport dateComponent
23V8650002023-12-20air bags
23V7200002023-10-26structure
22V2390002022-04-13electronic stability control (esc)
20V6330002020-10-14air bags
20V1620002020-03-19fuel system, gasoline

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 328 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Top component areas reported:

  • power train: 126
  • service brakes: 39
  • air bags: 36

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2020:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S6)Hybrid
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S8)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2021 Toyota Highlander

Maintenance schedule source: Toyota Highlander Warranty & Maintenance Guide, 2021

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V1280002026-03-05seats
24V4520002024-06-18tires
23V8650002023-12-20air bags
23V7200002023-10-26structure
22V2390002022-04-13electronic stability control (esc)

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 544 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Top component areas reported:

  • power train: 226
  • service brakes: 67
  • structure: 56

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2021:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S6)Hybrid
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S8)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2022 Toyota Highlander

Maintenance schedule source: Toyota Highlander Warranty & Maintenance Guide, 2022

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2022 Toyota Highlander:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V1280002026-03-05seats
24V4520002024-06-18tires
24V4190002024-06-06tires
23V7200002023-10-26structure
22V3100002022-05-06equipment
22V2390002022-04-13electronic stability control (esc)

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 267 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Top component areas reported:

  • power train: 54
  • structure: 44
  • service brakes: 39

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2022:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S6)Hybrid
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (S8)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2023 Toyota Highlander

Maintenance schedule source: Toyota Highlander Warranty & Maintenance Guide, 2023

Recalls

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2023 Toyota Highlander:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V1280002026-03-05seats
25V7440002025-10-30back over prevention
25V5950002025-09-11electrical system
25V0400002025-01-29steering
24V5480002024-07-23equipment
24V4520002024-06-18tires
24V4190002024-06-06tires
23V7200002023-10-26structure
23V4800002023-07-12steering

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 194 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Top component areas reported:

  • structure: 35
  • engine: 28
  • power train: 20

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2023:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.4 L 4 cyl turboAuto (S8)Gasoline
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S6)Hybrid

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2024 Toyota Highlander

Maintenance schedule source: Toyota Highlander Warranty & Maintenance Guide, 2024

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2024 Toyota Highlander:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V1280002026-03-05seats
25V8720002025-12-17seat belts
25V7440002025-10-30back over prevention
25V5950002025-09-11electrical system
24V5480002024-07-23equipment
24V4520002024-06-18tires
24V4190002024-06-06tires

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Toyota Highlander. Top component areas reported:

  • service brakes: 8
  • fuel/propulsion system: 7
  • electrical system: 6

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2024:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.4 L 4 cyl turboAuto (S8)Gasoline
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S6)Hybrid

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2025 Toyota Highlander

Maintenance schedule source: Toyota Highlander Warranty & Maintenance Guide, 2025

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2025 Toyota Highlander:

CampaignReport dateComponent
26V1280002026-03-05seats
25V8720002025-12-17seat belts
25V7440002025-10-30back over prevention
25V5950002025-09-11electrical system

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Top component areas reported:

  • vehicle speed control: 3
  • forward collision avoidance: 2
  • service brakes: 2

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2025:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.4 L 4 cyl turboAuto (S8)Gasoline
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S6)Hybrid

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2026 Toyota Highlander

Maintenance schedule source: Toyota Highlander Warranty & Maintenance Guide, 2026

Recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2026:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.4 L 4 cyl turboAuto (S8)Gasoline
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S6)Hybrid

Source: NHTSA recalls, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

More Toyota Highlander maintenance schedules