Can you fit a 4X8 sheet of plywood in a Toyota Highlander?

In most Highlander configurations, a standard 4×8 plywood sheet will not lie flat inside the cargo area. The interior length, width, and height typically fall short of the sheet’s 96-inch length, making a flat, fully inside fit unlikely.

The question touches on practical loading limits: how much space the cargo area provides, how seats are configured, and whether you can angle or fold parts of the interior to accommodate an 8-foot sheet. Below is a closer look at the numbers and practical options.

Key interior dimensions to consider

The following measurements summarize what you’ll encounter when trying to load a 4×8 sheet into a Highlander. They vary by model year and seating configuration, but provide a general guide for planning.

• Interior length behind the rear hatch with the second and third rows folded: roughly 80–84 inches (about 6.7 feet). This is the base length you’d have to work with for laying the sheet flat.


• Interior width across the cargo floor (between interior panels, not counting wheel wells): about 41–46 inches. A 48-inch-wide sheet leaves little to no clearance and often won’t sit flat across the width.


• Interior height from floor to ceiling: approximately 39–40 inches at the smallest point. A 96-inch-long sheet cannot stand upright inside the vehicle.


• Maximum interior diagonal (a rough estimate using length and height): about 89–93 inches, depending on exact seat configuration. This remains short of the 96 inches required for a flat fit.

These figures illustrate why a 4×8 sheet generally won’t fit flat inside a Highlander in standard use. The math shows that even with seats folded, the available diagonal clearance falls short of the sheet’s length, and the width is typically not enough to accommodate the board without bending or splitting.

Practical options if you need to transport a 4x8 sheet

Here are common approaches people use when a Highlander isn’t up to carrying an 8-foot sheet flat. Each option has its own considerations for safety, legality, and practicality.

• Break the sheet down into smaller pieces. If possible, cut the sheet into manageable sections (for example, two 4×4 pieces) and transport them separately in the Highlander, then reassemble on site.


• Use an alternative vehicle or an additional carrier. A pickup with a bed longer than 8 feet, a cargo van, or a trailer can comfortably handle a 4×8 sheet without compromising safety.


• Rent or borrow a larger vehicle for the trip. A local rental van or truck can provide a safer, more comfortable loading experience for long panels.


• Consider professional delivery. Many lumber yards offer delivery services for large sheets, which may be cost-effective and more convenient than DIY transport.

If you must attempt transport in a Highlander, err on the side of caution. Do not force a sheet through if it binds against seats, trims, or door frames, and never drive with an overhanging load that could impair visibility or safety.

Bottom line

For a standard Toyota Highlander, carrying a true 4×8 plywood sheet flat inside the cargo area is not practical or reliably safe in most configurations. The interior dimensions, even with seats folded, typically fall short of the sheet’s length. Alternative strategies—splitting the sheet, using a larger vehicle, or arranging delivery—are the recommended paths.

Summary

In short: a 4×8 sheet will not fit flat in a Toyota Highlander in typical use. The vehicle’s interior length, width, and height do not provide enough clearance for an 8-foot board to lie completely within the cabin. For single-item transport, consider cutting the sheet, renting a larger vehicle, or arranging delivery. For frequent long-item transport, plan a vehicle purpose-built for long loads.

What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?

Recent and ongoing lawsuits involving the Toyota Highlander address issues such as faulty door lock actuators, a potential transmission defect in certain models, and a claim that 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids have fuel tanks that do not fill completely. Other recent lawsuits include an investigation into defective power liftgates and a separate class action settlement for a Bluetooth echo defect that affected some Highlanders. 
Current and recent lawsuits

• Door Lock Actuators: A class action lawsuit was filed because many Toyota models, including the Highlander, reportedly have defective door lock actuators that may fail to engage properly. The lawsuit claims owners have been charged for repeated replacements, which Toyota allegedly considered "wear and tear" items. 
• Transmission Defect: Lawsuits allege that certain Highlander models (2017-2022) equipped with the UA80 automatic transmission have a defect that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. A Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC) was created but only covers a limited number of vehicles, according to Change.org. 
• Fuel Tank Defect: A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids, claiming a defective fuel tank vent causes it to not fill to its capacity. 
• Power Liftgate Defect: Some Highlander models (XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28) are reportedly affected by a power liftgate defect that can lead to costly repairs, with the lawsuit alleging Toyota knew about the issue but did not issue a recall or warning. 
• Bluetooth Echo Defect: A class action lawsuit over a Bluetooth defect that caused an echo on calls in certain Toyota models, including the Highlander, resulted in a settlement, notes this article from Unión Rayo and ClassAction.org. 

How to proceed

• Identify your vehicle's details: Determine if your Highlander is included in any of these lawsuits by checking its model year, VIN, and the specific defect alleged.
• Gather evidence: Collect any repair invoices, service records, or documentation related to the defect.
• Contact an attorney: Speak to a lawyer who specializes in consumer or automotive class action lawsuits to understand your options and how you may be affected by an ongoing investigation or settlement. 
• Check settlement websites: Visit official settlement websites if they are available for a specific lawsuit, as they often provide important information and instructions for potential claimants. 

What size mattress fits in the back of a Toyota Highlander?

Twin
Q: What size mattress will fit in a Highlander? In terms of standard mattress sizes, the closest mattress that will fit in the back of most Toyota models is a Twin. However, standard-sized mattresses do not take advantage of all of the available space. Because of this, it's best to have a custom mattress made.

What year to stay away from a Toyota Highlander?

Years to avoid in the Toyota Highlander include 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2020 due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and technology glitches. Other problematic years to consider are 2001-2007 (engine and climate control issues) and 2016-2019 (varying issues including potential oil leaks in some models).
 
This video discusses problems with the Toyota Highlander from 2020 to 2025, including paint issues: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Toyota Highlander years to avoid

• 2001–2007: Prone to engine overheating, head gasket failures, and climate control issues like AC compressor and blower motor problems. 
• 2003: A big year for issues, particularly engine oil sludge buildup and premature transmission wear, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2008: A redesigned model that experienced oil cooler line leaks, which can cause engine damage if not addressed, and lower-quality interior components. 
• 2014: A recall was issued for the second-row seat assembly that may not lock correctly into the seat track, and there were also reports of issues that might be linked to the transmission, says Clutch and Reddit users. 
• 2015: Experienced growing pains from its redesign, with various reports of growing issues, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2020: Experienced early transmission and software problems, say Clutch and Reddit users. 

You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander: 51sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025

Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Toyota 4Runner?

Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Toyota 4Runner, but it's a tight fit and may require keeping the rear hatch open. To make it fit, you will need to fold down the rear seats and position the sheet at an angle, with one end extending into the front of the cabin up to the rear-view mirror. The end of the sheet will be sticking out the back. 
How to fit the plywood

• Fold down the rear seats to create as much space as possible. 
• Slide the 4x8 sheet of plywood in at an angle, with the front of the sheet extending past the front seats and up towards the rear-view mirror. 
• The back of the sheet will stick out past the closed hatch, so the hatch will need to be left open or at least unlatched. 
• Use a ratchet strap to secure the plywood to the roof rack, or loop straps inside the cabin and secure them to the front seats or other anchor points to prevent the sheet from shifting while you drive. 

You can watch this video to learn how to safely transport plywood on your car's roof rack: 56sFirewood DesignsYouTube · Apr 15, 2020
Alternative solutions

• If you need to transport multiple sheets or have a shorter trip, you can use a roof rack with straps to secure the plywood to the outside of your vehicle. 
• For easier transportation, consider having the lumber store cut your 4x8 sheet into smaller pieces.