Does Toyota Highlander take gas or diesel?
The Highlander is powered by gasoline, with a hybrid variant that uses gasoline plus electric propulsion. There is no diesel option in the current lineup for the Highlander in major markets.
This article explains the fuel options available to buyers, how the hybrid system works, and regional availability to help you understand what you’ll be buying when you choose a Highlander.
Fuel options for the Highlander
Below are the main fuel configurations you’ll encounter in the Highlander lineup. Note that availability can vary by market and model year.
- Gasoline engines: The non-hybrid Highlander uses a gasoline engine (recent generations employ a 2.4-liter turbocharged four) paired with an automatic transmission and runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
- Hybrid option: The Highlander Hybrid combines a gasoline engine with electric motors and a battery; it operates as a gasoline-electric hybrid and does not require plug-in charging. It delivers higher fuel efficiency and can run on electric power at low speeds.
- Diesel option: There is no diesel variant currently offered in the Highlander lineup in major markets; buyers in the United States and many other regions will not find a diesel Highlander.
In short, if you’re shopping today, you’ll choose between a gasoline-only Highlander or a gasoline-electric hybrid; a diesel Highlander is not offered in the current lineup.
Regional availability and how to tell which you have
Branding and engine options differ by region. In North America, the Highlander lineup is gasoline-only with an optional hybrid; in other regions, the availability aligns similarly, with no diesel option. Always check the exact specifications for your country and model year when purchasing.
United States and Canada
In the United States and Canada, Toyota markets the Highlander in two main variants: a gasoline-only version and the Highlander Hybrid. Neither variant uses diesel; the hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with electric motors and a battery.
Other markets
Globally, Toyota has marketed the Highlander (known as the Kluger in some markets). Diesel options are not advertised as part of the modern Highlander lineup in most regions, with gas and hybrid variants continuing to be the focus.
What to consider when choosing fuel type
Prices, fuel economy, maintenance costs, and regional emissions standards can influence your choice. For the Highlander, if you’re seeking greater efficiency and lower emissions, the hybrid is typically the stronger option; if you value outright power and simple fueling, the gasoline-only variant may be preferable.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander runs on gasoline, with an optional hybrid that uses gasoline plus electricity. There is no diesel variant in the current lineup in the major markets, including the United States and Europe. Buyers should check local availability for their specific model year and region.
Do Toyota Highlanders come in diesel?
The Highlander comes exclusively with a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine and six-speed automatic gearbox, carried over from the previous model.
What gas does Toyota recommend?
Toyota recommends checking your owner's manual or the fuel door for the correct octane rating, as it varies by model. Most vehicles, like the majority of their lineup, are designed for regular (87 octane) gasoline, while some high-performance or specific models, such as the Supra, GR86, GR Corolla, and some Land Cruisers, require premium (91 or higher octane) gasoline. It is crucial to use the octane rating specified for your exact vehicle to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential engine damage.
Gas recommendations by model type
- For most Toyota models: Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Examples include the 4Runner (2009-2024), Tacoma (manuals often recommend 87), and many others.
- For performance and specific models: Some vehicles are designed for premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher to achieve their peak performance. Examples include:
- GR Supra
- GR86
- GR Corolla
- Land Cruiser (2.4L turbocharged engine)
Important fuel tips
- Check your owner's manual: Always confirm the correct fuel for your specific vehicle in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the fuel door.
- Do not use MMT: Avoid using gasoline that contains the additive MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl), as it can damage your emission control system and cause a loss in performance.
- Use Top Tier gasoline: Consider using fuel from major brands recognized as Top Tier, which meet higher detergent and performance standards set by automakers like Toyota.
- E85 caution: Do not use E85 (85% ethanol) or any fuel with more than 15% ethanol.
Is the Toyota Highlander gas or diesel?
Powerfully dynamic.
They run on gasoline, so you drive them like a traditional gas vehicle.
What type of gas does a Toyota Highlander take?
regular unleaded fuel
Just so you know—Toyota doesn't require premium (high-octane) gasoline for any Highlander Hybrid, regardless of model year. Since the first one rolled out in 2006, every version has been designed to run perfectly on regular unleaded fuel (87 octane in the U.S. ).
