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Is the Toyota Highlander a 6 cylinder?

Not in the current lineup. The Highlander does not offer a traditional six-cylinder engine; it uses a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine or a four-cylinder hybrid, with no V6 option in the United States as of 2024–25.

Current powertrains

Toyota shifted the Highlander away from V6 engines in recent years, focusing on efficiency and modern four-cylinder technology. Here are the two powertrain options you can find in the latest models.

Gasoline-only model: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing about 265 horsepower and around 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Hybrid model: 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, coupled with electric motors to deliver roughly 243 horsepower combined, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

These configurations give buyers a range of performance and efficiency, without a traditional V6 option in the current Highlander lineup.

Historical context

In earlier generations, the Highlander did offer a V6 gasoline engine. The most common V6 in the Highlander was a 3.5-liter unit that produced around 295 horsepower, available in the gas-only models through the late 2010s. Some hybrid variants in prior years also relied on a V6-based powertrain. Toyota phased out these V6 options in favor of four-cylinder turbo and hybrid powertrains beginning with the 2020 model year in the U.S.

Past options included:

3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine (approx. 295 hp, depending on year).

Hybrid configurations that used a V6-based Hybrid Synergy Drive in older generations.

These older configurations are no longer offered in new Highlanders sold in the U.S. today.

Summary

In summary, the current Toyota Highlander prioritizes four-cylinder powertrains—turbocharged gasoline and a hybrid—over a traditional V6. If you specifically want a V6, you would need to look at older model years or consider other Toyota SUV options, but they are not part of the current Highlander lineup.

Is the Toyota 3.5 L V6 a good engine?

Yes, the Toyota 3.5L V6 is generally considered a very good and reliable engine, known for its durability and performance, though some models have specific issues like oil leaks from the front timing cover that can be expensive to fix. With proper maintenance, owners report these engines lasting for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Positive aspects

Reliability: The 2GR-series 3.5L V6 is known for its overall reliability and durability across various models, including the Camry, Tacoma, and Highlander.
Longevity: Many owners have reported hitting 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more with only basic maintenance.
Performance: It offers a good balance of power, smoothness, and fuel efficiency compared to many four-cylinder engines.

Potential issues to be aware of

Oil leaks: Some models, particularly the 2GR-FE, are known to develop leaks from the front timing cover. This can be an expensive repair because the engine often needs to be removed to access the area.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT): Early versions of the engine had some issues with the Variable Valve Timing gears, which could cause a rattling noise on cold starts. This has improved in later versions.
Maintenance: Regular and proper maintenance, especially timely oil changes, is crucial to ensure the engine's long-term health.

You can watch this video to learn more about the potential oil leak issue in the Toyota 3.5L V6 engine: 58sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Nov 5, 2022
How to ensure your engine stays reliable

Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, spark plug replacement, and fluid flushes.
If you are considering buying a used vehicle with this engine, have a mechanic inspect it for any potential oil leaks from the front timing cover.

This video explains how to fix common problems with the Toyota 3.5L V6 engine: 59sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Sep 28, 2023

What Toyota has a 6 cylinder engine?

Toyota continues to offer 6-cylinder engines in models like the Tundra, Sequoia, and 4Runner, which feature both traditional V6 and hybrid V6 powertrains for power and efficiency. However, the company is phasing out 6-cylinder engines in other vehicles, such as the V6 Camry, as they shift focus to more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and hybrid options.

Current 6-cylinder models

Toyota Tundra: Uses an i-FORCE twin-turbo V6 or an i-FORCE MAX hybrid twin-turbo V6.
Toyota Sequoia: Exclusively features the i-FORCE MAX hybrid twin-turbo V6.
Toyota 4Runner: Still offers a 4.0L V6 engine in its gasoline-powered models.
Lexus models: Several Lexus SUVs, such as the GX and LX, have historically featured V6 engines.

Phasing out 6-cylinder engines

The V6 Camry ended production after the 2024 model year.
The Tacoma has replaced its previous V6 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with an optional hybrid power on higher trims.
The 4Runner is also transitioning away from the V6 to a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

Why Toyota is shifting away from V6 engines

Efficiency and emissions: The company is moving towards more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and hybrid powertrains to meet modern standards.
Performance: While the V6 is known for its power, the new turbocharged 4-cylinder engines also offer strong performance, with hybrid options providing additional power and improved fuel economy.

When did Highlander stop making V6?

The Toyota Highlander stopped offering a V6 engine for the 2023 model year, when it was replaced by a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The V6 was previously the standard engine since 2008, but the switch was made for improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

You can watch this video to learn more about the engine change in the 2023 Highlander: 54sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Oct 18, 2022

2023 and newer: The Highlander uses a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine as its standard non-hybrid powertrain.
Previous years: The 2022 model and older were equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine.
Hybrid models: The hybrid version of the Highlander has always used a different powertrain, a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators.

Which Highlander has a 6 cylinder?

With its upgraded V6 engine and available hybrid option, the Toyota Grand Highlander offers impressive power and fuel efficiency.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.