Is Toyota Highlander a 4 or 6 cylinder?
The Highlander currently uses four-cylinder engines in its lineup, with options including a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 2.5-liter hybrid. There is no six-cylinder option in today’s model year.
To understand what that means, this article breaks down the current powertrains, explains how they perform and fuel-economy-wise, and looks back at how engine choices have evolved over the model’s history.
Current engine options
The following powertrains are available in the current Highlander lineup.
Gasoline-only trims
The gasoline-only variants use Toyota's 2.4-liter Dynamic Force Turbo inline-4, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive.
- 2.4L Dynamic Force Turbo inline-4: approximately 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque; 8-speed automatic; available with front- or all-wheel drive.
This configuration offers strong acceleration for a midsize SUV and capable highway performance, with fuel economy varying by drive system and driving conditions.
Hybrid trims
The Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with two electric motors to deliver a total system output around 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and available AWD.
- 2.5L Hybrid inline-4 with dual electric motors: about 243 horsepower total; CVT; AWD-e available on certain trims.
Hybrid models prioritize fuel efficiency and lower emissions, appealing to buyers who want long daily commutes or family driving with reduced running costs, even if acceleration is modest compared to the gasoline turbo.
Historical context
In earlier Highlander generations, a traditional V6 engine was offered as a core power option. In recent years, Toyota shifted toward a four-cylinder strategy—the turbocharged gas engine and the hybrid—effectively phasing out the V6 from the current lineup.
- Earlier Highlander generations provided a V6 powertrain as a primary option, delivering smooth, confident highway performance.
- From the late 2010s onward, Toyota introduced a 2.4L turbo four and a 2.5L hybrid, with V6 options being discontinued in the new models.
This transition reflects industry-wide moves toward improved efficiency and lower emissions, while preserving the Highlander’s utility and capability.
What this means for buyers
Today’s Highlander offers two four-cylinder paths: a punchy gasoline option and a fuel-sipping hybrid. If you prioritize performance, the 2.4L turbo may suit you best; if you value fuel economy and longer-range efficiency, the 2.5L hybrid is typically a stronger choice. There is no current six-cylinder option.
Summary
The current Toyota Highlander is powered exclusively by four-cylinder engines—either a turbocharged 2.4-liter gas engine or a 2.5-liter hybrid system. Six-cylinder options exist in older generations but are not offered in the contemporary lineup, reflecting Toyota’s emphasis on efficiency and hybrid capability for this model.
Is there a Toyota Highlander with a 4-cylinder engine?
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander trim level differences
Each trim comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (265 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Does the Highlander come in a 6 cylinder?
If you're looking for a vehicle with enhanced performance, you'll be pleased to know that the Toyota Grand Highlander offers more powerful engine options. You can choose from a V6 or hybrid powertrain, both of which provide exceptional acceleration and smooth handling.
What was the last year Toyota put a V6 in the Highlander?
The last model year for a V6 engine in the Toyota Highlander was 2022. Starting with the 2023 model year, Toyota replaced the V6 with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for non-hybrid models.
This video explains the changes in Toyota Highlander engines from 2022 to 2023: 54sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Oct 18, 2022
- For the 2022 model year: The Highlander offered the V6 engine.
- For the 2023 model year: The V6 was discontinued and replaced by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This new engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is less horsepower than the V6 but more torque.
- For the 2022 and earlier models: The V6 engine was standard, producing 295 horsepower.
This video compares the 2022 and 2023 Highlander models: 59sChris’s Car CultureYouTube · May 17, 2023
Why did Toyota get rid of the V6 Highlander?
Toyota replaced the V6 in the Highlander with a turbocharged four-cylinder for the 2023 model year primarily to meet stricter emissions regulations and lower emissions like CO2 and NOx. This change allows the new engine to meet government standards while maintaining similar performance, with more low-end torque, though slightly less horsepower.
- Stricter emissions standards: Global government regulations have become more strict, prompting automakers to update their engines to produce fewer emissions. The new turbocharged engine significantly reduces NOx and CO2 emissions compared to the previous V6.
- Maintaining performance: Toyota engineered the new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to offer similar performance to the outgoing 3.5-liter V6. It has less horsepower but more torque, which can result in a more responsive and "peppier" feel, particularly at lower speeds.
- Fuel economy: The new engine achieves the same estimated combined MPG rating as the outgoing V6, despite the performance and emissions improvements.
- Engine downsizing: The move to a smaller, turbocharged engine is a trend in the industry to reduce emissions and improve efficiency without a significant loss in power.
