Is Toyota Highlander a v4 or V6?
The answer depends on the model year and variant. In the current lineup, gas-only Highlanders use a V6 engine, while the Highlander Hybrid pairs a four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric motors.
Current engine options
Here's how the powertrains work in the latest generation and its hybrid counterpart.
- Gas-only Highlander: 3.5-liter V6 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission; available with front- or all-wheel drive depending on trim.
- Highlander Hybrid: 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with electric motors (Hybrid Synergy Drive) and all-wheel drive.
These configurations cover the present-day lineup and reflect Toyota's emphasis on a hybrid option alongside a traditional V6.
Gas vs Hybrid performance considerations
Gas-powered V6 models deliver stronger acceleration and higher towing capacity, while the Hybrid emphasizes fuel efficiency and smoother city driving thanks to its electric-motor assist and regenerative braking.
Historical engine options
Over its history, the Highlander has offered both four-cylinder and V6 powertrains across multiple generations. The exact engines changed by generation, but the general pattern has been:
- Early models offered a four-cylinder option and a larger V6 option.
- In later generations, a dedicated hybrid powertrain using a four-cylinder gasoline engine (with electric motors) was introduced, expanding the mix of options beyond a single engine layout.
In short, the Highlander has not been restricted to a single engine type; buyers have historically had choices between four-cylinder and V6 configurations, plus a hybrid variant based on a four-cylinder engine.
What this means for buyers
When shopping for a Highlander, the key distinction is not a single "V6 vs. 4-cylinder" label, but whether you want the traditional V6 gas power, or the efficiency and torque feel of a hybrid system built on a four-cylinder engine.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander has offered both four-cylinder and V6 powertrains throughout its production history. In the current lineup, gas models use a 3.5-liter V6, while the hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with electric motors. Your choice depends on your priorities for performance, towing, and fuel efficiency.
