What size speakers are in a 2016 Toyota Highlander?
The door speakers on most 2016 Highlander trims are 6.5 inches in diameter, with the same size used for both front and rear doors. The optional JBL Premium Audio system does not change the door speaker size but adds a subwoofer for deeper bass in the cargo area.
This article explains the typical speaker sizes across trims and what you can expect when replacing or upgrading components.
Speaker sizes by trim and system
In practice, the Highlander's core speaker sizes are consistent across most trims. The choice you make mainly affects the number of speakers and the presence of a subwoofer rather than the door speaker diameter.
Here is a concise breakdown of the door speaker sizes and the role of the JBL upgrade.
- Front doors: 6.5 inches (165 mm) in diameter; typically two-way coaxial units.
- Rear doors: 6.5 inches (165 mm) in diameter; typically two-way units.
- JBL Premium Audio: uses the same door speaker sizes but adds a subwoofer in the cargo area to enhance bass; exact subwoofer size varies by market and trim.
Overall takeaway: door speakers are 6.5 inches on most 2016 Highlanders; the JBL system adds a subwoofer rather than upgrading door speaker size.
Upgrade tips and replacement notes
If you're planning to upgrade, keep these points in mind:
- Confirm the exact speaker size and mounting depth for your specific trim, as there can be minor variations by market or model run.
- Check the impedance of replacement speakers (commonly 4 ohms on factory Toyota systems) to ensure compatibility with aftermarket amplifiers if you plan to upgrade.
- When replacing door speakers, consider using 6.5" coaxial or component sets that fit standard Toyota door mounting depths; you may need spacers or adapters.
With the right adapters, you can upgrade the front and rear door speakers without altering the factory wiring harness significantly. The most noticeable gains usually come from upgrading the front stage and adding a separate subwoofer if you want deeper bass.
Summary
For the 2016 Toyota Highlander, the typical door speaker size is 6.5 inches in both front and rear doors. The JBL Premium Audio system maintains the same door speaker dimensions but includes a subwoofer in the cargo area to boost bass. Always verify the exact specs for your trim and market before purchasing replacements or upgrades. A planned upgrade should focus on the front stage and, if desired, an integrated sub for bass depth.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Toyota Highlander?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Brakes. Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
- Exhaust.
- In-car Electronics.
- Climate System.
- Electrical Accessories.
- Drive System.
- Suspension/Steering.
- Engine Major.
What size speakers are in a Toyota Highlander?
Speakers that fit your 2020 Toyota Highlander*
| Speaker location | Speaker sizes** |
|---|---|
| Corner Dash | 3-1/2" |
| Front Door | 6x9" |
| Front Pillars | Tweeter |
How do I know my car speaker size?
You can find your car's speaker size by checking the owner's manual, using an online vehicle lookup tool from a car audio retailer like Crutchfield, or by physically measuring the speakers after removing the grilles. The simplest way is often the owner's manual or an online lookup tool. Common sizes include 5.25 inches, 6.5 inches, and 6x9 inches, but your car may have other sizes or a combination of different speakers.
How to find your car's speaker size
- Check the owner's manual: Your manual is the fastest way to find the exact speaker sizes for your vehicle. You can often find a digital copy online by searching for your car's year, make, and model plus "owner's manual".
- Use an online database: Websites like Crutchfield have tools where you can input your car's year, make, and model to see which speakers are compatible and their sizes.
- Measure the speakers directly:
- Remove the speaker grille: to access the speaker.
- Measure the diameter: of the speaker across its widest point.
- Measure other dimensions: like mounting depth and height, as these are also crucial for choosing a replacement.
- Visit a professional: A car audio specialist can quickly identify the speaker sizes in your car.
What if the speaker size isn't standard?
- Measure the opening: Some manufacturers use non-standard sizes like 6x8 inches, especially for Ford vehicles. Measure the opening to find out what fits.
- Check for markings: Sometimes the factory speaker itself will have its recommended size marked on it.
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
