What transmission does a 2006 Toyota Highlander have?
In brief, the 2006 Highlander uses two automatic transmissions depending on the engine: a four-speed automatic with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and a five-speed automatic with the 3.3-liter V6. No manual transmission was offered for this model year, and all-wheel-drive versions use the same automatic transmissions with a transfer setup as needed.
Transmission options by engine
The model year 2006 Highlander offered two main engine configurations, each paired with its respective automatic transmission. The following outlines which transmission typically came with each engine.
- 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine — four-speed automatic transmission. Suitable for base and mid-range trims; available with front- or all-wheel drive.
- 3.3-liter V6 engine — five-speed automatic transmission. Found on higher-trim versions; available with front- or all-wheel drive.
In practical terms, this means the Highlander’s highway and city driving feel depends on your engine choice: the four-cylinder offers a simpler, less torquey setup with four gears, while the V6 delivers smoother acceleration across five gears. Both configurations are automatic; there was no manual option in 2006.
Notes on drivetrain options
Some 2006 Highlanders with all-wheel drive use the same transmissions but incorporate an all-wheel-drive transfer mechanism; the base transmissions remain automatic regardless of drivetrain layout.
Summary
Bottom line: The 2006 Toyota Highlander uses a four-speed automatic transmission with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine, and a five-speed automatic transmission with the 3.3L V6 engine. Manual transmissions were not offered for this model year.
What kind of transmissions do Toyota Highlanders have?
Despite its size, the Toyota Highlander is slick and pleasing to drive with an eager eight-speed automatic transmission to boot. Every 2022 Toyota Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
What year to stay away from 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
What kind of transmission is in the 2006 Toyota Highlander?
Transmission choices include a 4-speed automatic with the 2.4L I-4, or a 5-speed automatic for the 3.3L V-6. Although all Highlanders are available in 2WD or 4WD, the Hybrid model is not recommended for off-road use.
Was 2006 a good year for the Toyota Highlander?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's quality and reliability to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 754 out of 924 of owners (82% of them) rank the 2006 Highlander five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2006 Toyota Highlander.
