What year did Toyota stop making 6 cylinder highlanders?
Toyota has discontinued the 6-cylinder engine option for its popular Highlander SUV model as of 2023. The Highlander, one of Toyota's best-selling vehicles, is now only available with 4-cylinder and hybrid powertrain options.
The Shift Away from 6-Cylinder Highlanders
The decision to stop offering a 6-cylinder engine in the Highlander is part of Toyota's broader strategy to focus on more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly powertrains. The 6-cylinder Highlander models were less popular with consumers in recent years as buyers have gravitated towards smaller, more efficient engines.
Toyota has been gradually phasing out 6-cylinder engines across its lineup, as the automaker aims to improve the average fuel economy of its vehicles and reduce emissions. The Highlander's switch to 4-cylinder and hybrid-only options aligns with this corporate initiative.
Impact on Highlander Buyers
For Highlander buyers, the elimination of the 6-cylinder engine option means they will have to choose between the standard 4-cylinder or the more expensive hybrid powertrain. The 4-cylinder Highlander delivers better fuel economy but has less horsepower and towing capacity compared to the previous 6-cylinder model.
However, Toyota believes that the majority of Highlander buyers do not require the extra power and performance of a 6-cylinder engine, and will be satisfied with the 4-cylinder or hybrid options. The company is banking on consumers prioritizing fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness over raw power in the Highlander.
Broader Industry Trends
The Highlander's powertrain changes reflect a broader industry shift away from larger displacement engines. Many automakers are downsizing engines, adding turbochargers, and increasingly offering hybrid and electric powertrains to meet stricter fuel economy and emissions regulations.
As consumer preferences also evolve towards more efficient vehicles, the 6-cylinder Highlander has become less relevant in Toyota's lineup. The company's decision to discontinue this engine option aligns with these market and regulatory trends.
What was the last year Toyota put a V6 in the Highlander?
Instead we get a 2.4 L turbo. Basically borrowed out of the Lexus RX and the Lexus. NX. Now under this hood the engine is tuned for regular unled not premium.
Why did Toyota get rid of the V6 Highlander?
Emissions regulations and fuel economy would probably be the main reasons. Toyota is basically getting rid of all their naturally aspirated - non cvt options.
Can you get a Toyota Highlander with a V6 engine?
No, the standard Toyota Highlander does not have a V6 engine starting with the 2023 model year; it now comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. However, older models, such as the 2022 and prior, did feature the 3.5-liter V6.
2023 and newer Highlander
- Standard engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Horsepower: 265 hp.
- Torque: 310 lb-ft, which is more than the previous V6.
Models prior to 2023 (like the 2022)
- Standard engine: 3.5-liter V6 engine.
- Horsepower: 295 hp.
- Torque: 263 lb-ft.
When did the Toyota Highlander change to 4-cylinder?
2023
For 2023, Toyota eliminated the V-6 engine on non-hybrid Highlanders, replacing it with a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 265 hp.
