When did Toyota stop putting V6 in Highlander?

Toyota stopped offering a V6 engine in the Highlander starting with the 2020 model year. Since then, the lineup has shifted to a turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine for most non-hybrid models and a variety of hybrid powertrains.

The change reflects Toyota’s broader push toward smaller, more efficient engines paired with electric motors. In 2020, the Highlander underwent a redesign that dropped the traditional V6 in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder gas option for many trims, while hybrid variants continued with electric-assisted powertrains. A further upgrade came in 2022 with the introduction of the Highlander Hybrid Max, a higher-performance hybrid that relies on the same turbocharged four-cylinder base paired with advanced electrification.

Timeline of Highlander engine options

Below is a concise look at how Highlander powertrains evolved, with a focus on when the V6 was retired and what replaced it.

Pre-2020: The V6 era

Up through the 2019 model year, the Highlander offered a traditional V6 engine (3.5-liter V6 in most generations) paired with an automatic transmission. This setup was the standard choice for gas-only Highlanders and remained the go-to option for buyers seeking maximum interior space and straightforward power.

The V6 remained the mainstay for several generations, delivering robust performance but at lower fuel-economy figures compared with hybrid options.

2020 and beyond: The V6 is retired in the Highlander

With the 2020 redesign, Toyota dropped the V6 option in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder for non-hybrid Highlanders and kept the hybrid lineup intact. The result was a more modern, efficiency-focused powertrain family that still aimed to match or exceed the performance of the older V6 in daily driving.

In 2022, Toyota expanded the Highlander’s hybrid strategy with the Hybrid Max, a higher-performance variant built around a turbocharged four-cylinder plus electric motors. This added a more powerful, sportier option for buyers who wanted more speed without returning to a traditional V6.

Current engine options

These are the primary powertrain choices available for recent and current Highlander models in the United States.

Gasoline-powered non-hybrid: A turbocharged four-cylinder engine (2.4L class) paired with an automatic transmission, offering solid performance without a traditional V6.



• Hybrid: A 2.5L four-cylinder engine combined with electric motors in a full hybrid system (non-plug-in), delivering improved efficiency and seamless transitions between gas and electric power.


• Hybrid Max: A higher-performance hybrid variant introduced in 2022, using the same turbocharged four-cylinder base with additional electric motivation for stronger on-road performance.

Concluding note: The Highlander no longer offers a V6 option in its latest generations. Shoppers interested in V6 power would need to look to older model years or alternative Toyota products, but current buyers will find a focus on turbocharged and hybrid powertrains designed to balance performance with fuel efficiency.

Summary

In short, Toyota discontinued the V6 in the Highlander after the 2019 model year. The 2020 redesign introduced a turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine for non-hybrid models and kept hybrid options, with the Hybrid Max variant arriving in 2022 for those seeking higher performance from electrified power. Today, the Highlander lineup centers on turbocharged four-cylinders and hybrid systems rather than a traditional V6.

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

Is Toyota discontinuing the 3.5 V6?

The Sienna minivan dropped its old 3.5-liter V6 in favor of a 2.5-liter hybrid engine beginning in 2021, and the Highlander crossover replaced its standard 3.5 V6 with a 2.4-liter turbo four beginning in the 2023 model year.

Is a Toyota V6 better than a 4-cylinder?

Sixes are also larger in terms of displacement, which gives them an additional advantage for making power. The two additional cylinders also means that power will be made more evenly throughout the RPM range, making a six smoother and potentially faster than a four-cylinder powered vehicle.

Do Toyota Highlanders come with a V6?

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.