Which tires are good for a Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to maintaining your Toyota Highlander, one of the most important decisions you'll make is selecting the right tires. The tires you choose can significantly impact your vehicle's performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing tires for your Highlander.
All-Season Tires: A Versatile Choice
For most Highlander owners, all-season tires are an excellent choice. All-season tires are designed to provide a balanced performance in a variety of weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. They offer a comfortable ride, good traction, and long tread life. Some popular all-season tire options for the Toyota Highlander include the Michelin Defender T+H, the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring, and the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus.
Winter Tires: For Snowy Conditions
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or frequent icy conditions, winter tires may be a better choice for your Highlander. Winter tires are specifically engineered to provide superior traction and handling in cold, snowy, and icy weather. They feature a softer rubber compound and a unique tread pattern that helps them grip the road better in these conditions. Some top-rated winter tire options for the Highlander include the Michelin X-Ice Snow and the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2.p>
Choosing the Right Size
It's important to select tires that are the correct size for your Highlander. The tire size is typically listed on a placard located on the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual. Using the wrong tire size can negatively impact your vehicle's handling, braking, and fuel economy. Be sure to match the tire size, load rating, and speed rating specified by Toyota for your Highlander model.
Maintenance and Rotation
Proper tire maintenance is crucial for ensuring your Highlander's safety and performance. Regularly check your tire pressure, rotate your tires, and replace them when the tread depth reaches the minimum recommended level. Rotating your tires can help them wear more evenly, extending their lifespan and improving your vehicle's handling.p>
By considering these factors and selecting the right tires for your Toyota Highlander, you can enjoy a smooth, safe, and efficient driving experience for years to come.
What tire brand does Toyota recommend?
Toyota does not have a single recommended tire brand; instead, they partner with various manufacturers to equip different models. Some of the brands that have supplied original equipment (OE) tires for Toyotas include Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop, Toyo, and Goodyear, with the specific brand depending on the vehicle's model, year, trim level, and wheel size.
- Multiple brands: Toyota works with several tire makers, and the brand that comes on a new car will vary.
- Examples of partnerships:
- Bridgestone, Michelin, and Continental are listed as brands that have equipped Toyotas, notes Black Circles.
- Goodyear is another brand that supplies tires for certain Toyota models, as seen on www.goodyear.eu and Tire Rack.
- Toyo and Hankook are also mentioned as suppliers by Tire Rack.
- Variable tires: The specific tire brand can change even within the same model. For example, a base model Tacoma might come with different tires than a TRD Pro trim.
- Recommendation for replacement: When it's time for a replacement, the best approach is to check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult with a Toyota dealership to find the specific tire recommendations for your exact car.
What is the best tire brand for a Toyota Highlander?
The best tire brand for a Toyota Highlander depends on your priorities, but popular choices include Michelin (specifically the Defender 2 or CrossClimate 2 for all-season performance), Goodyear (Assurance MaxLife for tread life), and Bridgestone (Dueler H/L Alenza Plus for a balanced experience). Other top brands include Yokohama and Pirelli for their respective performance and longevity.
Top tire brands and models for Toyota Highlander
- Michelin:
- Defender 2: Highly rated for its all-season grip and shorter stopping distances.
- CrossClimate 2: A good option for those who want the performance of an all-season tire with the added benefit of a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) rating for reliable winter traction.
- Goodyear:
- Assurance MaxLife: Known for its extended tread life.
- Bridgestone:
- Dueler H/L Alenza Plus: A strong all-season option for a comfortable and well-balanced ride.
- Ecopia: Focuses on fuel economy and a smooth ride.
- Yokohama:
- YK-CTX: Offers high-end performance and all-season grip.
- Pirelli:
- Scorpion AS Plus 3: A good choice for long-lasting performance and all-season grip.
- Continental:
- CrossContact LX20: Another top all-season tire for the Highlander.
Factors to consider when choosing
- Driving conditions: Consider your climate. If you experience heavy snow and ice, a tire with the 3PMSF symbol like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is recommended.
- Priorities: Determine what's most important to you.
- Longevity: Look for tires with long treadwear warranties, such as the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife.
- Ride comfort and noise: Some tires, like the Bridgestone Turanza, are specifically designed for a smooth driving experience.
- Performance: Michelin and Yokohama are noted for their high-end performance and grip.
- Your specific Highlander model: Tire recommendations can vary slightly depending on whether you have a standard or hybrid model.
How to choose
- Start with your needs: Do you need a tire for all-season driving, longevity, or maximum performance?
- Consult a tire professional: Use resources like Discount Tire or Giga Tires to narrow down your options based on your specific Highlander model and driving habits. Tools like Treadwell can also provide personalized recommendations based on how and where you drive.
- Check reviews: Read reviews from other Highlander owners to get real-world feedback on performance and durability.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota Highlander?
The most common problem with the Toyota Highlander is a major oil leak and loss of oil pressure caused by a faulty VVT-i oil line. Other frequent issues include infrequent but noticeable interior rattles, especially from the moonroof or dashboard, and problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission in 2017-2019 models, leading to noises, delayed shifting, and failure.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Toyota Highlander, including the 8-speed transmission issue: 59sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
Most common problems
- VVT-i oil line rupture: This is the most frequent and serious issue, where the oil line bursts, causing a massive oil leak that can lead to complete engine failure if the vehicle is driven while the low oil pressure light is on. A revised part has been issued, but it has also been reported to have the same problem.
- Interior rattles and noises: Many owners report various rattles and squeaks coming from the interior, such as the moonroof, dashboard, or infotainment screen, particularly on bumpy roads or in cold weather.
- 8-speed automatic transmission: Specific models, particularly the 2017–2019 Highlanders, have been associated with issues such as a whining noise, delayed shifts, hard shifts, and even complete failure.
- Airbag sensor failure: Some models have a faulty front passenger airbag sensor that can short-circuit, preventing the airbag from deploying correctly.
Other potential issues
- Air and water leaks: Some model years have reported issues with plugged sunroof drain lines, leading to water leaks inside the vehicle.
- Check engine light: This can be caused by various issues, such as the hose coming off the air filter housing or a failed oxygen sensor.
- Brake issues: Some models have reported premature wear of brake pads and rotors, or a vibrating sensation when braking.
This video discusses problems with the 8-speed transmission in the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander: 58sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Jul 31, 2021
How much do new tires cost for a Toyota Highlander?
Toyota Highlander tires typically range in cost from $110 to $250+, depending on what size tires you have, as well as the type of tire you want.
