Why did Toyota get rid of the V6 in Highlander?

To put it plainly, Toyota eliminated the 3.5-liter V6 option in the Highlander, replacing it with a turbocharged four-cylinder and a hybrid powertrain to boost fuel efficiency while maintaining practical performance.

The move reflects a broader industry shift toward electrification and tighter emissions standards. Toyota has gradually centralized its SUV lineup around two modern powertrains: a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four for conventional models and a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four paired with electric motors for the Hybrid variant. By retiring the traditional V6, Toyota aims to deliver better real-world efficiency, simpler maintenance, and alignment with its electrification roadmap across its global lineup.

What replaced the V6

Here is how the Highlander’s powertrain lineup has changed to replace the V6.

• 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder for non-hybrid models


• 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four paired with electric motors for the Hybrid variant

In short, the replacements are designed to preserve practical performance—thanks to turbo torque and hybrid torque—while delivering stronger fuel economy and lower emissions than the old V6 configuration.

Why Toyota did it

Several factors shaped Toyota’s decision to retire the V6 from the Highlander.

• Stricter fuel economy and emissions regulations in the United States and abroad


• Toyota’s broader electrification strategy, prioritizing hybrids and reducing reliance on larger internal-combustion engines


• Manufacturing and cost efficiencies from standardizing on two modern powertrains instead of multiple options


• Growing consumer demand for fuel-efficient SUVs and hybrid technology


• Competitive pressure from rivals offering turbo-four and hybrid configurations with strong efficiency

Taken together, these factors explain the strategic pivot away from the V6 in the Highlander, aligning the model with Toyota’s long-term goals for efficiency and electrification.

What it means for buyers

For shoppers, the shift changes how you approach buying a Highlander depending on priorities like power, efficiency, and cost of ownership.

• Choose the 2.4-liter turbocharged model if you want more traditional SUV performance with lower upfront cost (versus a hybrid).


• Opt for the Highlander Hybrid for the best fuel economy and a reduced running cost over time.


• Confirm towing and payload expectations, as power output and rating can vary by drivetrain and trim.


• Be mindful of maintenance implications, since turbo engines and hybrids have different service needs and intervals.


• Consider resale value and reliability history, where Toyota’s hybrid offerings have built a strong track record.

In practice, buyers should weigh their daily driving patterns, fuel costs, and need for efficiency against the appeal of the V6’s traditional power, while recognizing that the two newer powertrains offer competitive performance with greater efficiency.

Summary

Toyota’s removal of the V6 from the Highlander is part of a broader shift toward efficiency and electrification. The model now pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a hybrid option, delivering comparable real-world performance to the old V6 while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. For buyers, the change means selecting between a turbo-four or a hybrid path based on priorities like power, fuel efficiency, and ownership costs.

What was the last year Toyota put a V6 in the Highlander?

The last Toyota Highlander with a V6 engine was the 2022 model year. Starting with the 2023 model year, Toyota replaced the 3.5-liter V6 with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for all non-hybrid versions.
 
You can watch this video to see the engine of the 2023 Toyota Highlander: 59sChris’s Car CultureYouTube · May 17, 2023

• 2022 Highlander: This is the most recent model year to come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produced 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. 
• 2023 Highlander: The V6 was replaced by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. 
  • Horsepower: 265 hp (30 hp less than the V6) 
  • Torque: 309 lb-ft (46 lb-ft more than the V6) 
  • Performance: Despite the lower horsepower, the increased torque makes the 2023 model feel quicker from a stop. 
  • Fuel Economy: The new engine has similar combined MPG to the V6. 

This video compares the 2022 and 2023 Toyota Highlander models: 54sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Oct 18, 2022

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. 

Why did Toyota discontinue the V6?

Toyota is replacing V6 engines with turbocharged 4-cylinder engines to meet stricter emissions regulations and improve fuel economy. These new engines can provide similar performance in a smaller, more efficient package, aligning with global and company-wide policies to reduce CO2 emissions and simplify their powertrain options. This shift is part of a larger industry trend and has been seen in models like the Tacoma, Highlander, and Camry. 
Key reasons for the change

• Emissions regulations: Stricter government regulations worldwide have forced manufacturers to update their engines to be more environmentally friendly. 
• Fuel economy: Turbocharged 4-cylinder engines are designed to offer better fuel efficiency than V6s, even if the real-world difference isn't always significant. 
• Performance: New turbo-four engines are engineered to produce comparable horsepower and torque to V6s, but in a more compact and efficient package. 
• Company policy: Toyota has a company mandate to reduce CO2 emissions, and phasing out the V6 is part of this broader strategy. 
• Streamlined production: Reducing the number of engine options simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes. 

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.