The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a safe, high-tech SUV with plenty of space for your stuff (and your legs). To keep your vehicle in good condition, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity.

SUVs are a bit pricier than other vehicles, from the cost of insurance to standard maintenance tasks. You can take care of the engine oil at home if you want to save the mechanic’s fee. Just check the owner’s manual for your 2016 Toyota Highlander to confirm the proper oil type and capacity.

If you can’t find the booklet or just need some more background on the 2016 Toyota Highlander oil capacity, we’ve got you covered.

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2016 Toyota Highlander engine oil capacity

The first thing you need to know before you

change the oil and filter

in your 2016 Toyota Highlander is how many quart bottles to buy. So, what is the 2016 Toyota Highlander’s oil capacity?

Your vehicle has either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

If your Highlander has the standard four-cylinder engine, its oil capacity is 4.6 quarts including the filter. If you drive the V6 Highlander, its oil capacity is 6.4 quarts including the filter. If you buy engine oil in quart-sized bottles, you’ll need around four to six bottles depending on your model and how low the oil level is.

Note that the engine displacement is not the same as oil capacity. For instance, the 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter denominators above tell you the volume the engine’s cylinders take up—not its oil capacity.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Toyota Highlander need?

So, you know how much oil your SUV needs—but what type of oil do you need?

Not all engine oils are alike. Toyota specifies that a Highlander should be given Toyota Genuine SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic motor oil. It’s generally a good idea to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation for peak performance.

Let’s quickly break down what those numbers and letters mean. SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers, which codes oil viscosity. The numbers describe the oil’s viscosity or thickness. The higher the number, the thicker the oil. Low viscosity means less wear and tear on your engine.

The “W” stands for winter. In 0W-20, the 0 tells you that this oil has a low viscosity when the engine is cold. It performs well in cold conditions. The 20 tells you that this oil is also relatively thin at peak operating temperatures.

You can use any high-quality full-synthetic oil in your 2016 Highlander, so long as it meets the above requirements for viscosity. For example, Mobil 1 sells both Extended Performance 0W-20 and High Mileage 0W-20 full-synthetic motor oil options.

The genuine article: To follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter, use

Toyota Genuine

motor oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2016 Toyota Highlander

Now that you know the 2016 Toyota Highlander oil capacity and type, you’re ready to change the oil.

But do you really need to change the oil right now? Maybe not. You should change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles per Toyota's recommended maintenance schedule. If you drive less frequently than the average person, you could get away with six months to keep your oil running clean.

Fully synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil. Most experts say you should change synthetic oil between 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

So what oil change interval is right for you? The best way to know for sure is to check your oil levelregularly. Try once a month or every other time you fill up your gas tank. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that you need an oil change:

Dark brown or black color (clean oil is light brown, like a thick cup of tea)

Grainy texture

Odd noises coming from the engine

New smells, especially anything that smells burnt

Changes in your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

Toyota Highlander towing capacity

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How to change your oil and oil filter

You will need some specialty tools for an oil change. Get a socket wrench, a filter wrench, a drain pan, a replacement filter, a new washer, and either 4.6 or 6.4 quarts of premium 0W-20 engine oil.

Before you start, run the engine for a few minutes until it reaches normal operating temperature. This may take longer if you’re changing the oil in cold weather, but don't worry—the actual

oil change won't take long

at all. Then, turn off the car and pop the hood.

Here’s how to change the oil and filter:

Unscrew the oil fill cap

Slide beneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, allowing the old oil to drip into the well-positioned drain pan

Pull out the old oil filter and let the oil continue to drain

Install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to the manual’s specifications

Fill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

To test your work, use the dipstick to check the level. Then run your Highlander for a few minutes to check for leaks and make sure the

oil pressure light

on your dashboard is off.

Finally, clean up properly. Do not allow your dirty oil to pollute the water table—and do not chuck it in the garbage bin. Place the old oil in a sealed container and bring it to your local recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Regular oil changes are one of the best—and cheapest—ways to keep your 2016 Toyota Highlander in peak condition. And you’ll

save money on your car expenses

if you do it at home!

Toyota owners, there’s another smart way to reduce the cost of car ownership. It’s a free app called

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