If you want to keep your 2023 Toyota Highlander performing as it’s intended, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity—and it’s 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters).

With hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains, competent handling, and a host of standard driver-assistance features, the Highlander sits on the cusp of luxury without the luxury price tag. But while

Toyota

makes

good cars

with great reliability, you’re still on the hook for minor car expenses.

If you’re looking to save, changing your Highlander’s oil at home is an easy way to do it—you just need to know the oil type and capacity before starting! We’re covering all the details here. Ready to get started?

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2023 Toyota Highlander engine oil capacity

The 2023 Toyota Highlander needs 5.6 quarts (5.3L) of oil.

Make sure that you don’t confuse the engine oil capacity with the engine displacement. Engine displacement refers to the volume the Highlander’s cylinders take up (i.e., 2.4 liters), while oil capacity is much oil is required for each oil change. Again, these terms are not the same, so don’t use them interchangeably!

What kind of oil does a 2023 Toyota Highlander need?

Now that we know how much oil the 2023 Highlander needs for an oil change, it’s time to figure out what kind of oil is best. It can be tempting to head to the automotive section of your local hardware store and grab the first oil you see, but don’t—engine oil is not created equal.

Toyota only uses Toyota Genuine Motor Oil for their vehicles, and this, or an equivalent, is what they recommend to satisfy the following grade and viscosity.

Oil grade: ILSAC GF-6A multi-grade engine oil

Recommended viscosity: SAE 0W-20

If SAE 0W-20 is unavailable, you can use SAE 5W-20 motor oil. However, you must replace it with SAE 0W-20 at the following oil change.

The numbers in the oil grade (0W-20) refer to the oil’s viscosity or thickness at different temperatures, while the “W” stands for winter certification. Oils with a lower value before the W will have an easier time starting the engine in cold weather.

Simply put, 0W-20 is the ideal oil rating for a 2023 Toyota Highlander because it allows your car to perform well in cold conditions, resulting in

less wear and tear on the engine

But there’s more: how do you choose between conventional oil and synthetic? Generally speaking, most newer cars are designed to run well on conventional oil. Still, automotive manufacturers will recommend synthetic motor oil because it offers greater engine protection, a cleaner engine, and better viscosity.

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How often to change the oil on a 2023 Toyota Highlander

Now that you know how much oil you need and the best type to keep your Highlander performing optimally, are you ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s

change your oil

Before we start, it’s important to check when the last time your engine oil was changed. The Toyota maintenance schedule will recommend an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if using conventional oil or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if using synthetic oil. However, low-mileage drivers may be able to go six months before needing an oil change.

While Toyota may specify a general range for changing your Highlander’s oil, it’s still a range—and when your oil needs changing can still vary. You’ll want to make sure you’re checking your oil levels regularly. Ideally, you want to check your oil levels once a month and look for the following signs that your oil needs to be changed:

The “Change Engine Oil” light is on

Dirty motor oil that needs changing is dark brown or black (clean oil is light brown or amber)

The engine oil level is close to the minimum line on the dipstick

Motor oil

feels gritty

Unfamiliar or

loud engine noises

Changes in your vehicle’s performance

Strange or unfamiliar smells from the engine, like

burning, oil, or smoke

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How to change your oil and oil filter

So, you’ve never changed your engine oil, and you’re looking for a new DIY project. Although it may seem a bit complicated, the process is relatively simple. Before grabbing your jack and pumping up your car, first, collect your materials:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement engine oil filter

5.6 quarts of Toyota Genuine SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or comparable)

Once you’ve collected all your materials, ensure your vehicle is parked on level ground and start the engine to let it warm up to normal operating temperature. After warming up the engine, turn off the engine and wait five minutes for the oil to drain back to the bottom of the engine. Then,

open the hood

and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap by turning it counterclockwise

Get under the car and unscrew the oil drain bolt and washer

Place the drain pan in the proper position and let the oil drain (this may take up to 20 minutes) until the flow has slowed to a trickle

Remove the old oil filter and allow the remaining oil to drain

Install the new filter

Replace the drain plug and tighten it until snug (don’t overtighten—it can damage the oil pan and drain plug)

Refill the engine with clean oil and replace the fill cap

Use the dipstick to check that the oil is at the correct level

After performing an oil change, the engine oil maintenance data should be reset. But the

oil pressure light

on your dashboard may not turn off. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to go in and switch it off manually via the multi-information display. You can find details on how to do this in your owner’s manual.

Once that’s done, there’s one final step: clean up. Never dump dirty oil on the ground or put it in your garbage bin. Instead, put the oil in a sealed container and bring it to a local recycling center.

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