2016 Toyota Highlander Oil Capacity, Oil Type, Change Interval & Cost Guide

The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a reliable midsize SUV designed for family comfort, long-distance travel, and strong V6 performance. To maintain engine health and long-term durability, using the correct oil type and following proper maintenance intervals is essential.

In this guide, you will learn the complete details about oil capacity, oil type, oil change interval, service cost, and maintenance tips for the 2016 Toyota Highlander.

2016 Toyota Highlander Oil Type

The 2016 Toyota Highlander uses full synthetic oil for all engine variants. Toyota recommends low-viscosity oil for better fuel economy and engine protection.

2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine: SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil
3.5L V6 Engine: SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil

Best Choice: Always use SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil for best performance, fuel efficiency, and long engine life.

2016 Toyota Highlander Oil Capacity

Oil capacity depends on engine type and includes oil filter replacement.

Engine Type	Oil Capacity (With Filter)	Recommended Oil
2.7L Inline-4	4.6 Quarts (Approx. 4.4L)	0W-20 Synthetic
3.5L V6	6.4 Quarts (Approx. 6.1L)	0W-20 Synthetic

Oil Change Interval

Regular oil changes are critical for maintaining engine performance, especially under city driving, towing, or extreme temperatures.

Driving Condition	Oil Change Interval
Normal Driving	7,500 – 10,000 miles or 12 months
Severe Driving (traffic, towing, short trips, heat)	3,000 – 5,000 miles

2016 Toyota Highlander Oil Change Cost

Oil change cost varies depending on service type, oil brand, and location.

DIY Oil Change: $45 – $75
Local Mechanic: $80 – $130
Dealership Service: $120 – $180

Using full synthetic oil may cost more upfront but significantly improves engine life and reduces long-term repair expenses.

How to Change Oil in 2016 Toyota Highlander

Step 1: Warm up engine for 2–3 minutes for proper oil flow.

Step 2: Drain old engine oil completely.

Step 3: Replace oil filter with OEM or equivalent quality filter.

Step 4: Secure drain plug properly.

Step 5: Refill with SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil.

Step 6: Check oil level using dipstick and inspect for leaks.

Maintenance Tips for Long Engine Life

Always use full synthetic 0W-20 oil
Replace oil filter at every oil change
Check oil level every 1,000–2,000 miles
Avoid exceeding 10,000 miles between changes
Inspect for leaks regularly
Use OEM-quality filters for best results

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil does a 2016 Toyota Highlander use?

It uses SAE 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil for both 2.7L and 3.5L engines.

How much oil does a 2016 Toyota Highlander take?

It takes about 4.6 quarts (4-cylinder) and 6.4 quarts (V6) with filter.

How often should I change oil?

Every 7,500–10,000 miles under normal driving conditions or 3,000–5,000 miles under severe use.

What is the oil change cost?

Typically between $45 and $180 depending on service type and location.

Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20?

Not recommended. Toyota specifies 0W-20 for best performance and fuel efficiency.

Final Thoughts

The 2016 Toyota Highlander performs best when maintained with regular oil changes using high-quality 0W-20 synthetic oil. Following correct oil capacity and service intervals ensures long engine life, better fuel economy, and reliable performance.