The Highlander currently offers two main engine choices: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder powertrain.
The Highlander has evolved across generations, with recent models focusing on efficiency and smooth performance through two distinct powertrains. Below is a look at the current options and how they relate to earlier configurations.
Current engine options
Here are the two engine options typically available on modern Highlanders:
- Gasoline: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission; roughly 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, with available all-wheel drive.
- Hybrid: 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle engine combined with electric motors (Toyota Hybrid System), producing about 243 net horsepower and using a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
These two powertrains are designed to cover different driver priorities: the gasoline turbo offers quicker acceleration and a traditional feel, while the hybrid emphasizes fuel efficiency and smooth, quiet operation in daily driving.
Performance and efficiency differences
Gasoline-powered Highlanders tend to deliver stronger straight-line performance, especially on highways, at the expense of fuel economy versus the hybrid. The hybrid model prioritizes efficiency, delivering better city mpg and lower operating costs over time, but with slightly different tuning for acceleration.
Historical engine options
Earlier Highlander generations commonly offered a V6 and a four-cylinder option, depending on year and trim. The V6 was the more powerful choice, while some trims favored a more economical four-cylinder approach.
- V6 engine option (larger displacement, more power, typically paired with an automatic transmission).
- Four-cylinder engine option (emphasizing lower fuel consumption and cost in certain trims or model years).
These older configurations reflect Toyota’s balance between performance and efficiency before the current two-engine approach became standard in newer Highlanders.
Summary
For most buyers today, the Toyota Highlander offers a choice between a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. If you’re considering older models, you’ll encounter either a V6 or a four-cylinder option depending on the generation and trim. Always verify the exact engine in a given vehicle, as specifications can vary by year, region, and trim level.