2011 Toyota Highlander Oil Type & Capacity
The 2011 Toyota Highlander oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 2.7 A takes 5W-20 (4.6 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 3.5 K, AWD takes 0W-20 (6.4 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 3.5 K, FWD takes 0W-20 (6.4 quarts qt with filter); the Hybrid takes 0W-20 (6.4 quarts qt with filter); the Hybrid Limited takes 0W-20 (6.4 quarts qt with filter); the Limited, AWD takes 0W-20 (6.4 quarts qt with filter); the Limited, FWD takes 0W-20 (6.4 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 2.7 A takes 5W-20 (4.6 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 3.5 K, AWD takes 0W-20 (6.4 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 3.5 K, FWD takes 0W-20 (6.4 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 2.7 A: 5W-20, 4.6 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.5 K, AWD: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.5 K, FWD: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Hybrid: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Hybrid Limited: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Limited, AWD: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Limited, FWD: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- SE, 2.7 A: 5W-20, 4.6 quarts with filter
- SE, 3.5 K, AWD: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- SE, 3.5 K, FWD: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2.7 A — 2.7L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 | 4.60 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. |
| Base, 3.5 K, AWD — 3.5L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. |
| Base, 3.5 K, FWD — 3.5L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. |
| Hybrid — 3.5L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. |
| Hybrid Limited — 3.5L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. |
| Limited, AWD — 3.5L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. |
| Limited, FWD — 3.5L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. |
| SE, 2.7 A — 2.7L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 | 4.60 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. |
| SE, 3.5 K, AWD — 3.5L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. |
| SE, 3.5 K, FWD — 3.5L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2011 Toyota Highlander
Everything you need delivered in one order. Pre-matched to your factory spec (5W-20, 4.6 quarts).
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are real-time retail estimates.
Buy the right oil & filter for your Highlander
🛒 Buy 5W-20 Full Synthetic Oil (4.6 quarts needed) on Amazon🛒 Buy 0W-20 Full Synthetic Oil (4.6 quarts needed) on AmazonPopular Full Synthetic Brands (5W-20):
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More factory specs & repair guides for your Highlander
🛞 2011 Toyota Highlander Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2011 Toyota Highlander Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2011 Toyota Highlander Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2011 Toyota Highlander Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.3 quarts (6.9 L) — TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent. DO NOT use plain water alone.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2011 Toyota Highlander take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 2.7 A uses 5W-20; Base, 3.5 K, AWD uses 0W-20; Base, 3.5 K, FWD uses 0W-20; Hybrid uses 0W-20; Hybrid Limited uses 0W-20; Limited, AWD uses 0W-20; Limited, FWD uses 0W-20; SE, 2.7 A uses 5W-20; SE, 3.5 K, AWD uses 0W-20; SE, 3.5 K, FWD uses 0W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2011 Toyota Highlander?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, 2.7 A holds 4.6 quarts with filter; Base, 3.5 K, AWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Base, 3.5 K, FWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Hybrid holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Hybrid Limited holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Limited, AWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Limited, FWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; SE, 2.7 A holds 4.6 quarts with filter; SE, 3.5 K, AWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; SE, 3.5 K, FWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2011 Toyota Highlander?
Most 2011 Toyota Highlander owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Toyota recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 Toyota Highlander?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 Toyota Highlander. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.