2012 Toyota Highlander Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Toyota Highlander oil type depends on the engine: the 2.7L takes 5W-20 (4.7 quarts qt with filter); the 3.5L 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), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.7L: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
- 2.7L: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 0W-20, 6.4 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 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
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L — Base, 2.7L Eng VIN A, 2.7L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. |
| 2.7L — SE, 2.7L Eng VIN A, 2.7L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. |
| 3.5L — Base, 3.5L Eng VIN 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. |
| 3.5L — Base, 3.5L Eng VIN 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. |
| 3.5L — SE, 3.5L Eng VIN 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. |
| 3.5L — SE, 3.5L Eng VIN 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. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Highlander
🛞 2012 Toyota Highlander Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Toyota Highlander Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Toyota Highlander Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 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 similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology. DO NOT use plain water alone. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Toyota Highlander take?
It depends on the engine: 2.7L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 0W-20; Hybrid uses 0W-20; Hybrid Limited uses 0W-20; Limited, AWD uses 0W-20; Limited, FWD uses 0W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2.7L holds 4.7 quarts with filter; 3.5L 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.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Most 2012 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 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.