The 2016 Toyota Highlander with the 3.5L V6 takes 6.4 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic oil. You’ll need a 14mm socket for the drain plug, a 64mm cartridge filter wrench (or big channel locks), a drain pan, and a funnel. Torque the drain plug to 30 ft-lbs, lube the new filter O-rings with fresh oil, and reset the maintenance light through the dashboard menu when finished.
Oil Type and Capacity
The 2016 Highlander’s 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 calls for 0W-20 full synthetic — API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6. Total capacity with filter change is 6.4 quarts (6.1 liters). That 2016 toyota highlander 3.5 oil capacity number matters because overfilling aerates the oil and underfilling starves the engine. If you’re topping off between changes, the same 0W-20 spec applies. Don’t guess — the filler cap even says 0W-20 on it.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need
- 14mm socket or box-end wrench for the drain plug
- 64mm (14-flute) cartridge oil filter wrench — Lisle 63600 or equivalent
- Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
- Funnel
- 6.4 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic
- Toyota OEM filter kit (04152-YZZA1) — includes filter element and both O-rings
- New drain plug gasket (aluminum crush washer, 14mm)
- Torque wrench (30 ft-lbs / 40 Nm)
- Shop towels and nitrile gloves
In my experience, the cartridge filter wrench is the one tool DIYers skip and regret. Channel locks work but crush the plastic housing. Spend the $12.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Warm the engine. Run it 5 minutes. Warm oil drains faster and carries more contaminants out.
- Remove the engine undercover. Four 10mm bolts and a few plastic clips. Keep hardware organized.
- Drain the oil. Position pan, remove 14mm drain plug with new crush washer ready. Let it drain 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the old filter cartridge. Use the 64mm wrench on the housing. Expect oil to spill — that’s why the pan stays under.
- Install new filter element. Lube both new O-rings (big housing O-ring and small cap O-ring) with fresh oil. Drop element in, hand-tighten housing, then torque to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm).
- Reinstall drain plug. New crush washer, thread by hand, torque to 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm).
- Reinstall undercover.
- Add oil. Pour in 6 quarts, check dipstick, top off to full mark (usually takes the full 6.4).
- Start engine, check for leaks. Run 30 seconds, shut off, wait 2 minutes, recheck level.
- Reset maintenance light. See next section.
Drain Plug Torque and Filter Housing Torque
Two torque specs matter here. Drain plug: 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm). Filter housing: 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm). Overtightening the housing cracks the plastic — I’ve seen it. Undertightening the drain plug leaves you a driveway stain. Use a torque wrench. If you don’t own one, harbor freight sells a click-type 1/2″ drive for $20 that’ll last through high school.
Resetting the Maintenance Required Light
After the 2016 toyota highlander oil change, the “MAINT REQD” light needs resetting. With the car off, hold the trip meter reset knob, turn ignition to ON (don’t start), keep holding until the odometer shows all zeros and the light blinks out. Release. Done. If your Highlander has the push-button start, press the start button twice without touching the brake pedal to get IGNITION ON mode, then same procedure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reusing the old crush washer — leaks every time
- Forgetting the small cap O-ring on the filter housing — major leak
- Over-torquing the filter housing — cracks the cap, $45 part
- Using 5W-30 or conventional oil — hurts fuel economy and variable valve timing
- Not waiting for the oil to drain — leaves a quart of dirty oil in the pan
How Often Should You Change It?
Toyota says 10,000 miles or 12 months for 0W-20 synthetic. In my shop, I tell students 5,000 miles if you do short trips, tow, or drive in dust. The oil life monitor doesn’t know your driving — it just counts miles and cold starts. Blackstone Labs analysis on my own Highlander showed TBN still strong at 7,500, but I sleep better at 5,000. Your call.
Related Toyota Oil Change Notes
If you work on other Toyotas, the specs shift. The 2021 toyota corolla 1.8 oil capacity is 4.4 quarts of 0W-16. The oil for 2022 toyota corolla is also 0W-16, 4.4 quarts. A 2022 toyota corolla se oil change uses the same cartridge filter setup but a 24mm drain plug. For the highlander family, the oil for toyota highlander 2013 (2.7L 4-cyl) takes 5W-30 and 4.6 quarts, while the 2018 toyota highlander oil change and 2021 toyota highlander oil change both use 0W-20 but the V6 capacity stays 6.4 quarts. The toyota highlander 2016 oil change procedure is nearly identical across 2014-2019 models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my 2016 Highlander?
Don’t. The 2GR-FE’s variable valve timing system (VVT-i) relies on 0W-20’s cold-flow properties. Thicker oil delays cam phaser response, sets codes P0016/P0017, and hurts fuel economy. Stick to the spec.
Do I really need to replace the drain plug gasket every time?
Yes. The aluminum crush washer work-hardens. Reusing it is the #1 cause of slow drips I see on comeback cars. They cost $0.50 in a 10-pack.
What if I overfill by half a quart?
Drain the excess. Overfilling whips oil into foam, which the pump can’t move. That means no oil pressure. Not worth the risk — pull the drain plug, let half a quart out, re-torque.
Why does my maintenance light come on before 5,000 miles?
The light triggers at 5,000 miles since last reset regardless of oil condition. It’s a mileage counter, not an oil quality sensor. Reset it at every change.
Can I use a spin-on filter instead of the cartridge?
No adapter exists for this engine. The cartridge system is designed for the VVT-i oil flow paths. Aftermarket spin-on kits delete the oil cooler circuit — bad idea.
How do I know if the filter housing O-rings seated right?
After the first startup, shine a flashlight up at the housing. Zero drips after 30 seconds means you’re good. Any weep means redo it — those O-rings are in the filter kit for a reason.