Toyota · Vehicle Guide

Toyota Highlander Transmission Fluid

Which transmission fluid the Toyota Highlander uses by model year and transmission, and how to check the level.

Quick answer

Toyota Genuine ATF WS (2008, 2017 and 2024 non-hybrid owner's manuals); the 2008 Highlander Hybrid manual also lists ATF WS. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual. Dipstick: Not confirmed for every year — see your owner's manual. Toyota's service bulletin for 2009–2016 U660E/F and U760E/F transaxles checks the level at a set fluid temperature through the overflow plug. Fill capacity and change interval depend on your exact year, engine and transmission, so they are not listed here — use your owner's manual.

Updated October 24, 2026

Confirm your exact version. The Toyota Highlander was sold across several model years and more than one transmission. What is shown here is general guidance and has not been verified for every individual configuration. Before buying fluid or servicing, confirm the fluid spec, capacity, and check procedure for your exact model year and transmission using the owner's manual or a dealer parts lookup for your VIN.

Fluid specifications

Fluid (confirm for your year): Toyota Genuine ATF WS (2008, 2017 and 2024 non-hybrid owner's manuals); the 2008 Highlander Hybrid manual also lists ATF WS. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual
Transmission: 6-speed / 8-speed automatic
Capacity and interval: Not listed — varies by year, engine and transmission. See your owner's manual.
Dipstick: Not confirmed for every year — see your owner's manual
Applies to: 2008–present

Official documents checked for this page

These cover only the model years named above, not every configuration.

This is general guidance for the Toyota Highlander. Always confirm the exact fluid spec and capacity for your model year in the owner's manual before servicing. Official source: Toyota owner's manuals.

How to check it

Check the transmission fluid section of your Toyota Highlander owner's manual first — it says whether your version has a dipstick, is checked at a fill/level plug at a set temperature, or should be checked by a dealer. See our step-by-step guides:

Frequently asked questions

What type of transmission fluid does the Toyota Highlander use?+

For the Toyota Highlander: Toyota Genuine ATF WS (2008, 2017 and 2024 non-hybrid owner's manuals); the 2008 Highlander Hybrid manual also lists ATF WS. Other years: confirm in your owner's manual. Always confirm the exact specification for your model year in the owner's manual before topping up or changing fluid — using the wrong fluid can damage the transmission.

Does the Toyota Highlander have a transmission dipstick?+

We have not confirmed this for every Toyota Highlander model year. The official documents we checked are listed on this page; your owner's manual's transmission fluid section says whether your version has a dipstick or should be checked by a dealer.

How often should Toyota Highlander transmission fluid be changed?+

The interval depends on your model year, transmission and how the vehicle is used, so we do not publish a single number for the Toyota Highlander. Your owner's manual or maintenance schedule gives the interval, usually with a shorter one for severe service such as towing, extreme heat or stop-and-go driving.

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