2018 Toyota Highlander Oil Change — 3.5L V6 (6.4 Qt, 0W-20 Toyota Genuine)

Here's how I do the oil change on my 2018 Toyota Highlander with the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS). This engine takes 6.4 quarts with a filter change, runs Toyota Genuine 0W-20 full synthetic, and the drain plug torques to 30 ft-lbs. Dealer wants $120–$150 for this service. I do it in about 45 minutes for under $50 in parts. That's $90+ back in my pocket every time.

Why the 2GR-FKS Is Different From Older V6s

The 2018+ Highlander V6 uses the 2GR-FKS — a port-and-direct-injection variant of Toyota's legendary 2GR family. It has two oil drain plugs (one on the main oil pan, one on the secondary pan). Yes, two. Miss the second one and you'll only drain about half the oil. More on that below.

Toyota specifies 0W-20 full synthetic for this engine. The lower-viscosity oil supports the variable valve timing (VVT-iW) system and reduces cold-start wear. Do not substitute 5W-30 — it affects the timing system response at startup.

Tools and Parts

• 6.4 quarts Toyota Genuine 0W-20 full synthetic (or equivalent API SN/GF-5 certified 0W-20)
• Oil filter: Toyota OEM 90915-YZZN2 (or equivalent Wix 57356, FRAM XG10255)
• Drain plug washer: Toyota OEM 90430-12031 (replace every time — aluminum crush washer)
• 17mm socket for main drain plug
• 14mm socket for secondary drain plug
• Oil filter wrench (Toyota canister filter requires a 64mm or 65mm cap-type wrench)
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Torque wrench
• Jack, jack stands or ramps
• Nitrile gloves, rags

Spec Sheet

Item	Spec
Oil capacity (with filter)	6.4 quarts
Oil type	0W-20 full synthetic (Toyota Genuine or equivalent)
Main drain plug torque	30 ft-lbs (40 Nm)
Secondary drain plug torque	30 ft-lbs (40 Nm)
Oil filter part number	Toyota 90915-YZZN2
Drain plug washer	Toyota 90430-12031
Service interval	10,000 miles / 12 months

Step-by-Step: 2018 Highlander Oil Change

Warm-Up

1. Run the engine for 5 minutes to warm the oil. Shut it off and wait 5 minutes before getting underneath.

2. Safely raise the vehicle with jack and stands, or drive onto ramps.

Drain

3. Locate the main drain plug on the rear of the lower oil pan. Place your drain pan underneath. Break it loose with a 17mm socket, then spin out by hand.

4. Locate the secondary drain plug on the passenger side of the secondary oil pan, slightly above the main one. Move your drain pan. Same process: 14mm socket, spin out by hand.

   If you only drain the main plug, you'll leave about 2 quarts of oil in the engine. Both plugs must come out.

5. While the oil drains, locate the oil filter on the front of the engine block. Use a 64mm cap-type filter wrench to loosen the canister, then remove by hand. Have a rag ready for drips.

6. Install the new filter: lightly oil the O-ring with clean oil. Tighten by hand until snug, then an additional 3/4 turn. Do not wrench-tighten.

7. Reinstall the secondary drain plug with a new washer — torque to 30 ft-lbs.

8. Reinstall the main drain plug with a new washer — torque to 30 ft-lbs.

Fill

9. Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine.
10. Add 6 quarts of 0W-20 to start. A collapsible funnel makes filling cleaner — the fill neck is at an awkward angle.
11. Start the engine and idle. Watch for the oil pressure light to extinguish within 5–10 seconds.
12. Shut off, wait 3 minutes. Check the dipstick — add oil in small increments until the level reads between min/max. Final capacity with new filter is 6.4 quarts.

Reset the Oil Life Monitor

13. Turn ignition to ON (engine off).
14. Press and hold the trip odometer button until the oil maintenance indicator flashes, then continue holding 5+ seconds until it resets to 100%.

On Highlanders with the multi-information display: Home → Setup → Vehicle Settings → Oil Maintenance Reset.

Two-Plug Check — Don't Skip It

The most common mistake on this engine is only draining one plug. If your dipstick reads overfull after adding 6 quarts, you didn't fully drain. A proper drain on the 2GR-FKS produces noticeably more volume than a single-plug drain.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY	Toyota Dealer
6.4 qt 0W-20 synthetic	$35–$50	Included
Oil filter	$12–$18	Included
Labor	$0	$90–$130
Total	$47–$68	$130–$180+

Savings: $90–$130 per service. At 10,000-mile intervals, that's $270–$390 over 30,000 miles.

For more Toyota maintenance guides — including the 2020 Toyota RAV4 battery replacement and other Toyota-specific service procedures — check the OwnerDrop blog.

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