The Toyota Highlander has long been a favorite among families and SUV enthusiasts for its reliability, practicality, and style. One of the most common questions potential buyers ask is: “Is a Toyota Highlander a V8?” While this seems like a straightforward question, the answer involves a deeper look into the vehicle’s history, evolving engine technology, and the modern priorities of fuel economy and emission standards.
In this comprehensive article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Toyota Highlander’s engine options, whether it has ever come equipped with a V8, and what kind of performance and fuel efficiency you can expect across the different generations.
Understanding the Toyota Highlander: A Brief Overview
The Toyota Highlander debuted in 2001 as a midsize crossover SUV, combining the versatility of an SUV with the comfort and handling of a car. Designed to seat up to eight passengers across three rows, the Highlander has become a staple in American households due to its blend of space, safety, and dependability.
Over the years, Toyota has introduced several updates, including hybrid versions and new engine choices, emphasizing fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive capabilities. To answer the question “Is a Toyota Highlander a V8?”, we need to look at the engine configurations available in each generation.
Has the Toyota Highlander Ever Had a V8 Engine?
The short answer is: No, the Toyota Highlander has never been offered with a V8 engine. While some large SUVs and trucks, like the Toyota Sequoia, have featured V8 engines in the past, the Highlander has always prioritized balance, fuel economy, and family-friendly design over raw power.
Toyota has traditionally reserved V8 engines for its trucks and larger SUVs that are often used for towing, off-roading, or heavy hauling. The Highlander, as a midsize SUV, has never needed such excessive power, and today’s engineering trends emphasize smaller, turbocharged, and hybridized engines over large displacement V8s.
Specs and Engine Choices by Generation
Let’s take a look at the major engine options across each generation of the Toyota Highlander:
1st Generation (2001–2007)
- Engine options: 2.4L I4 (non-hybrid), 3.0L V6 (non-hybrid)
- Hybrid version: Introduced in 2006 with a 3.3L V6 hybrid system — the first hybrid SUV from Toyota in North America
- Transmissions: 5-speed automatic
- Performance Notes: Toyota decided against equipping the first-generation Highlander with a V8, even though the 3.0L V6 proved sufficient for most drivers.
2nd Generation (2008–2013)
- Engine options: 3.5L V6 (non-hybrid), 3.5L V6 hybrid (2009–2013)
- Transmissions: 5-speed and later 6-speed automatic
- Performance Notes: This era marked the debut of Toyota’s more refined 3.5L V6 engine, which provided better horsepower (270 hp) and improved drivability. Still, no V8 was ever an option. Toyota focused on enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions.
3rd Generation (2014–2019)
- Engine options: 2.7L I4 (base model), 3.5L V6 (non-hybrid), 3.5L V6 hybrid
- Transmissions: 6-speed automatic (I4 models), 8-speed automatic (V6 models)
- Performance Notes: Toyota introduced a more fuel-efficient base engine, the 2.7L I4, while still offering a powerful 3.5L V6. However, there was still no V8 engine option. The hybrid variant became increasingly popular for its efficiency and low emissions.
4th Generation (2020–2023)
- Engine options: 2.4L Turbo I4, 3.5L V6 (non-hybrid), 2.5L I4 Hybrid
- Transmissions: 8-speed automatic (gas), E-CVT (hybrid)
- Performance Notes: Toyota made a major shift with the introduction of a 2.4L turbocharged inline-four engine, replacing the traditional 3.5L V6 in some trims. This new engine offers enhanced fuel economy while maintaining strong performance — with up to 265 horsepower. The V6 engine remains available in certain trims but has been superseded by turbo hybrid and gas powertrains.
5th Generation (2024–Present)
- Engine options: 2.5L I4 Hybrid, 2.4L Turbo I4
- Transmissions: 8-speed automatic (gas), E-CVT (hybrid)
- 4WD Systems: New Electric-on-Demand system in hybrid models
- Performance Notes: The current model lineup shifts even further into hybrid dominance. While Toyota still offers a powerful 2.4L turbo inline-four engine in higher trims, there’s still no V8 variant available.
Why Doesn’t the Toyota Highlander Have a V8 Engine?
So, if V8 engines are synonymous with power and capability, why has the Highlander never been offered with one? There are several key reasons rooted in consumer demand, market trends, and technological evolution:
1. The Highlander Has Never Been Designed for Heavy-Duty Use
The Toyota Highlander has always been a passenger-focused SUV, designed to carry families and offer a smooth ride. Its primary mission is comfort and versatility — not maximum towing or rock-crawling. A V8 would be overkill for this application and could lead to unnecessary fuel consumption.
2. Fuel Economy and Emissions Standards Have Made V8s Less Relevant
With the increasing emphasis on environmental impact and rising fuel costs, modern buyers are more inclined to prefer smaller displacement engines or hybrids. The past decade has seen major advances in turbocharging, hybrid technologies, and transmissions that allow small engines to deliver power without sacrificing efficiency.
3. Competition in the Segment Favors Smaller, Smart Engines
Competitors like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride do offer V6 and turbocharged engines, but even they steer clear of V8s. The market is shifting towards efficiency and intelligent power delivery, and Toyota has aligned its Highlander strategy accordingly.
How Does a Toyota Highlander Compare Without a V8?
Some buyers may feel disappointed that the Highlander has never had a V8, but the alternative engine options have matured to offer compelling advantages.
2024 Toyota Highlander Engine Options (Non-Hybrid)
- 2.4L Turbocharged I4 Engine
- Horsepower: 265 hp
- Torque: 310 lb-ft
- EPA Estimated Fuel Economy (FWD): Up to 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
The turbo I4 provides plenty of power for highway driving, towing, and urban commuting, all while maintaining better fuel economy compared to a traditional V8.
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Engine
- 2.5L I4 Hybrid Powertrain
- Total Horsepower: 240 hp combined
- Torque: N/A (electric motor contributes to efficiency)
- EPA Estimated Fuel Economy: Up to 40 mpg city, 35 mpg highway
- Transmission: E-CVT with electronic rear differential (FWD or AWD)
For those prioritizing fuel economy and eco-conscious living, the hybrid system is unmatched.
Overtaking and Towing Performance
The non-hybrid 2.4L turbo engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds — more than sufficient for most trailering needs. Even the hybrid variant can tow up to 3,500 pounds, outperforming many of its similarly-sized counterparts.
Who Is the Toyota Highlander For?
The Toyota Highlander is ideal for:
- Families needing reliable transportation and seating for up to 8
- Buyers needing all-weather capability
- Those prioritizing fuel efficiency and low emissions
- Commuters who want a smooth-handling midsize SUV
If you’re someone looking for the power of a V8, the Toyota Sequoia or Tundra would be a better fit than the Highlander.
Toyota Highlander vs. V8 SUVs: A Performance Comparison
Let’s compare the Toyota Highlander with vehicles known for their V8 engines in a quick comparison table:
| Vehicle | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity | Fuel Economy (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander (2024 2.4T trim) | 2.4L Turbo I4 | 265 hp | 310 lb-ft | 5,000 lbs | 24/29 mpg |
| Chevrolet Tahoe RST (2024) | 6.2L V8 | 420 hp | 460 lb-ft | 8,400 lbs | 16/20 mpg |
| Ford Expedition (2024) | 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | 400 hp | 480 lb-ft | 9,300 lbs | 17/23 mpg |
| Toyota Sequoia (2024 TRD Pro) | 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid | 437 hp | 583 lb-ft | 9,500 lbs | N/A (EPA not finalized) |
While the Toyota Highlander doesn’t match the brute power of full-size SUVs with V8 engines, it offers a balanced compromise of performance, fuel efficiency, and interior space.
What Toyota SUV Has a V8?
If you’re craving V8 performance from Toyota, your best bets include:
- Toyota Sequoia (pre-2023 models): Powered by a 5.7L V8 engine.
- Toyota Tundra TRD Pro (pre-2022): Offered with a 5.7L V8.
While the latest-generation Sequoia (2023–present) no longer features a V8, it does use a powerful 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid, delivering better performance than the old V8 and more efficiency than ever.
Fuel Economy: Why Smaller Engines Are Winning the Race
In 2001, a typical vehicle with a V8 engine might have achieved only 12–15 mpg in real-world driving. With fuel prices climbing over the years and climate concerns rising, fuel-efficient engines have dominated the market.
The Toyota Highlander’s hybrid version can achieve up to 40 mpg in the city — a level unthinkable for traditional V8 vehicles. Even the non-hybrid models offer more practicality in daily driving scenarios.
Should You Expect a V8 in the Future Highlander?
Given current trends, the answer is probably not. Toyota’s parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation, has made a strategic pivot toward hybrid and electric vehicles to meet global carbon neutrality goals. The push is towards more intelligent, efficient powertrains, and away from large displacement engines.
Even the new Toyota Land Cruiser — once a rugged SUV powered by a V8 — is now powered by a 2.4L Turbocharged I4 engine with hybrid assist. This shift reflects broader industry trends and consumer preference for fuel efficiency and smart performance.
Conclusion: Does Not Having a V8 Make the Highlander Inferior?
In short, no — the absence of a V8 does not make the Toyota Highlander a lesser SUV. The Highlander is designed to meet the needs of most families and SUV buyers who prioritize utility, practicality, and efficiency over raw V8-style power.
The current engine lineup offers strong acceleration, good towing capability, and excellent fuel economy, and this is likely to remain the priority for future Highlander generations.
If you’re looking for a versatile, reliable, and family-friendly midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice. But if you’re in the market for V8 power, Toyota offers options in other larger models that will better align with your expectations.
Final Takeaway
Although it has never had a V8 engine and likely never will, the Toyota Highlander remains a top contender in the midsize SUV market due to:
- Exceptional reliability
- Fuel-efficient engines
- Hybrid options that lower emissions
- Comfortable driving experience
- Smart performance across trims
Toyota has made a conscious decision to forgo brute V8 power in favor of smarter, more sustainable engine designs, and in doing so, kept the Highlander relevant, efficient, and family-focused for the modern driver.
Related Topics:
- Is the Toyota Highlander Reliable?
- Highlander vs. Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Comparison
- Best Hybrid SUVs Without a V8
- Should I Buy a Hybrid or Gasoline SUV?
By focusing on performance that meets the needs of the majority, Toyota has ensured that the Highlander evolves with the times — V8 or not.
Is the Toyota Highlander powered by a V8 engine?
No, the Toyota Highlander does not come with a V8 engine in its current configurations. Toyota has focused on providing more fuel-efficient and versatile engine options for the Highlander, catering to a wide range of drivers who value performance without the high fuel consumption typically associated with V8 engines. Over the years, the Highlander’s engine lineup has evolved to include V6 engines, hybrid powertrains, and even turbocharged four-cylinder engines in certain trims and model years.
This shift away from V8 engines reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry toward more efficient and environmentally conscious powertrain options. While older SUVs and trucks often featured V8 engines, modern mid-size SUVs like the Highlander prioritize a balance of performance, fuel economy, and emissions. Instead of offering a V8, Toyota has optimized its V6 and hybrid engines to deliver smooth acceleration and towing capability suited to the needs of most families and everyday drivers.
What engines are available in the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander offers a selection of engines depending on the model year and trim level. The standard engine across most trims is a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, which delivers a balance of efficiency and performance with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Alternatively, a 3.5-liter V6 engine was available in previous generations, producing 295 horsepower and providing strong towing capacity and acceleration.
In addition to gas-powered engines, Toyota also offers a hybrid powertrain in the Highlander. This hybrid system pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, providing a total system output of around 240 horsepower. The hybrid variant excels in fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who want an eco-friendly option without compromising too much on driving performance.
Why doesn’t Toyota offer a V8 in the Highlander?
Toyota has chosen not to offer a V8 engine in the Toyota Highlander due to evolving consumer preferences and modern automotive trends. Mid-size SUVs like the Highlander are typically designed for efficiency, versatility, and family use rather than pure power output. V8 engines tend to consume more fuel, emit more pollutants, and require more under-hood space, which conflicts with the goals of optimizing cabin space and environmental impact in a family-oriented vehicle.
Additionally, regulatory standards for fuel economy and emissions have become more stringent, prompting automakers like Toyota to phase out larger engines in favor of more sustainable alternatives. Since the Highlander’s existing V6 and hybrid engines offer sufficient power for most drivers, along with better efficiency, a V8 would be unnecessary for the vehicle’s target audience and could be seen as outdated in today’s market.
Can I upgrade my Toyota Highlander’s engine to a V8?
Technically, it may be possible to replace the engine in a Toyota Highlander with a V8, but it is not a recommended or practical modification for most owners. Engine swaps are complex and require significant modifications to the vehicle’s engine mounts, transmission, wiring, cooling system, and even the frame. This process can be costly, time-consuming, and may void warranties or cause issues with emissions compliance in many regions.
Furthermore, retrofitting a V8 engine can affect the vehicle’s balance, fuel economy, and insurance costs, while also potentially reducing reliability and drivability. Most owners will find that the factory-engineered engine options—whether the turbo-four, V6, or hybrid—are more than sufficient for daily driving, towing, and overall performance needs without resorting to expensive and complicated engine-swapping projects.
How does the Highlander’s engine affect towing capacity?
The Toyota Highlander’s engine options significantly impact its towing capability. The hybrid model, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is adequate for small trailers, campers, or boats but not as robust as some rival SUVs with stronger engines. In contrast, gas-powered models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine (in previous generations) or the new 2.4-liter turbo-four (in newer models) offer improved towing performance, generally rated around 5,000 to 5,500 pounds depending on trim and equipment.
These enhanced towing figures allow owners to confidently tow medium-sized travel trailers, small campers, or larger boats. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, in particular, was engineered to deliver strong low-end torque, which is essential for smooth and controlled towing. Toyota has prioritized engineering the Highlander to be a capable and versatile family SUV with performance levels that align well with its intended use.
Is the Toyota Highlander hybrid worth choosing over the gas engine?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers several benefits that make it a compelling choice for many buyers, especially those who prioritize fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce a total system output of about 240 horsepower. While that’s slightly less than the 265 horsepower found in the turbo-four gas engine, the hybrid’s electric assistance provides smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy, particularly in city driving conditions.
Another advantage of the Highlander Hybrid is its ability to maintain cabin comfort even when idling, thanks to its electric cooling system, making it ideal for families and long commutes. Additionally, the hybrid model typically retains its value well in the used car market due to its reputation for reliability and fuel savings. If your driving consists of a mix of highway and city miles, and you value a quieter ride and lower fuel costs, the hybrid is definitely worth considering.
What is the most fuel-efficient engine option in the Toyota Highlander?
The most fuel-efficient engine option in the Toyota Highlander is the Hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors. This system delivers excellent fuel economy ratings, typically around 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it ideal for drivers who frequently commute in urban environments or spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic. The hybrid battery system operates seamlessly in the background, enhancing efficiency without compromising the vehicle’s usability or driving experience.
The non-hybrid 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine, while not as efficient as the hybrid, still offers strong fuel economy for a mid-size SUV, with EPA estimates around 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. This makes it a well-rounded choice for those who want a balance between power and efficiency. The key takeaway is that the hybrid model offers significantly better fuel efficiency, especially for those who drive more in the city or want to reduce their fuel expenses over time.