Category:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families seeking a practical, reliable, and comfortable vehicle with optional AWD.
Key Competitors:
Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-9.
Attributes:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, strong reliability reputation, available third-row seating, efficient powertrains.
Engine:
3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) and 2.4L 4-Cylinder (2AZ-FE), including diagnostics, overhaul, and component testing.
Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (U151E) and Continuously Variable Transmission (K110/K112), including diagnosis, repair, and fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, drive shafts, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut and rear independent suspension, including shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist systems, including rotor/pad replacement, caliper service, and hydraulic system bleeding.
Steering:
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, including diagnosis and component replacement.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, body electronics, CAN bus communication, and infotainment system.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, including refrigerant service, component replacement, and diagnostics.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, and structural components, including repair and replacement procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and electrical circuit diagnosis.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and electrical.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, and system-specific diagnostic flows.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, and electrical parameters.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Covers from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete unit overhauls, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.
Engine 1:
3.5L DOHC V6 (2GR-FE)
Displacement V6:
3.5 Liters (3456 cc)
Horsepower V6:
270 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque V6:
248 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel System V6:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Valve Train V6:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
Engine 2:
2.4L DOHC 4-Cylinder (2AZ-FE)
Displacement I4:
2.4 Liters (2362 cc)
Horsepower I4:
169 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque I4:
163 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System I4:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Valve Train I4:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
Compression Ratio V6:
10.8:1
Compression Ratio I4:
9.8:1
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Overdrive (ECT-i)
Transmission Type Cv:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - Available on some 4-cylinder models (e.g., K110/K112 in certain markets, though less common in North America for 2010).
Drive Modes:
Lock-up torque converter, Artificial shift points on some CVT applications.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Toyota Genuine ATF WS (World Standard)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 5.0 - 5.5 US quarts (4.7 - 5.2 Liters) for a drain and fill.
Length:
189.0 inches (4800 mm)
Width:
75.1 inches (1908 mm)
Height:
68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches (2789 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 116.1 cubic feet (3287 Liters)
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers (with optional third-row seating)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 10.7 cu ft (303 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 42.3 cu ft (1198 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 81.7 cu ft (2313 L)
Curb Weight I4 FWD:
Approx. 3,814 lbs (1730 kg)
Curb Weight V6 FWD:
Approx. 4,000 lbs (1814 kg)
Curb Weight V6 AWD:
Approx. 4,189 lbs (1899 kg)
Towing Capacity:
3,500 lbs (1588 kg) for both engines
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover FWD:
4 Stars (Risk of 4%)
NHTSA Rollover AWD:
4 Stars (Risk of 4%)
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Rear Crash Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebs:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (TRAC)
Stability Control:
Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
AWD:
Optional Active Torque-split All-Wheel Drive system
Airbags Front:
Standard Dual-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard front-seat mounted side airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Standard front and second-row side curtain airbags (covering all three rows)
Active Headrests:
Standard Active front headrests
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers. Optional JBL premium audio system with 9 speakers and subwoofer available.
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio often available on higher trims or as an option.
Backup Camera:
Available backup camera integrated with the navigation or audio display.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically standard, may be available as an option or dealer accessory.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available Smart Key System with Push Button Start.
Climate Control:
Standard manual climate control, available dual-zone automatic climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions; 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months under severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Replacement typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Replacement typically every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual, typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on driving conditions. Toyota often recommends inspection rather than strict replacement intervals, but checking condition is crucial.
Coolant Replacement:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter.
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified.
Engine Oil Type I4:
SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 6.4 US quarts (6.1 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity I4:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Power Steering Fluid:
Toyota Genuine Electric Power Steering Fluid (EPS system, not hydraulic).
Coolant Type:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink)
Common Problems:
While generally reliable, some common issues reported include: premature wear of front struts, occasional issues with power steering pump (on older hydraulic systems, less common on 2010 EPS), minor oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan gaskets, and potential for catalytic converter failure over time. Some owners report occasional rattling from the exhaust system.
Brand Reputation:
Toyota is renowned for its exceptional reliability, durability, and strong resale value.
Generation Details:
The 2010 model year represents the second generation (XU40) of the Toyota Highlander, which debuted for the 2008 model year. This generation introduced a larger platform, more powerful engine options, and a more refined interior compared to the first generation.
Production Start Year:
2000 (First Generation)
Production Year Covered:
2010 Model Year
Assembly Locations:
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), Cambridge, Ontario, Canada; Tahara Plant, Japan.