Maintaining the health of your 2022 Toyota Highlander equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine requires a disciplined approach to fluid maintenance. The powertrain is engineered for performance and reliability, but the internal components are vulnerable to wear, heat buildup, and deposit accumulation if not protected by the correct lubricants. Using the specified oil viscosity and high-quality filters ensures the engine operates smoothly, maintains fuel efficiency, and meets the manufacturer’s rigorous durability standards. Whether you are navigating city traffic, towing a trailer, or taking a family road trip, the correct fluids provide a necessary safety net against the wear and tear of daily driving.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides unsurpassed engine protection for up to 25,000 miles, offering superior wear resistance and horsepower retention for the 2GR-FKS engine.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers extended protection up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to help keep your Highlander’s engine running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Fights sludge and deposits with a 100% synthetic formulation, serving as an excellent outperformer of conventional oils and meeting OEM mileage standards.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents and enhanced anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and improve performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Ensures filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns, allowing lower restriction to keep engine parts lubricated and providing greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – Offers premium media improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for reliable filtration performance.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while maintaining fluidity in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Provides essential protection against wear for your Highlander’s automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifting and longevity.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Delivers advanced protection against wear and rust, controls thermal runaway, and reduces operating temperatures in transfer cases and rear differentials.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range for safe stopping power.
Engine Oil and Filtration Standards
The 2022 Toyota Highlander’s 3.5L V6 engine, code 2GR-FKS, is designed to run on 0W-20 viscosity oil. This specific grade is crucial for balancing fuel economy with the protection required for high-stress conditions. The engine requires a total oil capacity of 5.8 quarts when the oil filter is included in the service. It is vital to ensure the oil level is checked after the refill, and the oil drain plug must be torqued to 30 ft/lbs with a new gasket to prevent leaks.
When selecting a filter, the AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K02-EA) is designed to complement the synthetic oils by allowing lower restriction, which keeps engine parts properly lubricated even under high pressure. This reduces the risk of wear-causing contaminants entering the critical engine bearings. For those preferring a known aftermarket brand, the WIX Oil Filter (57047-EA) offers premium media that outperforms many standard OEM options, providing a robust defense against particulate matter.
Automatic Transmission and Fluid Capacity
The Highlander’s automatic transmission requires a fluid compatible with the UA80F…WS or UA80E…WS specifications depending on the specific configuration. For a total fill, the system holds 8 quarts, while the initial fill capacity is 3.2 quarts. Using a synthetic transmission fluid like the AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATLPK-EA) is beneficial for drivers who tow or frequently drive in extreme temperatures. This fluid remains stable in sub-zero conditions and provides a reserve of protection during heavy use, preventing the transmission from overheating or losing efficiency.
Cooling System Maintenance
The cooling system for the 2022 Highlander is designed to handle significant thermal loads. Depending on the specific configuration, the antifreeze capacity with the Stop Start feature is approximately 12.5 to 12.9 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (ANTPC1G-EA) is an ethylene glycol, 50/50 pre-mix formulation that exceeds original equipment requirements. It is phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free, making it compatible with all other antifreeze colors and safe for all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. For those who prefer a concentrated solution, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (ANT1G-EA) offers protection up to 150,000 miles or five years and greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
Differential and Transfer Case Lubrication
For the all-wheel-drive models, proper lubrication of the transfer case and rear differential is essential to prevent failure. The transfer case (GF2A…GLSD7) requires a total capacity of 0.8 pints, with fill and drain plugs torqued to 29 ft/lbs. The rear differential (AWD…GLSD7) has a capacity of 1.1 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is formulated to control thermal runaway and protect against rust and corrosion. It also contains friction modifiers specifically for limited-slip applications, ensuring the drivetrain operates smoothly and reducing operating temperatures to extend the life of seals and equipment.
Additional Fluids and Maintenance
AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid ensures excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems, maintaining stability even under repeated heavy braking. For seasonal storage, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer can be used to keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup that can clog fuel injectors.
About the 2022 Toyota Highlander
The 2022 Toyota Highlander represents a significant milestone in the midsize SUV market, known for its blend of practicality, reliability, and advanced technology. Built on Toyota’s Global Platform, this crossover SUV offers a spacious and comfortable interior that comfortably seats up to eight passengers, making it a top choice for growing families. The vehicle is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower, providing ample torque for highway passing and light towing duties. This powertrain is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that is engineered for smooth, responsive shifting, ensuring the driving experience remains engaging despite the vehicle’s substantial size.
Toyota’s engineering reputation is well-earned, and the Highlander has consistently ranked as one of the safest vehicles in its class. It often comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, which includes features like pre-collision systems, lane tracing assist, and adaptive cruise control. This focus on safety is complemented by a reputation for longevity, with many highlanders exceeding 200,000 miles when properly maintained. The vehicle’s design philosophy emphasizes a smooth, quiet ride that isolates occupants from road noise, making it an excellent companion for long road trips.
Despite its reliability, the 2022 Highlander is not immune to common wear issues that can be exacerbated by poor lubrication. One common problem is premature wear on the timing chain guides and tensioners, which can lead to rattling noises from the front of the engine if the oil sludge accumulates. Using a high-quality synthetic oil with superior deposit control can help mitigate this risk. Another issue observed in some high-mileage vehicles is oil consumption, which can be managed better with high-mileage specific formulations that contain conditioners to restore ring seal integrity.
Turbocharger health is also a consideration, although the 3.5L is naturally aspirated, the engine’s variable valve timing system (VVT-iW) relies on precise oil pressure and cleanliness to function correctly. Sludge buildup can cause the VVT-i system to stick, leading to rough idling or check engine lights. Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive transfer case can suffer from fluid breakdown under heavy towing loads, leading to noisy operation or premature failure of the transfer case components. Finally, the cooling system can be prone to leaks or overheating if the coolant is not replaced regularly, as old coolant loses its corrosion inhibitors and can damage the aluminum engine block.
By addressing these specific areas with the recommended AMSOIL products, owners can ensure their Highlander remains a reliable and safe vehicle for years to come. The combination of extended-life synthetic fluids and high-performance filters provides a level of protection that goes beyond standard maintenance intervals, safeguarding the vehicle’s investment in the face of modern driving conditions.