Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain? (2001 - 2021)

Researched By AutoPadre

Does A Toyota Highlander Have A Timing Belt Or Timing Chain?

All 4 cylinder Toyota Highlanders from 2001 up to 2021 are equipped with a timing chain and an interference engine.

All V6 Toyota Highlanders from 2007 and older have timing belts and non-interference engines.

All V6 Toyota Highlanders from 2008 to 2021 have timing chains and interference engines.

For example, the 2021 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS) option has a timing chain while the 2010 Toyota Highlander 3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE) option has a timing belt.

Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Model Years Engine Option Timing Belt Or Chain Interference Or Non-Interference
2001-2007, 2009-2014 4 Cylinder timing chain interference
2001-2007 V6 timing belt non-interference
2008-2021 V6 timing chain interference
2006-2010 V6 timing belt non-interference
2011-2021 V6 timing chain interference
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander

Scroll down for detailed information on your particular Toyota Highlander model year.

Check the belt or chain for other makes and models here.

Timing Belt Basics

A timing belt on the left versus a timing chain on the right.
A timing belt on the left versus a timing chain on the right.

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.

Timing Belt Questions? See Our Educational Timing Belt Articles

Note: Replacement intervals are broad recommendations and can be affected by age, weather conditions, running conditions etc. Check with the owner's manual/ manufacturer/ dealership.

2021 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2021 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2021 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS) timing chain interference lifetime
2.5L 4 Cyl. Hybrid, 243 hp (A25A-FXS) timing chain interference lifetime
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2020 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2020 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS) timing chain interference lifetime
2.5L 4 Cyl. Hybrid, 240 hp (A25A-FXS) timing chain interference lifetime
2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander

2019 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2019 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 306 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime

2018 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2018 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 306 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime
2018 Toyota Highlander
2018 Toyota Highlander

2017 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2017 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 306 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime
2017 Toyota Highlander
2017 Toyota Highlander

2016 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2016 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime

2015 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2015 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime

2014 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2014 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2014 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime

2013 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2013 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2013 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime

2012 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2012 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2012 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime

2011 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2011 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2011 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE) timing chain interference lifetime

2010 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All conventional 2010 Toyota Highlander models have timing chains and interference engines while the Highlander Hybrid has a timing belt along with a non-interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2010 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 90k miles

2009 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All conventional 2009 Toyota Highlander models have timing chains and interference engines while the Highlander Hybrid has a timing belt along with a non-interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2009 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 90k miles

2008 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

The conventional 2008 Toyota Highlander models have timing chains and interference engines while the Hybrids have timing belts and non-interference engines. See the data outlined in the table below.

2008 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 90k miles

2007 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 2007 Toyota Highlander has a timing chain and interference engine while both the conventional V6 and Hybrid V6 have timing belts and non-interference engines. See the data outlined in the table below.

2007 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 100k miles
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 100k miles

2006 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 2006 Toyota Highlander has a timing chain and interference engine while both the conventional V6 and Hybrid V6 have timing belts and non-interference engines. See the data outlined in the table below.

2006 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 100k miles
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 100k miles

2005 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 2005 Toyota Highlander has a timing chain and an interference engine while the V6 has a timing belt and a non-interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2005 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 100k miles

2004 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 2004 Toyota Highlander has a timing chain and an interference engine while the V6 has a timing belt and a non-interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2004 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 90k miles

2003 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 2003 Toyota Highlander has a timing chain and an interference engine while the V6 has a timing belt and a non-interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2003 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 90k miles

2002 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 2002 Toyota Highlander has a timing chain and an interference engine while the V6 has a timing belt and a non-interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2002 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
2.4L 4 Cyl., 155 hp (2AZ-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 90k miles

2001 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 2001 Toyota Highlander has a timing chain and an interference engine while the V6 has a timing belt and a non-interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2001 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
Engine Option Belt Or Chain Interference or Non-interference Replacement Interval
2.4L 4 Cyl., 155 hp (2AZ-FE) timing chain interference lifetime
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE) timing belt non-interference 90k miles

Other Toyota Highlander Specifications

Other Toyota Models: Timing Belt Or Chain?

Belt Or Chain Models