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Toyota Highlander: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (2001 - 2023)

Researched By AutoPadre Research Team


All 4 cylinder Toyota Highlanders from 2001 up to 2023 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 2022 have timing chains and interference engines.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the Toyota Highlander.

Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
YearEngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-Interference
2001-2007, 2009-20234 CylinderTiming ChainInterference
2001-2007V6Timing BeltNon-Interference
2008-2021V6Timing ChainInterference
2006-2010V6 HybridTiming BeltNon-Interference
2011-2019V6 HybridTiming ChainInterference

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.

Check out the Belt Or Chain specifications for other makes and models.

Toyota Highlander Belt Or Chain

Jump To Model Year

2023 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2023 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2023 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. HybridTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2022 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2022 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2022 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. HybridTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2021 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2021 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2021 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. Hybrid, 243 hp (A25A-FXS)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2020 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. Hybrid, 240 hp (A25A-FXS)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2019 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2019 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 306 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2018 Toyota Highlander
2018 Toyota Highlander

2018 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2018 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 306 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2017 Toyota Highlander
2017 Toyota Highlander

2017 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2017 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 306 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2016 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2016 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2015 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2015 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2014 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2014 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2014 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2013 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2013 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2013 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2012 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2012 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2012 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2011 Toyota Highlander - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2011 Toyota Highlander models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2011 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.5L V6 Hybrid, 280 hp (2GR-FXE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2010 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2009 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.7L 4 Cyl., 185 hp (1AR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2008 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
3.5L V6, 270 hp (2GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2007 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference100k
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference100k
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2006 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference100k
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference100k
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2005 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference100k
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2004 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2003 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.4L 4 Cyl., 160 hp (2AZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2002 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.4L 4 Cyl., 155 hp (2AZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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.

2001 Toyota Highlander Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.3L V6, 230 hp (3MZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.4L 4 Cyl., 155 hp (2AZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander

Timing Belt Basics

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.

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