Updated 2026-07-18
Does the Toyota Highlander Have a Timing Belt or Chain?
Compiled & reviewed by Nikolai Tsyrenov · Updated 2026-07-18 · confidence: high
2020-2024 (XU70) Toyota Highlander — 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS), 2.4L turbo (2023+) or 2.5L hybrid; 0W-20 / 0W-16 full synthetic.
Answer: Timing CHAIN — no scheduled replacement.
| Belt or chain | Timing chain — no scheduled replacement |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS), 2.4L turbo (2023+) or 2.5L hybrid; 0W-20 / 0W-16 full synthetic |
| Interference engine? | Not flagged in our data — confirm in your manual |
The Toyota Highlander uses a timing chain designed to last the engine's lifetime, so there's no scheduled replacement — one less recurring service to budget for than belt-driven rivals.
FAQ
Does the Toyota Highlander have a timing belt or a timing chain?
Timing CHAIN — no scheduled replacement.
When does the Toyota Highlander timing belt need replacing?
The Toyota Highlander uses a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine — there is no scheduled replacement interval. Inspect if you hear rattling on cold start.
Is the Toyota Highlander an interference engine?
Our data doesn't flag the Toyota Highlander as a known interference engine, but treat any timing-component failure as serious and follow the schedule in your owner's manual.
← Full Toyota Highlander maintenance schedule · Timing belt intervals for all cars
General guidance — confirm against your Toyota Highlander owner's manual.