Toyota Highlander Engine Replacement in Phoenix
A crossover that spans four different engine families across two generations, with drivetrain and generation both mattering.
The Highlander straddles the line between sedan and full-size SUV, and its engine options reflect that. The first-generation Highlander from 2001 to 2007 was offered with the 2AZ-FE four-cylinder and the 1MZ-FE V6. The second-generation car from 2008 to 2013 moved to the 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 and the 2AR-FE four-cylinder. These are four different engines across two generations, and the year alone does not always settle which one is fitted.
The most common mistake is treating "Highlander" as a single engine conversation. A four-cylinder first-generation car is a 2AZ-FE situation, which shares the engine family with the Camry and RAV4 but not the same mounting or accessory layout. A V6 second-generation car is a 2GR-FE, which is a different engine entirely. Confirming which engine you have by the stamped code saves the cost of a wrong order.
Four engines, two generations
The first-generation Highlander (2001-2007) offered the 2AZ-FE four-cylinder and the 1MZ-FE V6; the second-generation (2008-2013) moved to the 2GR-FE V6 and the 2AR-FE four-cylinder. These are four different engines, and saying "Highlander" without the generation and drivetrain is not enough information to fill an order.
All-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models differ in supporting hardware around the engine, even when the engine code is the same. Confirming both the engine and the drivetrain before ordering prevents the kind of mistake that costs both the engine price and the installation labour.
Where Toyota Highlander orders go wrong
- Four-cylinder and V6 Highlanders use entirely different engine families. Establish which you have before anything else.
- All-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive applications differ in supporting hardware around the engine, even when the engine code is the same.
- First-generation and second-generation Highlanders use different engines within each drivetrain option. The generation decides the variant, not just the engine family.
None of this needs to be worked out on your own. The Engine Finder asks for the year, model and trim and does the identification from there. The engine code field is optional precisely because most people do not have it.
Check availability for your Toyota Highlander
Year, trim and ZIP is enough to start. If you have the VIN it removes the guesswork entirely.
Common questions
Does my Highlander have the 2AZ or the 2GR?
First-generation Highlanders from 2001 to 2007 used the 2AZ-FE four-cylinder or the 1MZ-FE V6. Second-generation cars from 2008 to 2013 used the 2GR-FE V6 or the 2AR-FE four-cylinder. The year narrows it, but the stamped code on the block settles it.
Is the Highlander V6 the same as the Camry V6?
The first-generation Highlander used the 1MZ-FE, which is the same engine family as the first-generation Camry V6. The second-generation Highlander used the 2GR-FE, which is the same family as the later Camry V6. But the accessory layout, mounting and wiring differ between the two vehicles. The shared code narrows the search; it does not confirm the part.
Related pages
- 2AZ-FE EngineThe 2.4 four from the Camry, RAV4 and Highlander.
- 1MZ-FE EngineToyota's 3.0 V6 from the Camry, Solara and Highlander.
- 2GR-FE EngineToyota's 3.5 V6 from the Camry, RAV4, Highlander and Lexus models.
- 1AR-FE EngineToyota's 2.7 four from the Camry, RAV4 and Highlander.
- Toyota CamryThe 2AZ-FE and the two failure modes worth asking about.
- Toyota RAV4The Camry’s engine with an all-wheel-drive variable attached.
- Toyota EnginesToyota engine families from the 2AZ-FE to the JZ-series sixes.
- Repair or Replace Your EngineWhether to spend anything at all, before deciding what to spend it on.
Find the right engine for your vehicle
Tell us the year, model and trim. We identify the engine your vehicle takes and come back with current availability and pricing.