We’ve written extensively about the Toyota Highlander and numerous questions you can have about this vehicle from the type of fuel that works best to the most common problems you face.
But today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Toyota Highlander. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
Generations of the Toyota Highlander made from 2004 onwards have a bolt pattern of 5×4.5 inches (5×114.3mm), a center bore of 2.4 inches (60.1mm), and five lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 76 ft-lbs (103nm) of force.
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation. We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub, and the torque specifications of the bolts. Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your Toyota Highlander, you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the Toyota Highlander. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.
This video also does a great job explaining wheel size:
We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The Toyota Highlander, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.
Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.
2020 -2022
Toyota Highlander with a 2.5 or 3.5 VVT-i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 235/65R18 or 235/55R20
- Rim size: 8Jx18 ET35 or 8Jx20 ET30
2014 – 2019
Toyota Highlander with a 2.7 VVT-i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/60R18
- Rim size: 7.5Jx18 ET30
Toyota Highlander with a 3.5 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/60R18 or 245/55R19
- Rim size: 7.5Jx18 ET30 or 7.5Jx19 ET30
Toyota Highlander with a 3.5 VVT-i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/60R18 or 245/55R19
- Rim size: 7.5Jx18 ET30 or 7.5Jx19 ET30
2011 – 2013
Toyota Highlander with a 2.4i or 3.5 VVT-i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/65R17
- Rim size: 7.5Jx17 ET35
2008 – 2010
Toyota Highlander with a 3.3 or 3.5i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/65R17
- Rim size: 7.5Jx17 ET35
2006 – 2007
Toyota Highlander with a 2.4i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/70R16
- Rim size: 6.5JJx16 ET35
Toyota Highlander with a 3.3 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/65R17
- Rim size: 6.5Jx17 ET35
Toyota Highlander with a 3.3i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/70R16 or 225/65R17
- Rim size: 6.5JJx16 ET35 or 6.5JJx17 ET35
2004 – 2005
Toyota Highlander with a 2.4i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/70R16
- Rim size: 6.5JJx16 ET35
Toyota Highlander with a 3.3i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 225/70R16 or 225/65R17
- Rim size: 6.5JJx16 ET35 or 6.5JJx17 ET35
Retightening The Bolts
As said before, the latest Toyota Highlander generation that we discussed has five lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again. This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. Toyota advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.
In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the newest generation of the Toyota Highlander needs to have the bolts tightened to 76 ft-lbs (103nm) of force.
It’s expected that your wheel also has a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.
It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.
When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires
Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period, they need to be replaced. Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.
Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Toyota Highlander, it’s said that this needs to happen every 5,000 – 7,500 miles (8,000 – 12,000 kilometers) for FWD or RWD vehicles. For AWD vehicles, it’s recommended to do this every 3,000 – 5,000 miles (5,000 – 8,000 kilometers). It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.
Closing Thoughts
While it may not be the most exciting topic, part of owning and maintaining your Toyota Highlander includes understanding everything from the bolt pattern and rim size to the common transmission problems and everything in between.
It’s all part of regular maintenance and care that help keep your Toyota Highlander on the road for longer than average.
Whether we’re talking nuts and bolts (literally) or anything else, it all helps Highlander owners be confident in maintaining their vehicles’ safety, performance, and longevity.
Sources
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/toyota/2021-highlander.pdf
- https://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/highlander/
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!