load capacity TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2021 Owners Manual (in English)
Page 197 of 578
1974-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Cargo capacity depends on the 
total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load 
capacity) — (Total weight of 
occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct 
Load Limit —
(1) Locate the statement “The 
combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your 
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined 
weight of the driver and passen-
gers that will be riding in your 
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined 
weight of the driver and passen-
gers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals 
the available amount of cargo 
and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” 
amount equals 1400 lbs. and 
there will be five 150 lb passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount 
of available cargo and luggage 
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750 (5 
 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined 
weight of luggage and cargo 
being loaded on the vehicle. 
That weight may not safely 
exceed the available cargo and 
luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing 
a trailer, load from your trailer 
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to 
determine how this reduces the 
available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle. 
( P.200)
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight) ( P.510)
When 2 people with the com-
bined weight of A lb. (kg) are rid-
ing in your vehicle, which has a 
total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight) of B lb. (kg), 
the available amount of cargo 
and luggage load capacity will 
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following 
information about storage 
precautions, cargo capacity 
and load.
Capacity and distribution
Calculation formula for 
your vehicle 
Page 198 of 578
1984-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
be C lb. (kg) as follows:
B
*2 lb. (kg) - A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb. 
(kg)
*1: A =Weight of people
*2: B =Total load capacity
*3: C =Available cargo and luggage  load
In this condition,  if 3 more passen-
gers with the combined weight of D 
lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo 
and luggage load  will be reduced E 
lb. (kg) as follows:
C lb. (kg) - D*4 lb. (kg) = E*5 lb. 
(kg)
*4: D =Additional weight of people
*5: E =Available cargo and luggage  load
As shown in the example above, 
if the number of occupants 
increases, the cargo and lug-
gage load will be reduced by an 
amount that equals the 
increased weight due to the 
additional occupants. In other 
words, if an increase in the num-
ber of occupants causes an 
excess of the total load capacity 
(combined weight of occupants 
plus cargo and luggage load), 
you must reduce the cargo and 
luggage on your vehicle.
WARNING
■Things that must not be car-
ried in the luggage compart-
ment
The following things may cause a 
fire if loaded in the luggage com-
partment:
●Receptacles containing gaso-
line
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may prevent the 
pedals from being depressed 
properly, may block the driver’s 
vision, or may result in items hit-
ting the driver or passengers, pos-
sibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the 
luggage compartment when-
ever possible.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage 
in the luggage compartment 
higher than the seatbacks.
●When you fold down the rear 
seats, long items should not be 
placed directly behind the front 
seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in 
the luggage compartment. It is 
not designed for passengers. 
They should ride in their seats 
with their seat belts properly 
fastened.
●Do not place cargo or luggage 
in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear  seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items  in the occupant 
compartment.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum 
axle weight rati ng or the total 
vehicle weight rating. 
Page 199 of 578
1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
WARNING
●Even if the total load of occu-
pant’s weight and the cargo 
load is less than the total load 
capacity, do not apply the load 
unevenly. Improper loading may 
cause deterioration of steering 
or braking control which may 
cause death or serious injury.
■When using a roof luggage 
carrier (vehicles with roof 
rails)
Observe the following precau-
tions: 
●Place the cargo so that its 
weight is distributed evenly 
between the front and rear 
axles.
●If loading long or wide cargo, 
never exceed the vehicle overall 
length or width. (
P.510)
●Before driving, make sure the 
cargo is securely fastened on 
the roof luggage carrier.
●Loading cargo on the roof lug-
gage carrier will make the cen-
ter of gravity of the vehicle 
higher. Avoid high speeds, sud-
den starts, sharp turns, sudden 
braking or abrupt maneuvers, 
otherwise it may result in loss of 
control or vehicle rollover due to 
failure to operate this vehicle 
correctly and result in death or 
serious injury.
●If driving for a long distance, on 
rough roads, or at high speeds, 
stop the vehicle now and then 
during the trip to  make sure the 
cargo remains in its place.
●Do not exceed 165 lb. (75 kg) 
cargo weight on the roof lug-
gage carrier.
NOTICE
■When loading cargo
Be careful not to  scratch the sur-
face of the moon roof or pan-
oramic moon roof. 
Page 200 of 578
2004-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
■Total load capacity and seating 
capacity
These details are also described on 
the tire and loading information 
label. ( P.436)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include 
total load capacity, seating 
capacity, trailer weight rat-
ing and cargo capacity.
 Total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight):  P.510
Total load capacity means the 
combined weight of occupants, 
cargo and luggage.
 Seating capacity:  P.510
Seating capacity means the max-
imum number of occupants 
whose estimated average weight 
is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
 TWR (Trailer Weight Rat-
ing):  P.206, 510
TWR means the maximum gross 
trailer weight (trailer weight plus 
its cargo weight) that your vehicle 
is able to tow.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or 
decrease depending on the 
weight and the number of occu-
pants.
WARNING
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to 
the tires, but also degrade steer-
ing and braking ability, resulting in 
an accident. 
Page 206 of 578
2064-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Certification Label. (P.510)
 If the gross trailer weight is 
over the unbraked TWR, 
trailer service brakes are 
required. 
If the gross trailer weight is 
over 2000 lb. (900 kg), a sway 
control device with sufficient 
capacity is required.
Confirm that the gross trailer we ight, gross combination weight, 
gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all 
within the limits.
■GCWR*1 and TWR*1
■Unbraked TWR*1
1000 lb. (450 kg)
*1: These models meet  the tow-vehicle trailering  requirement of SAE Inter-
national per SAE J2807.
*2: The model code is indicated  on the Certification Label. (P.510)
*3: For 7-seat models
*4: For 8-seat models
 A recommended tongue 
weight varies in accordance 
with the types of trailers or 
towing as described below. 
To ensure the recommended 
values shown below, the 
trailer must be loaded by 
referring to the following 
instructions.
• Tongue Weight
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR
Model code*2EngineDriving 
systemGCWRTWR
 AXUH70L-ARXNHA
 AXUH70L-ARXMHA
 AXUH70L-ARXGHA
2.5L L4 
(A25A-FX
S) engine
2WD9460 lb. 
(4290 kg)
3500 lb. 
(1590 kg) AXUH78L-ARXNHA
 AXUH78L-ARXMHA
 AXUH78L-ARXGHA
*3AWD
9500 lb. 
(4310 kg)
AXUH78L-ARXGHA*49565 lb. 
(4340 kg)
Trailer Tongue Weight 
Page 329 of 578
3294-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
WARNING
●When driving on dirt, gravel or 
snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the 
road
●When driving over roads with 
potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRAC/VSC may not operate 
effectively when
Directional control and power may 
not be achievable while driving on 
slippery road surfaces, even if the 
TRAC/VSC system is operating. 
Drive the vehicle carefully in con-
ditions where stability and power 
may be lost.
■Active Cornering Assist does 
not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on Active 
Cornering Assist. Active  Corner-
ing Assist may not operate 
effectively when accelerating 
down slopes or driving on slip-
pery road surfaces.
●When Active  Cornering Assist 
frequently  operates, Active  Cor-
nering Assist may temporarily 
stop operating to ensure proper 
operation of the brakes, TRAC 
and VSC.
■Hill-start assist control does 
not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on hill-start 
assist control. Hill-start assist 
control may not operate effec-
tively on steep inclines and 
roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, 
hill-start assist control is not 
intended to hold the vehicle sta-
tionary for an extended period 
of time. Do not attempt to use 
hill-start assist control to hold 
the vehicle on an incline, as 
doing so may lead to an acci-
dent.
■When the 
TRAC/ABS/VSC/Trailer Sway 
Control is activated
The slip indicato r light flashes. 
Always drive carefully. Reckless 
driving may cause an accident. 
Exercise particular care when the 
indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer 
Sway Control systems are 
turned off
●Be especially careful and drive 
at a speed appropriate to the 
road conditions. As these are 
the systems to help ensure 
vehicle stability and driving 
force, do not turn the 
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol systems off unless neces-
sary.
●Trailer Sway Control is part of 
the VSC system and will not 
operate if VSC is turned off or 
experiences a malfunction.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the 
specified size, brand, tread pat-
tern and total load capacity. In 
addition, make sure that the tires 
are inflated to the recommended 
tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, Trailer  Sway 
Control and VSC systems will not 
function correctly if different tires 
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther information when replacing 
tires or wheels. 
Page 425 of 578
4256-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
HIGHLANDER HV_U1
If the spare tire is slanted, the 
hoist assembly ma y be stuck in 
the wheel opening. If the spare 
tire rattles while driving, it may 
not be fully raised. Lower the 
spare tire to the ground and 
make sure that the hoist assem-
bly is perpendicular to the wheel 
opening.
2 Raise the tire slowly and steadily 
until a click is heard and the jack 
handle skips.
If the spare tire cannot be lowered, 
the wire cable may be severed. 
Have the vehicle inspected at your 
Toyota dealer.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the number given by 
dividing the maximum load by 1.10 
of the replacement tire is greater 
than 1/2 of the Gross Axle Weight 
Ratings (GAWR) of either the front 
axle or the rear axle, whichever is 
greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification 
Label.
For the maximum load of the tire, 
see the load limit at maximum cold 
tire inflation pressure mentioned on 
the sidewall of the tire. ( P.520)
■Tire types
●Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed perfor-
mance tires best suited to highway 
driving under dry conditions. Since 
summer tires do not have the same 
traction performance as snow tires, 
summer tires are inadequate for  driving on snow-covered or icy 
roads. For driving on snow-covered 
roads or icy roads, the use of snow 
tires is recommended. When install-
ing snow tires, be sure to replace all 
four tires.
●All season tires
All season tires are designed to pro-
vide better traction in snow and to 
be adequate for driving in most win-
ter conditions as well as for use 
year-round. All season tires, how-
ever, do not have adequate traction 
performance compared with snow 
tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, 
all season tires fall  short in accelera-
tion and handling performance com-
pared with summer tires in highway 
driving.
●Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads 
or icy roads, we recommend using 
snow tires. If you need snow tires, 
select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the 
originally installed tires. Since your 
vehicle has radial tires as original 
equipment, make sure your snow 
tires also have radial construction. 
Do not install studded tires without 
first checking local regulations for 
possible restrictions. Snow tires 
should be installed on all wheels. 
(  P.333)
■If the tread on snow tires wears 
down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness  of the tires as 
snow tires is lost. 
Page 438 of 578
4386-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HIGHLANDER HV_U
When replacing wheels, care 
should be taken to ensure that 
they are equivalent to those 
removed in load capacity, diam-
eter, rim width and inset
*.
Replacement wheels are avail-
able at your Toyota dealer.
*: Conventionally referred to as off- set.
Toyota does not recommend 
using the following:
 Wheels of different sizes or 
types
 Used wheels
 Bent wheels that have been 
straightened
■When replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are 
equipped with tire pressure warning 
valves and transmitters that allow 
the tire pressure warning system to 
provide advance warning in the 
event of a loss in tire inflation pres-
sure. Whenever wheels are 
replaced, tire pressure warning 
valves and transmitters must be 
installed. ( P.429)
Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or 
heavily corroded, it should 
be replaced. Otherwise, the 
tire may separate from the 
wheel or cause a loss of 
handling control.
Wheel selection
WARNING
■When replacing wheels
●Do not use wheels that are a dif-
ferent size from those recom-
mended in the Owner’s Manual, 
as this may result in a loss of 
handling control.
●Never use an inner tube in a 
leaking wheel which is designed 
for a tubeless tire.
Doing so may result in an acci-
dent, causing death or serious 
injury.
■When installing the wheel 
nuts
Never use oil or grease on the 
wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the 
wheel nuts to be excessively tight-
ened, leading to bolt or disc wheel 
damage. In addition, the oil or 
grease can cause the wheel nuts 
to loosen and the wheel may fall 
off, causing an accident and 
resulting in death or serious injury. 
Remove any oil or grease from 
the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
■Use of defective wheels pro-
hibited
Do not use cracked or deformed 
wheels. Doing so could cause the 
tire to leak air  during driving, pos-
sibly causing an accident.
NOTICE
■Replacing tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters
●Because tire repair or replace-
ment may affect the tire pres-
sure warning valves and 
transmitters, make sure to have 
tires serviced by your Toyota 
dealer or other qualified service 
shop. In addition, make sure to 
purchase your tire pressure 
warning valves and transmit-
ters at your Toyota dealer. 
Page 513 of 578
5138-1. Specifications
8
Vehicle specifications
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Outside temperature
SAE 0W-16 is the best choice 
for good fuel economy and good 
starting in cold weather.
If SAE 0W-16 is not available, 
SAE 0W-20 oil may be used. 
However, it must be replaced 
with SAE 0W-16 at the next oil 
change.
Oil viscosity (0W-16 is explained 
here as an example):
• The 0W in 0W-16 indicates  the characteristic of the oil 
which allows cold startability. 
Oils with a lower value before  the W allow for easier starting 
of the engine in cold weather.
• The 16 in 0W-16 indicates the  viscosity characteristic of the 
oil when the oil is at high tem-
perature. An oil with a higher 
viscosity (one with a higher 
value) may be better suited if 
the vehicle is operated at high 
speeds, or under extreme 
load conditions.
How to read oil container label:
API registered mark is added to 
some oil containers to help you 
select the oil you should use.
Cooling system
Capacity
Gasoline 
engine10.5 qt. (9.9 L, 8.7 Imp. qt.)
Power con-
trol unit2.0 qt. (1.9 L, 1.7 Imp. qt.)
Coolant type
Use either of the following:
 “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
 Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based 
non-silicate, non -amine, non-nitrite, and 
non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic 
acid technology
Do not use plain water alone. 
Page 524 of 578
5248-1. Specifications
HIGHLANDER HV_UGrade C corresponds to a level of 
performance which all passenger 
car tires must meet under the Fed-
eral Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher 
levels of performance on the labo-
ratory test wheel than the minimum 
required by law.
Warning: The temperature grades 
of a tire assume that it is properly 
inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or 
excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause 
heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire infl
ation pressure
Tire pressure when the vehicle has been 
parked for three hours or more, or has not 
been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km 
under that condition
Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflated pressure to 
which a tire may be inflated, shown on the 
sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation pres-
sureCold tire inflation pressure recommended 
by a manufacturer
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those 
standard items which may be replaced) of 
hybrid transmission, power steering, 
power brakes, power windows, power 
seats, radio and heater, to the extent that 
these items are available as fac-
tory-installed equipment (whether installed 
or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment, including the maximum 
capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, and if so 
equipped, air conditioning and additional 
weight optional engine