The 2011 Toyota Highlander was available with three engine options: 2.7L four-cylinder, a 3.5L V6, and a hybrid that paired a V6 with two electric motors. All of them have proven to be reliable and dependable in the long run.
Key Points
- The 2011 Toyota Highlander‘s three engine options include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder in base models, a 3.5-liter V6 available across the range, and a gas-electric hybrid with 3.5-liter V6.
- Although five recalls have been issued for the 2011 Highlander, none are related to its engines, and few problems have been reported.
- The base 2.7-liter motor may be dependable, but with only 181 horsepower, it is down on power compared to rivals.
- The 3.5-liter V6 models had a healthier 270 horsepower, accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, and could tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Hybrid models were the most powerful with 280 hp, and at 28 mpg were the most fuel-efficient, too.
Base 2.7-liter Four-cylinder is a Reliable Workhorse, but it Lacks Power
The base and SE models of the 2011 Toyota Highlander were offered with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gas engine as standard. A twin-cam engine fitted with Dual VVT-i, the 1AR-FE was relatively advanced, and it was paired with an up-to-date six-speed automatic transmission. It was only available with front-wheel drive, and could tow up to 3,500 pounds.
However, while the 2.7-liter was more affordable than the bigger V6, it was considerably slower and less powerful. Making 187 hp at 5,800 rpm and 186 lb.-ft. at a high 4,100 rpm, it was lampooned by critics, with Cars describing it as “anemic,” and adding it “feels like an underpowered lummox.”
Fuel consumption is rated at 22 mpg on the combined cycle for 2.7-liter models, with it delivering 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Oil changes require 4.6 quarts of oil, with 0W-20 recommended but 5W-20 also acceptable.
If your 2.7-liter engine blows, replacing it is costly, with Car Part Planet valuing refurbished engines at as much as $4,329. However, it’s unlikely you’ll have any issues with it. Other than several complaints on the NHTSA site for blown oil cooler hoses–a known issue on Toyota VVT-i engines–no catastrophic issues are reported with it, and it’s not subject to any recalls.
3.5-liter V6 is the Most Popular Engine in 2011 Highlanders Because of its Strong Performance and Proven Dependability
Available optionally on base and SE models, and standard on the Limited, the ‘2GR-FE’ 3.5-liter V6 was unsurprisingly the most popular engine fitted to the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Although its transmission, a five-speed automatic, was a downgrade, it was available with both front and all-wheel drive. It could also tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Power is up substantially over the base four-cylinder, with this Dual VVT-i V6 making 270 hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm. That’s enough to help it get from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds.
Fuel consumption for front-wheel drive models is pinned at 20 mpg combined, achieving 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. All-wheel drive models are slightly less efficient, using 19 mpg combined, 17 mpg in the city, and 22 mpg on the highway. 3.5-liter engines also require 6.4 quarts of 0W-20 viscosity oil at each service.
Like the 2.7-liter, few complaints have been reported to the NHTSA beyond a small number regarding burst oil cooler hoses. It is also not subject to any recalls. Should you need to replace one of these engines, a used one will cost up to $2,499 while a rebuilt engine is worth $5,740.
V6 Hybrid Model Achieves 28 mpg Thanks to its Dual Electric Motor Setup
Easily identified by their unique styling, 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrids featured a slightly different version of the 3.5-liter V6 in ordinary models, the 2GR-FXE, which runs the efficient Atkinson cycle. Unlike other 2011 Highlanders, it uses a CVT rather than a torque converter automatic.
This engine was also paired with two electric motors, one on each axle making it all-wheel drive, to give it 280 hp when combined. This made it the most powerful drivetrain option, but the extra weight of the battery pack that powered the electric motors meant it was slightly slower, going from 0-60 mpg in 7.3 seconds.
Given it could drive for short periods without the gas engine running, fuel economy was the best of any drivetrain, achieving 28 mpg city, highway, and combined.
Beyond one complaint regarding hybrid inverter failure being reported to the NHTSA, no other issues relating specifically to hybrid models appear to have been raised, and no recalls have been issued. Should you need to replace the gas engine, it’s pricey at $6,045. The NiMH battery pack is another drivetrain element which can fail, and Green Car Reports cites a replacement cost of $6,353.
2011 Highlander’s 3.5L V6’s Performance and Reputation Make it the Pick of the Range
Any of the 2011 Toyota Highlander’s engine options are going to be dependable, and the fact Highlander owners are twice as likely to keep their vehicle for longer than 15 years combined with its documented is testament to that. All these engines have clearly been built to last 200,000 miles and beyond.
The 2.7-liter engine is one you should probably give a miss, though, as it simply doesn’t have enough power in a vehicle this size. If you’re driving mostly in the city, the hybrid will be the one you want, while those driving more on the highway are better served by the non-hybrid V6.
Photos: Toyota
