07 Highlander, 09 Camry and 13 Rav4 (all 2AR-FE)

[Back40]

The owners manual for the 07 Highlander and 09 Camry list 5w20 and 0w20 as recommended viscosities. However, the manual for the Rav4 only list 0w20. Why is 5w20 no longer
recommended?

 

[Danh]

I'd guess two reasons:

1) the slight gains provided by 0w20 in meeting fuel economy targets and/or

2) Iirc, Toyota went to a 10,000 mile OCI recommendation between 2009 and 2013. The 0w20 viscosity requires at least a synthetic blend, which would better support the longer OCI.

 

[147_Grain]

Originally Posted By: Back40
Why is 5w20 no longer
recommended?


Because the superior 0W-20 grade equals the 5W-20 performance during normal operating conditions and EXCEEDS it at low temperatures.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: Danh
I'd guess two reasons:

1) the slight gains provided by 0w20 in meeting fuel economy targets and/or

2) Iirc, Toyota went to a 10,000 mile OCI recommendation between 2009 and 2013. The 0w20 viscosity requires at least a synthetic blend, which would better support the longer OCI.



+1

Also, isn't different viscosity needed for Highlander with towing package?

 

[strat81]

Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek

Also, isn't different viscosity needed for Highlander with towing package?


I've seen that in the Highlander manual. What's so special about that engine that it calls for 5w30 instead of 5W-20?

 

[bepperb]

Originally Posted By: strat81
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek

Also, isn't different viscosity needed for Highlander with towing package?


I've seen that in the Highlander manual. What's so special about that engine that it calls for 5w30 instead of 5W-20?


Nothing, it still specs the lighter weight and recommends using a thicker grade under certain conditions. I'm sure the manuals for all the cars have that, it's not special in the Highlander manual.

 

[strat81]

Originally Posted By: bepperb
Originally Posted By: strat81
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek

Also, isn't different viscosity needed for Highlander with towing package?


I've seen that in the Highlander manual. What's so special about that engine that it calls for 5w30 instead of 5W-20?


Nothing, it still specs the lighter weight and recommends using a thicker grade under certain conditions. I'm sure the manuals for all the cars have that, it's not special in the Highlander manual.


All manuals do not.

My vehicle's manual calls for 5w30 in all temps and driving conditions.

My wife's vehicle's manual "prefers" 5w30 for all temps and driving conditions but says 10w30 can be used if temps do not drop below 20*F.

Interesting that Toyota feels 5W-20 will not suffice while towing.

 

[cptbarkey]

its a load of spore. put any 5w30, 5w20, or 0w20 and move along.