When shopping for a midsize SUV that balances power, comfort, and efficiency, the Toyota Highlander stands out as a perennial favorite. But with rising fuel costs and a growing emphasis on eco-friendly vehicles, many potential buyers ask: Is the Toyota Highlander fuel efficient? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Highlander’s fuel consumption, its hybrid advantages, real-world performance, and how it stacks up against competitors—all to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Toyota Highlander’s Engine Options
One of the key factors in determining the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is its engine and drivetrain configuration. The Toyota Highlander has evolved through the years, offering a variety of powertrain choices. Here’s a breakdown of the most recent models:
Hybrid Powertrain
The Hyundai Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient variant in the lineup. It features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 240 horsepower. This version offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the AWD variant using an additional rear-mounted electric motor and battery.
Fuel efficiency for the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is rated at:
| Configuration | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 36 | 35 | 36 |
| AWD | 35 | 35 | 35 |
These numbers are impressive for a midsize SUV and compare well with hybrid competitors like the Mazda CX-90 or Kia Sorento PHEV.
Non-Hybrid (Gasoline-Only) Powertrain
For drivers who prefer a conventional gas engine, the Toyota Highlander also comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower. This motor replaces the older 3.5-liter V6, offering better efficiency and more responsive performance.
Fuel economy for the 2023 Toyota Highlander gas model with 265 hp is:
| Configuration | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| AWD | 20 | 26 | 22 |
While not as fuel-efficient as the hybrid model, these numbers are still competitive among gas-powered SUVs, especially considering the added power and performance benefits of the turbocharged engine.
How Does the Toyota Highlander Compare to Competitors?
Now that we’ve laid out fuel efficiency numbers for each configuration, let’s compare the Highlander to its top competitors in the midsize SUV segment.
Gasoline-Powered SUVs
If you’re considering a traditional gas SUV rather than a hybrid or electric model, here’s how the Toyota Highlander stacks up:
- Honda Pilot: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined (with AWD)
- Kia Telluride: 20 city / 26 highway / 23 combined (with AWD)
- Hyundai Palisade: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined (with AWD)
In this group, the Toyota Highlander with the 2.4L turbo and AWD outperforms the Telluride and Palisade in highway fuel economy, while offering slightly better city efficiency than the Palisade.
Hybrid SUVs
For those weighing hybrid options, the Highlander Hybrid has stiff competition, including:
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: 40 city / 37 highway / 39 combined (FWD model)
- Kia Sorento Hybrid: 41 city / 39 highway / 40 combined (with FWD)
- Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid: 37 city / 38 highway / 37 combined
While the Sorento Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid offer slightly higher mpgs in city driving, they do so in compact-to-midsize SUVs with seating for five. The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV, which seats up to eight people, giving it more practical fuel efficiency due to the increased passenger capacity.
Factors That Influence Fuel Efficiency in the Toyota Highlander
The fuel economy numbers on the window stickers are great guideposts, but your actual experience can vary. Here are some factors that affect the Toyota Highlander fuel efficiency in real-world scenarios.
Driving Conditions
City driving with frequent stops and starts will naturally reduce your mpg. Hybrid systems, however, often see better gains in city conditions because of regenerative braking and electric motor use at low speeds.
For example, hybrid owners report achieving 33–37 mpg in city driving, with the average hovering around 34–35 mpg for combined use.
Weight and Passenger Load
Since the Toyota Highlander seats 7 or 8 passengers, the vehicle’s overall mass impacts fuel consumption. The more passengers and cargo you carry, the more power is needed to move the vehicle, reducing fuel economy. This influence is less noticeable in hybrid versions thanks to electric motor assistance.
Climate and Weather
Cold weather significantly affects fuel economy, especially for hybrids. Battery efficiency drops in the cold, and cabin heating also increases energy draw. In contrast, traditional gas engines may be less affected by winter driving compared to hybrid or electric models.
Driving Habits
Aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce fuel efficiency across the board. For example, flooring the accelerator frequently or using Eco Mode consistently can lead to a change in mileage of up to 20%. Owners who drive smoothly on highways and use regenerative braking wisely tend to see the best results in hybrids.
Tire Inflation and Vehicle Maintenance
Maintaining proper tire pressure, routine oil changes, and keeping up with the recommended service schedule significantly boosts fuel performance. Tires that are underinflated can reduce mpg by as much as 0.3% for every 1 psi drop in pressure.
Inside the Hybrid System: Why the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Excels in Efficiency
The Highlander Hybrid’s synergy comes from Toyota’s well-established THS (Toyota Hybrid System), which has been perfected over 25 years. Let’s look at what makes this powertrain particularly fuel-efficient:
Hybrid Synergy Drive Technology
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive uses a combination of a gas engine and high-efficiency electric motors that can power the vehicle up to 80 mph solely on electric power, reducing dependency on gasoline during typical city commutes and low-speed driving.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy from deceleration into electrical energy to recharge the hybrid battery. This feature reduces the reliance on the gasoline engine and enhances overall fuel economy.
Seamless Power Transfer
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) used in both the gas and hybrid versions is designed to eliminate gear shifts, reducing friction and optimizing engine speed. While some drivers dislike the “rubber band” feel, it significantly improves efficiency.
Smart Energy Management
The car’s brain constantly determines the most efficient power source—gas, electric, or both—based on road conditions, battery levels, and driving demands, seamlessly switching between them to optimize fuel output.
Is the Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficient for Long-Distance Travel?
For many families, the Highlander’s use on long road trips is just as important as its daily fuel economy. So, how does it fare on cross-country adventures?
Highway Mileage Performance
The Hybrid version excels in highway driving, offering 35 mpg combined (FWD and AWD vary only slightly), which matches or beats many hybrid sedans from a decade ago. During sustained highway cruising, the onboard gas engine dominates, supported by a low-drag exterior design and low wind resistance.
For the gasoline model, the highway mpg is close to 29 mpg (FWD) and 27 mpg (AWD)—great for a midsize SUV with turbocharged performance. That makes it a strong contender for road trippers seeking balance between comfort, performance, and efficiency.
Fuel Costs on Long Trips
Let’s consider a real comparison:
For a 500-mile trip:
- Hybrid Highlander (~36 mpg): ~13.9 gallons of gas required
- Gas Highlander (~25 mpg): ~20 gallons of gas required
At $3.50 per gallon, that’s a $21 savings per long trip with the hybrid version—enough to add up quickly over time.
Who Should Choose the Hybrid Highlander?
If fuel efficiency plays a central role in your decision-making, here are a few scenarios where the Hylander Hybrid shines.
Urban Commuters
Those stuck in stop-and-go traffic will benefit the most from hybrid tech. In heavy city conditions, electric motors carry the primary responsibility, helping the vehicle maintain high mpg and fewer fuel top-ups.
Suburban Families
For multi-generational families needing seating for seven to eight people without compromising on fuel costs, the Highlander Hybrid is an ideal choice. You get best of both worlds: utility and efficiency.
Environmentally Conscious Buyers
If reducing your carbon footprint matters, the hybrid Highlander is a smart investment. Its emission levels are significantly lower than that of gas-only models, helping to fight climate change while saving on gas.
Return on Investment: Is the Hybrid Worth the Extra Cost?
The hybrid variant of the Toyota Highlander commands a higher purchase price—typically $5,000 to $7,000 more than its gas-powered sibling. Is that price difference justified?
Break-even Calculation
Let’s consider annual fuel costs for both versions.
- Gasoline Highlander AWD (~22 mpg): for 15,000 miles at $3.50 per gallon = ~$2,386/year
- Hybrid Highlander AWD (~35 mpg): for 15,000 miles at $3.50 per gallon = ~$1,500/year
That’s a yearly savings of $886/year—which means the extra $5,000–$7,000 in price would be recouped in 5.5 to 8 years, depending on your driving habits and fuel prices.
Resale Value
Hybrids tend to hold their resale value better over time thanks to ongoing fuel economy concerns. Toyota’s brand reputation helps too. So you may not only benefit from fuel savings but also receive a larger payout when selling or trading in your vehicle years later.
Maintenance and Long-Term Efficiency Benefits
The longevity and relatively low maintenance costs of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid are often overlooked aspects of fuel efficiency.
Reliability and Durability
Toyota’s hybrid battery and motor systems are designed to last the life of the vehicle. While many people are concerned about hybrid battery degradation, reports indicate strong longevity in models more than 10 years old.
Low Maintenance Costs
Hybrid systems do not require more frequent maintenance compared to gas engines. In fact, in some cases, they may even require less. Since the braking system gets support from regenerative brakes, brake pads tend to last longer, reducing maintenance costs over time.
Rebates and Tax Incentives
Dependence on your location, you may be eligible for local, state, or even federal rebates or tax incentives for purchasing a hybrid vehicle, further lowering your net investment.
Conclusion: How Fuel Efficient Is the Toyota Highlander?
To answer the original question—Yes, the Toyota Highlander is fuel efficient, especially its hybrid version. The hybrid model combines strong, eco-conscious performance with real-world applicability for growing families, commuters, and anyone seeking a midsize SUV that doesn’t sacrifice power for economy.
With the 2023 Highlander Hybrid achieving up to 36 mpg combined, and the conventional gas model offering better fuel economy than many competitors at 24 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, Toyota has successfully updated its lineup to embrace both efficiency and capability.
In terms of long-term ownership, the fuel savings and added benefits of the hybrid system—like better resale value, superior tech, and reduced emissions—make it worth considering over the gas-only version, especially for those with longer commutes or city driving needs.
So, whether you choose the gas or the hybrid version, the Toyota Highlander remains a smart, fuel-efficient SUV that aligns practical family transportation with economical operation.
If fuel economy matters—and it should—this midsize SUV earns a top spot on the list of best-value new family vehicles with strong mpg performance.
What is the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Highlander?
The fuel efficiency of the Toyota Highlander varies depending on the model and drivetrain configuration. The standard non-hybrid models, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, typically achieve around 21-22 mpg in combined city and highway driving for front-wheel-drive versions. All-wheel-drive models see a slight reduction in fuel economy, averaging about 20-21 mpg combined. These figures are respectable for a midsize SUV of its class but are not the most fuel-efficient in the market.
In contrast, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid features a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, offering significantly better fuel efficiency. The hybrid model achieves an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined driving, making it one of the most efficient SUVs in its segment. This makes the hybrid version a more economical choice for drivers seeking lower fuel costs and reduced environmental impact.
How does the Highlander Hybrid compare to competitors in terms of fuel economy?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out in its class due to its impressive fuel economy. With an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, it outperforms many other midsize SUVs, including competitors like the Honda Pilot (which averages around 21-23 mpg) and the Ford Explorer (which typically gets between 21-26 mpg). Even hybrid or plug-in hybrid competitors like the Kia Sorento Hybrid (37 mpg) and the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (37-38 mpg) offer slightly better fuel economy, but the Highlander Hybrid remains very competitive.
Despite those close rivals, the Highlander Hybrid offers the added benefits of Toyota’s reputation for reliability and resale value. It also comes with a comprehensive suite of standard safety and tech features, further enhancing its appeal. These attributes, combined with strong fuel efficiency, make the Highlander Hybrid an attractive option for fuel-conscious families looking for a balanced mix of space, comfort, and efficiency.
Does all-wheel drive affect the Highlander’s fuel efficiency?
Yes, all-wheel drive does have an impact on the Toyota Highlander’s fuel efficiency. The base Highlander with front-wheel drive achieves slightly better fuel economy numbers, averaging around 22 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive version drops to approximately 21 mpg combined. This reduction occurs because the additional drivetrain components in AWD systems add weight and mechanical resistance, requiring more energy to move the vehicle.
However, the drop in fuel economy is relatively small compared to similar SUVs. For drivers in regions with challenging weather or terrain, the improvement in handling and traction offered by AWD often justifies the marginal increase in fuel consumption. Toyota’s AWD system is also engineered for efficiency, with minimal power loss compared to older AWD technologies.
What driving conditions affect the Highlander’s fuel economy?
Several driving conditions can influence the Toyota Highlander’s fuel economy, including urban vs. highway driving, weather, terrain, and traffic conditions. Frequent stop-and-go driving in city conditions typically lowers mpg, while highway driving with steady speeds tends to maximize fuel economy. Cold weather can also reduce efficiency due to increased engine workload and longer warm-up periods. Similarly, hot weather requiring heavy air conditioning use can raise fuel consumption.
Driving habits such as rapid acceleration, excessive idling, and aggressive braking also play a role. Using cruise control and maintaining a smooth, steady driving style can help maximize efficiency. Additionally, carrying heavy cargo or frequently towing also impacts fuel consumption, as the engine must work harder to handle additional loads, especially in the V6-powered non-hybrid models.
How does the Highlander Hybrid achieve better fuel efficiency?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid improves fuel efficiency through its Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which combines a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a high-efficiency battery pack. This system allows the vehicle to run on electric power alone at low speeds and during idling, reducing gasoline use. The hybrid system also recaptures energy through regenerative braking, converting kinetic energy normally wasted during braking into stored electrical energy to assist the propulsion system.
In addition to its electric assist, the Highlander Hybrid is equipped with an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT), which optimizes engine efficiency across all speeds. The vehicle’s aerodynamic design, low-rolling-resistance tires, and lightweight materials also contribute to improved fuel economy. Together, these technologies make the Highlander Hybrid one of the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs, ideal for families who value efficiency without compromising space and utility.
What is the impact of hybrid technology on Highlander performance?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers a balanced performance that complements its impressive fuel economy. The combination of a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors provides a total output of 243 horsepower, which offers adequate power for merging onto highways, acceleration during passing, and towing lighter loads. While not performance-focused, the Highlander Hybrid still delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience compared to its non-hybrid V6 counterparts.
The hybrid system also contributes to better weight distribution and stability. The battery pack is located beneath the rear seats, minimizing intrusion into cabin or cargo space while maintaining a low center of gravity. This enhances handling and ride comfort, especially during long trips or in adverse weather. Ultimately, hybrid technology enhances the Highlander’s overall efficiency and drivability without sacrificing the essential performance traits of a family SUV.
How much can I save on fuel costs with the Highlander Hybrid versus the standard model?
Choosing the Toyota Highlander Hybrid over the standard V6 model can lead to notable long-term fuel savings. Assuming an annual driving distance of 15,000 miles and an average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, the non-hybrid Highlander (at 21 mpg) would cost approximately $2,500 per year in fuel. In contrast, the Highlander Hybrid (36 mpg) would cost around $1,460 annually, resulting in a difference of more than $1,000 per year in fuel expenses.
Over a typical five-year ownership period, this adds up to more than $5,000 in savings, which can help offset the initial price premium of the hybrid model. If gas prices rise or highway driving is more frequent, the savings may be even greater. For environmentally conscious drivers or those who commute long distances, the Highlander Hybrid offers a more economical and sustainable choice over the long term.