Are Toyota Highlanders good on gas?

In general, yes—especially if you prioritize fuel economy by choosing the Hybrid. The gasoline-only Highlander with a 2.4L turbo delivers competitive efficiency for a midsize three-row SUV, while the Highlander Hybrid stands out with significantly better mpg in typical driving. Real-world results depend on driving style, tires, and drivetrain configuration.

To understand how the Highlander stacks up, it helps to review the two main powertrains Toyota currently offers, along with representative EPA ratings. The following figures reflect common configurations for recent model years and can vary by year and trim.

Powertrains and fuel economy in the Highlander lineup

Representative EPA fuel economy figures by drivetrain for current Highlander models:

• Gasoline-only Highlander (2.4L turbo, 8-speed automatic)
  
  
  
  • Front-wheel drive (FWD): 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
  
  
  • All-wheel drive (AWD): 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
  
  
  
  


• Hybrid Highlander (2.5L hybrid, electronically controlled CVT)
  
  
  
  • Front-wheel drive (FWD): about 36 mpg combined
  
  
  • All-wheel drive (AWD): about 35 mpg combined
  
  
  
  

These figures illustrate a clear split: the Hybrid version substantially outpaces the gasoline-only model in typical mixed driving. The gas-powered Highlander remains competitive in its class, especially for buyers who value stronger acceleration or towing potential, but it does not reach the hybrid’s fuel-sipping efficiency.

Real-world performance and driving considerations

In everyday use, several factors influence actual fuel economy. City driving with frequent stops generally favors the Hybrid, thanks to regenerative braking and the ability to run on electric power at low speeds. On long highway trips, the hybrid still performs well, though highway mpg can approach the lower end of its range depending on speed and wind resistance. The gasoline turbo engine offers strong power and good efficiency for a two- or three-row SUV, particularly when tuned to optimize highway cruising, but it typically lags behind the hybrid’s city-focused efficiency.

Choosing a Highlander powertrain based on your routine

For households that spend more time in urban environments or want the best fuel economy for daily commuting, the Highlander Hybrid is usually the smarter choice. If you regularly tow, prioritize immediate acceleration, or prefer a gasoline-only setup for reasons such as fuel availability and cost, the turbocharged gas variant remains a solid option—just expect lower mpg in mixed driving compared with the hybrid.

Factors that affect mpg and tips for maximizing efficiency

Beyond powertrain choice, several practical factors influence mpg. Tire type and condition, driving habits (smooth acceleration and steady speeds help), cargo load, and the use of accessories like roof racks or climate control all play a role. The EPA tests are conducted under standardized conditions, so your real-world mileage may differ from the published numbers.

Summary

Summary: For fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid delivers the best overall mileage, typically in the mid-30s mpg combined, making it among the more efficient three-row SUVs. The gasoline-only Highlander with the 2.4L turbo offers solid performance and respectable mpg in the high-20s to mid-20s range depending on drivetrain, but it does not match the hybrid’s efficiency. Your best choice depends on your driving patterns, towing needs, and whether you prioritize highway efficiency or stop-and-go city performance.

Does the Toyota Highlander use a lot of gas?

Toyota Highlander FWD: EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 combined mpg.

What are the disadvantages of the Highlander?

Common cons for the Toyota Highlander include a tight third-row seat and limited cargo space behind it, an underpowered base hybrid engine that can feel strained, a coarse engine sound during acceleration, and interior materials that may not feel premium compared to some rivals. Older models may have issues with transmissions or power liftgates, and some owners report concerns with handling or specific technology features like the infotainment system. 
This video discusses some cons of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: 55sMotorNationYouTube · Jul 13, 2025
Space and utility

• Tight third row: The third-row seat is best suited for children, with limited legroom and difficult access. 
• Limited cargo space: The area behind the third row is small, and it may be a challenge to haul many items. 
• Poor off-road capability: It is not designed for rugged off-roading and has limited ground clearance. 

Performance

• Underpowered base hybrid: The base hybrid powertrain, prioritizing fuel efficiency, can feel sluggish, especially when fully loaded or on the highway. 
• Coarse engine noise: The engine can sound loud and unrefined when accelerating hard. 
• Sloppy handling: Some owners describe the rear as feeling sloppy, especially when the vehicle is not carrying weight. 
• Transmission issues: Certain older model years (e.g., 2017-2020) have been reported to have transmission problems. 

Interior and technology

• Interior quality: Higher trims may still feature noticeable hard plastics, and the overall interior feel may not be as upscale as some competitors at a similar price point. 
• Infotainment issues: Some owners report problems with the infotainment system, such as freezing or connectivity issues with Bluetooth. 

Other potential drawbacks

• High price: Some models, particularly the gas-only version, have a high base price compared to competitors. 
• Power liftgate problems: A specific defect involving the rear power liftgate has been reported in several model years. 
• Visibility issues: Some owners report that the side mirrors create blind spots. 

This video shares some of the things the creator dislikes about the Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 1mMotorNationYouTube · Oct 27, 2025

How much does it cost to fill up a Toyota Highlander?

It costs approximately $57 to $60 to fill up a Toyota Highlander, depending on gas prices. The 17.9-gallon tank is filled for around this price, using the average national gas price of roughly $3.50 per gallon. 

• Current estimates: Around $57 to $60 for a full tank. 
• Tank size: 17.9 gallons. 
• Calculation: A 17.9-gallon tank filled at an average of $3.50 per gallon costs about $3.50×17.9=$62.65$ 3.50 cross 17.9 equals $ 62.65$3.50×17.9=$62.65. The estimates of $57-$60 are based on slightly different, but similar, average prices and tank sizes. 
• Note: The price can vary significantly based on your location and current gas prices.

What year to stay away from a Toyota Highlander?

Years to avoid in the Toyota Highlander include 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2020 due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and technology glitches. Other problematic years to consider are 2001-2007 (engine and climate control issues) and 2016-2019 (varying issues including potential oil leaks in some models).
 
This video discusses problems with the Toyota Highlander from 2020 to 2025, including paint issues: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Toyota Highlander years to avoid

• 2001–2007: Prone to engine overheating, head gasket failures, and climate control issues like AC compressor and blower motor problems. 
• 2003: A big year for issues, particularly engine oil sludge buildup and premature transmission wear, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2008: A redesigned model that experienced oil cooler line leaks, which can cause engine damage if not addressed, and lower-quality interior components. 
• 2014: A recall was issued for the second-row seat assembly that may not lock correctly into the seat track, and there were also reports of issues that might be linked to the transmission, says Clutch and Reddit users. 
• 2015: Experienced growing pains from its redesign, with various reports of growing issues, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2020: Experienced early transmission and software problems, say Clutch and Reddit users. 

You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander: 51sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025