What is the gas mileage on a Toyota Highlander 7 seater?
Gas mileage for the Highlander in 7-seat form varies by powertrain and drivetrain, but you can expect roughly mid-20s mpg combined from the turbo gas engine and mid-30s mpg combined from the hybrid. The number of seats (7 vs. 8) has only a modest impact on fuel economy.
Engine options and drivetrains
Fuel economy depends on whether you choose the turbo gas engine or the hybrid, and whether the SUV is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Here are typical EPA estimates for the current generation Highlander in commonly purchased configurations.
The following figures reflect EPA estimates and can vary by model year, trim, and wheel choice.
- Gasoline 2.4L turbo Inline-4, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): about 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
- Gasoline 2.4L turbo Inline-4, All-Wheel Drive (AWD): about 20 mpg city / 27–28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
- Hybrid 2.5L inline-4, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): around 36 mpg combined
- Hybrid 2.5L inline-4, All-Wheel Drive (AWD): around 35 mpg combined
In real-world driving, the hybrid models typically deliver noticeably higher mpg in stop-and-go city conditions, while the turbo gas version tends to be stronger on highway accelerations and towing capabilities. Always check the EPA ratings for your exact year and trim to get precise figures.
Seating configurations and mpg implications
The Highlander is offered in two main seating configurations that influence passenger space and practicality, with only a modest effect on fuel economy.
- 7-seat configuration: second-row captain's chairs (often labeled as a 2–seat setup in that row) plus a full third row. This arrangement prioritizes mid-row comfort and access, and typically results in a slight, but not dramatic, change to cargo space and weight compared with the eight-seat setup.
- 8-seat configuration: second-row bench seating (allowing three across) with a full third row. This setup increases passenger capacity but can marginally increase curb weight and alter cargo space depending on fold-flat configurations. MPG differences between the 7- and 8-seat layouts are usually small.
Note that engine choice, drive configuration, and year-to-year improvements have a greater impact on fuel economy than seating layout alone. When evaluating a Highlander for 7-seater use, consider how often you’ll carry full loads and what mix of city versus highway driving you expect.
Practical tips to maximize mpg
To squeeze the best fuel economy from a Highlander in 7-seat configuration, focus on driving habits and maintenance: smooth acceleration, steady speeds on highways, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance can make a meaningful difference in real-world mpg.
Summary
For the current Toyota Highlander with 7-seat seating, mpg varies by powertrain and drivetrain. The turbo gas model delivers roughly 24 mpg combined (21/29 for FWD, 20/27–28 for AWD), while the Hybrid versions sit in the mid-30s mpg combined (about 35–36 mpg, depending on AWD). Seating configuration (7 vs. 8) has a minor effect on fuel economy; choosing between them more strongly affects passenger capacity and interior layout. Always verify the exact EPA ratings for your year and trim to plan fuel costs accurately.
