What is the gas tank on a Toyota Highlander?
The gas tank is the vehicle’s fuel tank—the container that stores gasoline for the engine. On a Toyota Highlander, tank size varies by model year and powertrain, but most modern gasoline-only versions hold about 18.8 gallons (71 liters) and Hybrid models typically use about 17.1–17.4 gallons (65–66 liters). Check your specific vehicle’s specs for the exact figure.
Tank capacity by drivetrain and model year
Below is a general guide to the fuel-tank sizes you’ll commonly see across recent Highlander variants. The figures can vary slightly by trim and year, so refer to official specs for your exact vehicle.
- Gasoline-only Highlander (non-hybrid): about 18.8 gallons (71 liters).
- Highlander Hybrid: typically around 17.1–17.4 gallons (65–66 liters).
- Older generations or special editions: capacity can vary, commonly in the vicinity of 19 gallons; verify with year-specific specs.
In practice, most buyers of current-generation Highlanders should expect roughly 18.8 gallons on their tank if they’re not driving a hybrid. For hybrid models, the smaller tank is paired with combined electric propulsion to deliver similar overall range with different fuel usage patterns.
Estimating driving range per tank
Use EPA fuel-economy estimates and the tank size to approximate how far you can travel on a full tank. The method below helps you plan trips and fueling stops.
- Find the vehicle’s EPA combined miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating for your exact model/year and drivetrain (gasoline or hybrid).
- Multiply the tank capacity by the MPG to estimate miles per full tank.
- Adjust for real-world conditions—city driving, driving style, weather, and payload can reduce or increase actual range.
- Plan fuel stops based on your route and typical refill points, especially on long trips.
These calculations give a practical sense of range, but always carry a buffer and rely on your instruments for current fuel levels and efficiency.
Where to find the exact tank size for your Highlander
To confirm the precise fuel-tank capacity for your specific vehicle, use these sources:
- Door jamb sticker (fuel economy and capacity sometimes listed with other specifications)
- Owner’s manual for the exact tank capacity by model year and trim
- Toyota’s official website or model-year spec sheets for your Highlander variant
If you’re purchasing a used Highlander or have a unique trim, checking the exact specs helps avoid over- or underestimating range and fueling needs.
Summary
In short, the Highlander’s gas tank capacity varies by model year and powertrain. Gasoline-only models generally carry about 18.8 gallons, while Hybrid versions use roughly 17.1–17.4 gallons. You can estimate range by multiplying tank capacity by the vehicle’s MPG, but real-world results depend on driving conditions. For the exact figure, consult the owner’s manual, the door sticker, or Toyota’s official specifications for your specific year and trim.
How many miles can a Toyota Highlander go on a full tank?
A Toyota Highlander can go between approximately 375 and 615 miles on a full tank, depending on the model year, drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD), and whether it's a hybrid. The range is directly tied to fuel economy, so highway driving will generally result in a longer range than city driving.
- Gas-only models: A 2024 model with front-wheel drive (FWD) can get up to 29 MPG, while an all-wheel drive (AWD) version gets up to 27 MPG.
- This can result in an estimated range of over 500 miles on the highway for FWD models and around 480 miles for AWD models, based on different model years.
- Hybrid models: Hybrid versions have a significantly higher fuel economy. A 2024 hybrid model can achieve up to 36 MPG, leading to an estimated maximum range of over 615 miles under ideal conditions.
- Factors that affect range: Actual mileage can vary based on driving habits, speed, terrain, and vehicle maintenance.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota Highlander?
The most common problem with the Toyota Highlander is a major oil leak and loss of oil pressure caused by a faulty VVT-i oil line. Other frequent issues include infrequent but noticeable interior rattles, especially from the moonroof or dashboard, and problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission in 2017-2019 models, leading to noises, delayed shifting, and failure.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Toyota Highlander, including the 8-speed transmission issue: 59sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
Most common problems
- VVT-i oil line rupture: This is the most frequent and serious issue, where the oil line bursts, causing a massive oil leak that can lead to complete engine failure if the vehicle is driven while the low oil pressure light is on. A revised part has been issued, but it has also been reported to have the same problem.
- Interior rattles and noises: Many owners report various rattles and squeaks coming from the interior, such as the moonroof, dashboard, or infotainment screen, particularly on bumpy roads or in cold weather.
- 8-speed automatic transmission: Specific models, particularly the 2017–2019 Highlanders, have been associated with issues such as a whining noise, delayed shifts, hard shifts, and even complete failure.
- Airbag sensor failure: Some models have a faulty front passenger airbag sensor that can short-circuit, preventing the airbag from deploying correctly.
Other potential issues
- Air and water leaks: Some model years have reported issues with plugged sunroof drain lines, leading to water leaks inside the vehicle.
- Check engine light: This can be caused by various issues, such as the hose coming off the air filter housing or a failed oxygen sensor.
- Brake issues: Some models have reported premature wear of brake pads and rotors, or a vibrating sensation when braking.
This video discusses problems with the 8-speed transmission in the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander: 58sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Jul 31, 2021
How big is a Toyota Highlander gas tank?
A Toyota Highlander's gas tank size depends on the model year and trim. Gas-powered models have a capacity of either 17.1 or 17.9 gallons, while the hybrid versions have a 17.1-gallon tank.
- Gas-powered models: The capacity is typically 17.9 gallons for models like the 2025, 2022, and 2020, but can be 17.1 gallons on some trims, such as certain 2024 models.
- Hybrid models: The gas tank capacity is 17.1 gallons for models like the 2024 and 2022.
How much gas is left when the light comes on a Toyota Highlander?
When the low fuel light comes on in a Toyota Highlander, you have about 2.5 to 3 gallons of gas left, which translates to roughly 30 to 50 miles of driving range, though this can vary. The exact amount depends on the specific model, driving conditions, and your driving habits. For a more precise understanding of your remaining range, you should also monitor the "distance to empty" display on your dashboard, which automatically calculates the estimated miles based on current fuel and recent MPG.
Factors that affect range
- Vehicle Model: Different model years and engine types will have different tank sizes and fuel efficiencies.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving or stop-and-go city traffic will use fuel more quickly than steady highway driving.
- Road and Weather Conditions: Hills, traffic, and weather can all affect your fuel economy.
- Vehicle Condition: The age and overall maintenance of the vehicle can play a role.
What you should do
- Refuel promptly: It is best to refuel as soon as possible to avoid running out of gas and to protect your fuel pump from damage. The fuel pump is cooled by the gas in the tank, and running on a low level can cause it to overheat.
- Check the "distance to empty" display: This feature is designed to give you a more accurate, real-time estimate of your remaining range than a general estimate.
- Don't wait until empty: The low fuel light comes on with a reserve still in the tank, but you should aim to fill up before the gauge hits zero miles to avoid potential issues and ensure you can always reach a gas station.
