Which Toyota Highlander gets the best gas mileage?
The answer, based on current model-year data, is that the Highlander Hybrid—especially the front‑wheel‑drive version—offers the best fuel economy in the lineup. Traditional gas engines and all‑wheel‑drive options fall short of the Hybrid’s efficiency, with the turbocharged gas model delivering noticeably lower mileage. This article breaks down how mileage varies across configurations and what to consider when optimizing fuel economy.
Best mileage comes from the Highlander Hybrid
Across the Highlander range, the most fuel-efficient option is the Hybrid variant. It uses a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain paired with electric motors and a continuously variable transmission to maximize efficiency. Front‑wheel drive typically yields the highest mpg, while all‑wheel drive adds a small efficiency penalty due to added drivetrain weight and mechanical drag. There is no plug-in Highlander option, so all electric-only driving is not available from Toyota’s current Highlander lineup.
To give you a quick sense of what to expect, the hybrid configurations generally land in the mid‑30s miles per gallon (mpg) range on mixed driving, with front‑drive models nudging toward the higher end and all‑wheel‑drive models slightly lower. Gas‑only Highlanders with the 2.4-liter turbo engine are noticeably thirstier, especially under spirited driving or when the vehicle is loaded.
Below is a concise snapshot of how mileage typically stacks up across powertrain choices, using EPA estimates and real‑world expectations as a guide.
Below is an overview of mpg tendencies by drivetrain and powertrain.
- Highlander Hybrid, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Generally in the mid‑30s mpg combined, with estimates commonly around 35 mpg combined depending on trim and conditions.
- Highlander Hybrid, All‑Wheel Drive (AWD): Slightly lower than the FWD version, typically in the mid‑30s but approaching the lower end of that band (roughly 34–35 mpg combined).
- Gasoline‑Powered Highlander with 2.4L Turbo, FWD: More fuel‑eager than the hybrid, often in the low‑to‑mid 20s mpg combined (roughly 23–28 mpg, depending on trim and driving style).
- Gasoline‑Powered Highlander with 2.4L Turbo, AWD: The least efficient in city‑highway mix, generally around the low 20s mpg combined (roughly 22–24 mpg).
In short, if maximized fuel efficiency is the goal, the Highlander Hybrid with front‑wheel drive is the clear winner. The turbo gasoline model can be practical for performance or towing, but it comes with a noticeable decrease in mpg compared with the hybrid powertrain.
How to maximize mileage across the Highlander lineup
To help you squeeze the most miles per gallon from your Highlander, consider these practical tips that apply across configurations.
- Opt for the Hybrid with FWD when you can; it offers the best overall efficiency for daily driving.
- Keep tires properly inflated to the Toyota‑recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
- Plan trips to minimize stop‑and‑go driving; hybrids perform best in steady, moderate-speed conditions.
- Use eco or EV‑like modes if available, and avoid aggressive acceleration or rapid braking.
- Schedule regular maintenance, including air filters and spark plugs, to maintain optimal engine efficiency.
These strategies can help you realize closer to the published mpg figures in real-world driving, regardless of whether you choose the hybrid or the turbo gas model.
Summary
For the best gas mileage in the Toyota Highlander lineup, choose the Hybrid with front‑wheel drive. It typically delivers the highest mpg, landing in the mid‑30s combined, while the AWD Hybrid trims are slightly lower. The turbocharged gas Highlander, while offering stronger performance, does not match the Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, often hovering in the low‑to‑mid 20s mpg combined. Your actual mpg will depend on driving conditions, load, and how you drive, but the Hybrid FWD remains the most economical choice overall.
