Comparison & Review

Toyota Highlander Mileage Compared to Other Toyota Hybrid SUVs

You may want to know how Toyota Highlander Mileage compares to other Toyota hybrid SUVs. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leads in fuel efficiency, offering up to 47 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and a 43 mpg combined rating. The Highlander does not match these numbers.

You may want to know how Toyota Highlander Mileage compares to other Toyota hybrid SUVs. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leads in fuel efficiency, offering up to 47 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and a 43 mpg combined rating. The Highlander does not match these numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers 35 mpg in both city and highway driving, making it a solid choice for those needing space and efficiency.
  • For the best fuel economy, consider the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which achieves up to 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
  • To maximize fuel efficiency in any Toyota hybrid SUV, keep your vehicle light, drive at steady speeds, and maintain proper tire pressure.

Toyota Highlander Mileage Overview

Toyota Highlander Mileage Overview

Highlander Hybrid MPG

When you look at the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, you see a three-row SUV that balances space and fuel efficiency. The EPA gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a rating of 35 mpg in both city and highway driving. Many owners report similar real-world mpg numbers, so you can expect these ratings to match your daily experience. This hybrid model uses Toyota’s advanced hybrid system, which combines a gas engine with electric motors. These features help you save fuel, especially in city traffic. You also get smooth acceleration and quiet operation, which are features many drivers enjoy in a hybrid SUV.

Highlander Gas Model MPG

The Toyota Highlander gas model offers a different set of features. The EPA rates the gas version at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Owners often see these numbers in real-world driving. The gas model uses a V6 engine, which gives you more power but less fuel economy compared to the hybrid. If you want more towing capacity or prefer traditional gas engines, this model may fit your needs.

Note: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out for its fuel efficiency, while the gas model focuses on power and classic SUV features.

Here’s a quick comparison of the mpg ratings for both models:

ModelCity MPGHighway MPG
Toyota Highlander Hybrid3535
Toyota Highlander Gas2128

You can see that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid gives you much better fuel economy than the gas model. If you want to save on fuel and enjoy hybrid features, the hybrid model is the better choice. If you need more power or prefer a traditional gas SUV, the gas model offers those features.

Toyota Hybrid SUV MPG Comparison

When you compare Toyota hybrid SUVs, you see clear differences in mpg, fuel economy, and features. Each model offers unique strengths. You can use the following table to see how the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, and Sequoia Hybrid stack up in terms of fuel ratings:

VehicleCity MPGHighway MPGCombined MPG
Toyota Highlander Hybrid353535
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid413839
Toyota Venza Hybrid403739
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid (2WD)192220
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid (4WD)212422

Tip: Use this table to quickly compare the fuel economy and mpg ratings of each Toyota hybrid SUV.

Highlander vs RAV4 Hybrid

You may wonder how the Toyota Highlander Hybrid compares to the RAV4 Hybrid. The RAV4 Hybrid leads in fuel efficiency. It gives you 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers 35 mpg for both city and highway driving. The RAV4 Hybrid is a compact SUV, while the Highlander is a mid-size, three-row SUV. This size difference explains why the RAV4 Hybrid achieves higher fuel savings and better efficiency.

VehicleCity MPGHighway MPG
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid3535
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid4138

You get more space and seating in the Highlander, but you sacrifice some fuel economy. If you want the most fuel-efficient SUV in the Toyota lineup, the RAV4 Hybrid is your best choice. If you need more room for family or cargo, the Highlander Hybrid balances space and fuel ratings well.

Highlander vs Venza Hybrid

The Toyota Venza Hybrid also stands out for its impressive fuel economy. You get 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The Venza Hybrid matches the RAV4 Hybrid in combined mpg ratings. Both models use similar hybrid technology and share many features. The Venza Hybrid is a two-row SUV, so it offers less space than the Highlander Hybrid. If you want a comfortable ride and top fuel efficiency, the Venza Hybrid is a smart pick. If you need a three-row SUV, the Highlander Hybrid remains the better fit, even though it uses more gas.

Highlander vs Sequoia Hybrid

The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid is much larger than the Highlander Hybrid. It uses a powerful hybrid system, but its size and weight lower its fuel economy. The Sequoia Hybrid (2WD) gets 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The 4WD version improves slightly to 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Highlander Hybrid easily beats the Sequoia Hybrid in all mpg ratings.

VehicleCity MPGHighway MPGCombined MPG
Toyota Highlander Hybrid262727
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid (2WD)192220
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid (4WD)212422

You see that the Highlander Hybrid offers much better fuel savings and lower cost of ownership than the Sequoia Hybrid. The Sequoia Hybrid gives you more power and towing features, but you pay more at the pump.

Note: The EPA ratings show that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sits in the middle of the Toyota hybrid SUV lineup. It gives you a strong balance of space, features, and fuel economy. You can choose the right SUV based on your needs for space, efficiency, and gas usage.

Factors Affecting Economy in Toyota Hybrid SUVs

Engine and Hybrid System

You will notice that Toyota hybrid SUVs use both a gas engine and electric motors to boost fuel economy. The hybrid system switches between the electric motor and gas engine, depending on your driving needs. This design helps you save fuel, especially in city traffic. The power control unit manages energy flow, letting your SUV run on electric, gas, or both. Sophisticated software ensures smooth transitions and top efficiency. In city driving, your Toyota Highlander Hybrid can run on electric power alone at low speeds, reducing gas use and increasing fuel savings. When you need more power, like merging onto the highway, the gas engine and electric motor work together for strong acceleration.

  • Hybrid SUVs combine gas and electric power for better mpg.
  • The system chooses the best power source for each situation.
  • You get improved fuel economy compared to traditional gas SUVs.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of your SUV play a big role in fuel economy. Heavier vehicles, like the Toyota Highlander, need more energy to move, which lowers mpg. Larger tires and aggressive tread patterns also increase rolling resistance, making your SUV use more gas. For example, changing to heavier tires on a RAV4 Hybrid can drop mpg by up to 4 points at first. Over time, the impact lessens, but you still see a difference.

Evidence DescriptionImpact on MPG
Larger, heavier tiresLower mpg, especially at first
Aggressive treadMore road noise, lower mpg
  • More weight means lower fuel economy.
  • Stop-and-go traffic and hills make heavier SUVs use even more gas.

Drivetrain Impact

The drivetrain affects both traction and fuel economy. Front-wheel drive (FWD) Toyota hybrid SUVs usually get better mpg because they weigh less. All-wheel drive (AWD) models offer better traction, which helps in bad weather, but they use more gas due to extra weight.

Drivetrain TypeFuel Economy ImpactWeight ImpactTraction
FWDBetter mpgLighterLess
AWDLower mpgHeavierBetter

When you choose a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, you balance features like space, power, and ratings for mpg. The EPA ratings show that the three-row Highlander offers a strong mix of fuel efficiency and cost of ownership, even though it is larger than other Toyota hybrid SUVs.

Choosing the Best Toyota Hybrid SUV for Fuel Economy

Best for City Driving

You want a fuel-efficient suv for city driving. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid stands out as the most fuel-efficient option in the Toyota lineup for city use. It offers impressive EPA ratings and real-world results. You can see how it compares in the table below:

ModelEPA MPG (City)Real-World MPG (Avg.)
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid4135–36

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gives you excellent fuel savings when you drive in stop-and-go traffic. You get quick acceleration and smooth handling, which make city commutes easier. The compact size helps you park in tight spots, and the hybrid system keeps gas costs low. If you want a mid-size suv with more space, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid also performs well in the city, but it does not match the RAV4 Hybrid’s top ratings.

Tip: Choose the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if you want the best city mpg and easy maneuvering.

Best for Highway Driving

You may spend more time on highways. In this case, you want an suv that balances comfort, space, and fuel economy. The Toyota Venza Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid both deliver strong highway mpg ratings. The Venza Hybrid offers a quiet ride and advanced features, making long trips more enjoyable. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid gives you a three-row suv with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It provides steady power and smooth handling at highway speeds.

You can expect the following highway mpg ratings:

  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 38 mpg
  • Toyota Venza Hybrid: 37 mpg
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 35 mpg

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out if you need a larger suv for family road trips. You get a mix of space, comfort, and good fuel ratings. The Toyota Highlander gas model offers more power, but you will use more gas on long drives.

Note: For the best highway fuel economy, pick the RAV4 Hybrid or Venza Hybrid. For more space, the Highlander Hybrid is your best three-row suv choice.

You see the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leads in fuel efficiency, while the Toyota Highlander offers more space and features. Mileage differences come from size, weight, and gas engine design. To maximize fuel economy in any Toyota hybrid SUV, follow these tips:

  1. Remove extra items to keep your highlander light.
  2. Drive slower on highways for better gas mileage.
  3. Turn off your highlander when parked.
  4. Accelerate and brake gently to save gas.
  5. Use cruise control for steady speed.
  6. Check tire pressure to avoid losing gas efficiency.
  7. Maintain your highlander for top features and performance.

FAQ

What makes the Toyota Highlander Hybrid different from other Toyota SUVs?

You get three rows of seating, advanced hybrid technology, and unique features. The highlander stands out for its balance of space, fuel economy, and comfort.

Can you use all Toyota Highlander features in every trim?

You find that some features only come with higher trims. Check the Toyota highlander brochure to see which features come standard and which require upgrades.

How does the Toyota Highlander compare to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for families?

You enjoy more space and seating in the highlander. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers better mpg, but the highlander gives you family-friendly features and extra cargo room.