27 MPG combined is impressive for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD, especially considering it’s a real three-row SUV with all-weather security and the space for family and gear. This isn’t a stripped-down experiment, but a comfortable, capable family vehicle that uses fuel like a smaller car.

City and highway performance

The window sticker shows an interesting quirk: 26 city MPG and 27 highway MPG. Hybrids don’t often do *better* on the highway, but this reflects the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s powertrain tuning. The electric motor helps the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine in stop-and-go traffic, but at higher speeds, the gasoline engine is the main power source. This means slightly better highway efficiency, especially with adaptive cruise control. Don’t expect huge differences, though; driving style and load matter more than just sticking to city or highway routes. These figures are for the AWD version; the FWD model gets slightly better mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD owner will spend about $1,600 on fuel each year. This is based on 15,000 annual miles, the EPA combined MPG, and average national fuel prices. Real costs will vary depending on driving habits, local prices, and actual miles, but $1,600 is a useful comparison against other vehicles. It’s a good number for a large SUV, where fuel costs can rise quickly.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are a good starting point, but consider real-world experience. Some owners report numbers slightly above or below 27 MPG, based on driving habits. Hard acceleration, frequent short trips, and heavy loads hurt fuel economy. Smooth driving, consistent highway speeds, and lighter loads can help. Tire pressure and regular maintenance also matter for best efficiency. Consider 27 MPG a realistic target, not a guarantee.

How it compares

The hybrid SUV segment is competitive, but the Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD does well. The Kia Telluride, while roomy and stylish, gets about 20 MPG combined, making it less fuel-efficient. The Honda Pilot, another popular choice, gets similar numbers with its standard gasoline engine. The smaller Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets better fuel economy at around 35 MPG combined but has less third-row space. The Ford Explorer Hybrid offers comparable MPG, depending on the configuration, at a higher price. The Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD offers a good mix of fuel efficiency, passenger space, and capability, making it appealing for families who want both lower fuel costs and practicality. Consider ALL all Toyota fuel economy data, and third row seating needs can limit fuel economy.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are key to maximizing fuel efficiency in any hybrid vehicle, including the Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD. Don’t floor the gas pedal or slam on the brakes. Anticipate traffic and drive smoothly. This helps the electric motor work better, reducing gas engine use.

Use the available drive modes to optimize fuel economy. “Eco” mode prioritizes MPG by changing throttle response and transmission settings. It might reduce performance slightly, but it can help on longer trips. Try different modes to find what works best for you.

Keep your tires inflated as recommended. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check tire pressure regularly, especially in cold weather when it drops.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Heavy cargo or passengers hurt fuel economy. Remove unneeded items from your Grand Highlander, like extra sporting equipment or unused cargo carriers. Every pound matters on an SUV this size. Before committing to your GRAND MPG across all years, consider how much space you need.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combining errands reduces cold starts, which use extra fuel. Use route planning apps to find direct routes and avoid traffic. Smart route planning saves time and fuel.