With 35 MPG combined, the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD is a fuel-efficient family vehicle, a trait not often found in a vehicle this spacious and capable. It’s not a sporty SUV built for speed; it’s a practical choice for people who want reliability, resale value, and lower running costs without sacrificing three rows and all-wheel drive.

City and highway performance

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2024 Highlander Hybrid AWD are very consistent: 35 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. This even split shows the hybrid system’s ability to switch between electric and gasoline power, optimizing efficiency in both urban traffic and steady highway driving. The 2.5L 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, with electric motors, works with the automatic (AV-S6) transmission to provide steady, predictable power while maximizing fuel savings. Some hybrids are only efficient in city driving, but the Highlander Hybrid maintains its efficiency at higher speeds. This is because of Toyota’s well-engineered hybrid system. This consistency makes planning road trips easier, because you can expect mileage that’s close to the advertised numbers regardless of driving conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD at $1,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices, but this EPA estimate gives you a benchmark for comparing the Highlander Hybrid’s running costs to other vehicles in its class.

Real-world expectations

The EPA’s 35 MPG provides a good benchmark, but you should have realistic expectations for real-world fuel economy. Your actual MPG can be affected by driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure. If you accelerate quickly or brake hard, that will hurt your fuel efficiency. The same goes for carrying heavy loads or towing. However, if you drive smoothly and consistently, and keep your tires properly inflated, you can get numbers close to the EPA estimates. The onboard energy monitor provides feedback on the hybrid system’s operation, helping you drive more efficiently.

How it compares

The Highlander Hybrid’s fuel economy is a selling point compared to non-hybrid vehicles. For example, the standard, non-hybrid Highlander AWD gets only 24 MPG combined. That’s a big difference that adds up over time. Other hybrid SUVs also struggle to match the Highlander’s numbers. The Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid AWD gets just 25 MPG combined, which is much lower. The Kia Sorento Hybrid AWD gets about 37 MPG, but it is smaller than the three-row Highlander. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid minivan, offers the best MPGe but requires frequent charging, which isn’t practical for everyone. For families who need three rows and aren’t ready for a plug-in hybrid, the Highlander Hybrid is a great balance of space, capability, and fuel efficiency. You can view all Toyota fuel economy data on our site to see how it compares across the brand. You may also be interested in finding out the HIGHLANDER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Highlander Hybrid’s ECO mode, which adjusts throttle response and climate control to prioritize fuel efficiency. This mode doesn’t reduce performance much, but it does soften acceleration, encouraging smoother driving that saves gas.

Watch the traffic flow to reduce braking and acceleration. The Highlander Hybrid uses regenerative braking to capture energy when you slow down, so coasting to a stop is more efficient than braking hard at the last second.

Regular maintenance, like checking tire pressure and changing the air filter, is important for fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers your MPG and wears out your tires faster.

Avoid idling for long periods, especially in cold weather. The hybrid system shuts off the gasoline engine when stopped, but idling wastes gas and reduces the benefits of the hybrid powertrain.

If you can, run the Highlander Hybrid in EV mode for short, low-speed trips. This mode allows the vehicle to run only on electric power, which saves even more gas in stop-and-go traffic, but the range is limited.