The 2016 Toyota Highlander 2WD with the 3.5L V6 engine gets 21 MPG combined. While no one expects Prius-like fuel economy from a mid-size, three-row SUV, the Highlander offers a reasonable compromise for families needing space and utility. This isn’t a vehicle for hypermilers; it’s for soccer parents, road trippers, and those who prioritize passenger and cargo capacity over fuel savings.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2016 Highlander 2WD V6 are 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects stop-and-go traffic, school zones, and the kind of suburban errands common for the Highlander. The 25 MPG highway figure is achievable on long, relatively flat stretches of interstate, assuming you don’t fully exploit the V6’s power when passing. Some drivers might see slightly better or worse numbers depending on their driving style and terrain, but these EPA figures provide a solid benchmark.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Toyota Highlander 2WD 3.5L V6 is about $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using then-current national average fuel prices. It’s a useful number for budgeting and comparing against other vehicles. Use this figure as a good guideline, but also consider your driving habits and local gasoline prices.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy can vary from EPA estimates. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and heavy loads will negatively impact MPG. Consistent highway driving at moderate speeds, conversely, can help you achieve or slightly exceed the 25 MPG highway estimate. Owners often report averages around 20-22 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Checking out HIGHLANDER MPG across all years can also provide additional perspective.

How it compares

In 2016, the Honda Pilot 2WD with its 3.5L V6 was rated at 22 MPG combined, a slight advantage over the Highlander. The Ford Explorer with its base 3.5L V6 offered a similar 19/27 MPG rating, but real-world performance often fell short of the EPA numbers. The Nissan Pathfinder 2WD, featuring a CVT transmission, aimed for better fuel economy with its 20 MPG city/27 MPG highway rating. The choice between these vehicles often comes down to factors beyond just fuel economy, such as preferred driving dynamics, interior features, and styling, but for buyers sensitive to gas prices, those MPG differences are hard to ignore. You can check all Toyota fuel economy data to see how the Highlander stacks up.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a steady speed. Using cruise control on the highway can also help maintain a consistent pace and optimize fuel consumption when appropriate.

Minimize idling time. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. This is especially relevant in school pick-up lines and waiting outside stores.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in your vehicle decreases fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the Highlander, such as sports equipment or unused cargo, to improve efficiency. This is especially true for heavier items you may not realize weigh as much as they do.

Plan your trips efficiently, including mapping out a route beforehand to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours, saving both time and fuel. Also, combine trips into one, so the engine can warm up properly and operate at its most efficient temperature.