23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling awards, but for the 2018 Toyota Highlander AWD LE 3.5L 6-cyl, it’s a reasonable compromise. This isn’t a vehicle for fuel-sipping enthusiasts; families buy it who value space, reliability, and all-weather security. These buyers know that transporting up to eight passengers and their cargo requires fuel, and the Highlander’s fuel economy is near the middle of its competitive set.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Highlander AWD LE with the 3.5L V6 are 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects urban driving, where the Highlander’s weight and all-wheel-drive system increase fuel consumption. The 27 MPG highway rating is better, showing the effectiveness of the eight-speed automatic transmission in optimizing fuel economy during steady cruising. The Highlander’s V6 offers good power for merging and passing on the highway, reducing the need to accelerate hard and improving fuel efficiency on longer trips. Remember that these numbers are best with a light foot; accelerating hard will significantly reduce both city and highway MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Toyota Highlander AWD LE 3.5L 6-cyl at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s projected fuel prices. This is only an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. However, the $1,900 figure is a useful benchmark for comparing the Highlander’s fuel costs to other vehicles. Use this figure to project your own fuel costs by adjusting it based on your mileage and local fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures are a good baseline, but real-world fuel economy can change. Some drivers report slightly lower fuel economy than the EPA estimates, especially in mixed conditions. Heavy traffic, frequent short trips, and aggressive driving can negatively affect fuel economy. Drivers who primarily drive on the highway and maintain a consistent speed may achieve or exceed the EPA highway rating. But your actual fuel economy will depend on how and where you drive the Highlander.

How it compares

The 2018 Highlander AWD LE 3.5L’s fuel economy is competitive in the mid-size SUV segment. For example, the Honda Pilot, another choice for families, gets similar EPA numbers in its all-wheel-drive configuration, around 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The Ford Explorer with its base engine is comparable, though its fuel economy can drop with the more powerful EcoBoost engines. The Nissan Pathfinder is in a similar range. Buyers in this segment often cross-shop similar vehicles. The Highlander’s reputation for reliability and its reasonable fuel economy make it a good choice, but shoppers will research the HIGHLANDER MPG across all years and its competitors to see which vehicle fits their needs. All of this data for Toyota can be found at all Toyota fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are key to maximizing fuel economy in the Highlander. Avoid accelerating hard and braking hard, which consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady speed when you can. The Highlander’s V6 provides good power, so there’s rarely a need to floor it.

Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and oil changes, is important for fuel economy. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Regular oil changes ensure that the engine is lubricated, reducing friction and improving fuel economy. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance intervals.

Don’t idle. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you anticipate stopping for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Highlander doesn’t have an auto stop/start feature, so the driver has to turn off the engine.

Reduce weight. Carrying excess weight in the Highlander reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items, especially heavy items in the cargo area. This is important for families who often use their Highlander for hauling gear.