While 21 MPG combined isn’t great, it’s a reasonable trade-off for the 2015 Toyota Highlander 2WD 3.5L V6. Buyers often consider the Highlander when they want a spacious, reliable, and family-friendly vehicle, and the V6 provides enough power for confident highway merging and carrying passengers and cargo. This is a traditional mid-size SUV designed for durability and ease of use, and the fuel economy reflects that. It’s not a hybrid, and it isn’t trying to be.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Highlander 2WD V6 gets 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the V6 engine consumes more fuel during acceleration. A six-speed automatic transmission helps to manage these losses by keeping the engine in its optimum range. The highway number is better, as the Highlander settles into a comfortable cruise. Drivers who rack up significant highway miles will find the quoted 25 MPG to be fairly accurate when traffic is light and speed is consistent. In either scenario, the Highlander’s large fuel tank helps to minimize fuel stops.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Toyota Highlander 2WD 3.5L V6 at $2,100 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It also uses the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual spending can vary depending on driving habits, the type of fuel used, and local fuel prices. Someone who primarily drives in the city will likely spend more than $2,100, while a driver who mostly logs highway miles at a steady pace might see lower costs.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads can all decrease fuel efficiency. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, consistent speed, and proper tire inflation can help drivers approach or even exceed the EPA numbers. The 2015 Highlander does not have drive mode selectors to prioritize economy, and drivers should avoid treating this SUV like a sports car. Drivers can check HIGHLANDER MPG across all years to see how these numbers compare.

Driver behavior plays a significant role in determining the Highlander’s fuel consumption.

How it compares

In the 2015 model year, the Honda Pilot 2WD with its 3.5L V6 was rated at 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, making it less efficient in the city but comparable on the highway. The Nissan Pathfinder 2WD with its 3.5L V6 came in at 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. This makes the Pathfinder a more fuel-efficient choice if fuel economy is the main concern. The Ford Explorer, with its base 3.5L V6 and 2WD, offered 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, which puts it at the bottom of the pack in this comparison. For a buyer needing three rows of seating and decent cargo space, the Highlander’s fuel economy is in the middle of the pack. Drivers can consult all Toyota fuel economy data for broader comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One simple tip is keeping the tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, and use the recommended settings listed on the door jamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The 3.5L V6 is not particularly fuel-efficient when idling, so if you anticipate being stopped for an extended period, turn off the engine. Modern starters are designed to handle frequent stops and starts without causing premature wear.

Minimize aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration and hard braking. The Highlander’s powertrain responds best to smooth, gradual inputs. Maintain a consistent speed on the highway, and anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary bursts of acceleration.

Reduce excess weight. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, particularly heavy objects carried in the cargo area. Extra weight increases the engine’s workload and decreases fuel economy.

Keep up with routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and properly functioning spark plugs all contribute to optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine consumes less fuel.