The 2016 Toyota Highlander AWD with its 3.5L V6 gets 20 MPG combined. While this isn’t particularly impressive for a mid-size SUV in 2016, many families accepted it for the Highlander’s reputation for reliability, spaciousness, and all-weather capability. This Highlander serves families who prioritize function over outright efficiency, but still need to consider the cost of fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Toyota Highlander AWD 3.5L V6 are 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number is more telling. Stop-and-go driving and the Highlander’s considerable weight work against it. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth, but lacks the ratios of more modern transmissions, limiting its ability to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range.

On the highway, however, the 24 MPG figure is reasonably achievable, especially on flatter stretches of road. The V6 is unstressed at cruising speeds, which helps fuel economy despite the older transmission technology.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Toyota Highlander AWD 3.5L V6 at $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, your driving style, and the price of gasoline in your area. If you live in an area with higher fuel prices, or drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, expect to spend considerably more. Reviewing HIGHLANDER MPG across all years can also provide a better sense of trends.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers provide a standardized baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Many owners report averaging around 19 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all negatively affect fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and diligent maintenance can help you achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates. The terrain you drive on also plays a role; hilly areas will reduce fuel economy, while flatter landscapes will improve it.

How it compares

The 2016 Highlander’s fuel economy isn’t class-leading but it’s also not at the bottom. A 2016 Honda Pilot AWD, another popular choice in this segment, achieves a slightly better 22 MPG combined using its 3.5L V6. A 2016 Ford Explorer with its 3.5L V6 and AWD lands around 19 MPG combined, very close to the Highlander. The Nissan Pathfinder, using a similar V6, also mirrors the Highlander’s 20 MPG combined rating.

For buyers prioritizing maximizing efficiency, the front-wheel-drive versions of these SUVs typically offer slightly better mileage, and hybrid versions, like the Highlander Hybrid, present a substantial improvement. Those seeking all Toyota fuel economy data will see Toyota’s reputation for efficiency often comes via their hybrid powertrains.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay attention to tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Highlander is not a sports car, and driving it like one will significantly impact fuel economy. Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are key to maximizing efficiency. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This is especially important in city driving. Be mindful of the Highlander’s start-up time and system initialization delay before turning off the motor. Only turn the motor off if its safe and convenient to do so.

Reduce weight. Carrying unnecessary cargo adds weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the vehicle’s cargo area and passenger compartment. Also, consider removing roof racks or cargo carriers when they are not in use.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. Avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the system may aggressively downshift to maintain speed, negating any potential fuel savings.