23 MPG combined won’t top any charts, but for the 2018 Toyota Highlander with its 3.5L V6, it’s a practical compromise. This Highlander is not built for maximum fuel efficiency. It’s made to be a dependable, comfortable, and spacious family vehicle that handles road trips and school commutes well. The target buyer cares more about longevity and resale value, areas where the Highlander has traditionally excelled, regardless of fuel consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for the 2018 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, frequent starts and stops, and lower average speeds. The Highlander’s weight and the inherent inefficiencies of a gasoline engine in those conditions contribute to this number. The highway rating of 27 MPG is achieved at steady cruising speeds, where the engine operates more efficiently, and aerodynamic drag becomes a more dominant factor. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps significantly at highway speeds, letting the engine maintain lower RPMs, which directly translates to fuel savings.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6 is $1,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the price of gasoline in your area. Aggressive driving habits and poor vehicle maintenance can also increase your fuel consumption, pushing that $1,900 figure higher. The EPA’s $1,900 estimate provides a standardized benchmark for comparing fuel costs across different vehicles, but personalize that estimate based on your own circumstances.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a useful starting point, they don’t always reflect real-world driving conditions. Highlander owners often report slightly lower MPG figures than the official ratings, particularly in environments with heavy traffic or hilly terrain. Keeping proper tire inflation, avoiding excessive idling, and using cruise control on the highway can help improve fuel economy, but even under ideal circumstances, achieving the EPA’s highway rating consistently may be hard. Many drivers find that mixed driving typically yields fuel economy closer to the combined rating of 23 MPG. If you drive predominantly in the city, expect figures closer to the 20 MPG mark, while predominantly highway driving might net you something in the 25-26 MPG range. Check out HIGHLANDER MPG across all years to further investigate the range others have reported.

How it compares

The 2018 Highlander’s fuel economy is about average for mid-size, three-row SUVs. A 2018 Honda Pilot, another popular choice, delivers a similar 23 MPG combined with its V6 engine, although some trim levels achieve slightly higher highway figures. Ford Explorers from the same year, particularly those with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, can offer comparable or slightly better fuel economy, but often at the expense of outright power and towing capacity. The Nissan Pathfinder, with its V6 engine, generally mirrors the Highlander’s fuel economy. The key differentiator often comes down to priorities: some buyers might favor the Highlander’s reputation for reliability, while others may find the Pilot’s interior space or the Explorer’s towing capability more appealing. All of these factors will influence fuel economy, so compare all Toyota fuel economy data when deciding.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow and minimize hard acceleration. The Highlander’s V6 engine benefits from smooth, progressive throttle inputs. Avoid sudden bursts of acceleration, which consume significantly more fuel. Gentle acceleration improves fuel economy and adds a more comfortable ride.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel without actually moving the vehicle. If you’re waiting for someone or stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary throttle fluctuations and improving fuel economy. Be mindful of terrain, however, as cruise control may downshift aggressively on hills, negating some of its fuel-saving benefits. In hilly areas, manual throttle control may be more efficient.

Remove unnecessary weight. Extra weight in the Highlander can reduce fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need, such as sporting equipment, tools, or cargo that adds load to the vehicle. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed.