Some buyers might overlook the 23 MPG combined fuel economy of the 2019 Toyota Highlander’s 3.5L V6. These buyers likely prioritize reliability, space, and resale value. The Highlander isn’t purchased to win fuel economy contests. It’s purchased to haul families and their gear for years to come with minimal trouble, and the V6’s mixed fuel economy is simply part of that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for this version of the 2019 Highlander. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, something the Highlander, like most vehicles, struggles with. Its weight contributes to the lower city number; accelerating a vehicle that weighs around 4,500 pounds requires more energy than a lighter car. The highway figure is more respectable, with the eight-speed automatic transmission helping to keep the engine running efficiently at higher speeds. Don’t expect hybrid-like frugality, but for a V6-powered three-row SUV, it’s competitive within its class.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6 at $1,900. This estimation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and the fluctuating price of gasoline. Drivers who mostly stick to city driving will likely exceed this estimate, while those who primarily cruise on the highway may find they spend less. It is also important to consider that fuel prices vary significantly from State to State and from season to season. The $1,900 figure provides a reasonable benchmark for comparing the Highlander’s running costs against other vehicles, but individualized results are always the most accurate.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy often differs from EPA estimates. Driving style plays an important role with the 2019 Highlander V6. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will reduce the MPG noticeably. Carrying a full load of passengers and cargo will impact efficiency. However, drivers who accelerate moderately and anticipate traffic flow can often match or even slightly exceed the EPA’s highway rating. Check out HIGHLANDER MPG across all years for crowdsourced MPG figures from actual owners.

How it compares

The Highlander’s fuel economy is generally in line with its competitors. The Honda Pilot, with its 3.5L V6, achieves similar numbers, around 22 MPG combined. The Nissan Pathfinder, another popular choice, also hovers in the same range. Opting for all-wheel drive in any of these vehicles typically shaves off one or two MPG. The Ford Explorer, depending on the engine (especially if equipped with the more powerful turbo options), can return slightly lower fuel economy than the Highlander. However, the Explorer Limited Hybrid is significantly more fuel efficient, returning around 27 MPG combined. The Chrysler Pacifica minivan, especially the plug-in hybrid version, offers substantially better fuel economy than the Highlander, but the Pacifica suits a slightly different set of buyers. For those interested in exploring more efficient options within the Toyota family, browse all Toyota fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Highlander. Avoid abrupt starts and try to anticipate traffic flow to maintain a smoother, more consistent speed. The Highlander’s engine is powerful enough to accelerate quickly when needed, but that power comes at the expense of fuel efficiency, so drive accordingly.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly (refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb) and maintain the recommended inflation level.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying around extra cargo in the Highlander will negatively impact fuel economy. Remove any items from the vehicle that you don’t regularly need. Even small amounts of weight can add up, especially in city driving.

Take advantage of cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control can help you avoid unintentional speeding and maintain a more steady pace, especially on long journeys.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and prolonged idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. This is especially true during cold weather when the engine continues to inject excess fuel to maintain idle speed.