23 MPG combined is a figure most 2021 Toyota Highlander AWD 3.5L V6 buyers already understand and accept. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for hypermiling, it’s a family hauler designed for reliability, practicality, and the occasional gravel road, delivered with Toyota’s typically unflappable dependability. Owners prioritize space for kids, carpools, and cargo over outright fuel efficiency, but still expect reasonable economy from their daily driver.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Highlander AWD V6 break down to 20 MPG in the city and a more palatable 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure, as with most vehicles, is where fuel consumption suffers most. Stop-and-go traffic and cold starts take their toll. The relatively tall gearing of the eight-speed automatic transmission helps eke out respectable highway mileage, allowing the engine to cruise at lower RPMs when speed is consistent. Expect to see the highway number fluctuate if you frequently encounter hills or strong headwinds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Toyota Highlander AWD V6 at precisely $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the EPA’s assumption of average gasoline prices. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits and the actual price of gasoline in your area. Drivers who primarily stick to the highway maybe find their annual fuel bill slightly lower, while those who spend more time in city traffic should brace for a potentially higher expense. The $1,900 figure serves as a useful benchmark for comparing the Highlander’s fuel costs against other vehicles in its class, so be sure to examine all Toyota fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG figures often vary. Owners of the 2021 Highlander AWD V6 frequently report numbers slightly below the EPA’s 23 MPG combined rating, particularly in colder climates where winter-blend gasoline is used and engine warm-up times are extended. Consistent aggressive driving or frequent towing will also noticeably reduce fuel economy. However, careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and anticipate traffic conditions can often achieve figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA’s estimates. Payload also influences MPG, and it’s worth checking HIGHLANDER MPG across all years to see how different model years perform. Overall, experienced drivers achieve higher than average MPG.

How it compares

The 2021 Highlander’s fuel economy places it competitively, but not at the top, among its three-row SUV rivals. The Honda Pilot, for example, achieves a similar 22 MPG combined with its V6 engine and front-wheel drive (AWD models also land around 22 MPG). The Kia Telluride, another popular option, generally mirrors the Highlander’s figures, also hovering around 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway with AWD. The Ford Explorer, especially the EcoBoost variants, presents a wider range depending on the specific engine. The base 2.3L EcoBoost offers similar economy, but opting for the more powerful V6 or hybrid powertrains significantly alters the MPG landscape. The Highlander Hybrid, of course, eclipses all these options with its significantly superior fuel efficiency, but at the cost of a higher initial price and a different driving experience. Ultimately, buyers choosing the Highlander AWD V6 are often often more concerned with the vehicle’s reputation for reliability and overall value.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Highlander. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to maintain a consistent pace, especially when accelerating from a stop. The Highlander’s eight-speed automatic transmission is programmed to upshift quickly, so allow it to do its job and avoid using excessive throttle. The engine is quite powerful without pushing it hard.

Tire pressure plays an important role in fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces MPG. This is especially important during temperature swings, as tire pressure can fluctuate significantly with the weather.

Reduce unnecessary weight. While the Highlander is designed to carry cargo, hauling around unnecessary items in the cabin or cargo area reduces fuel economy. Take a few minutes to clear out anything you don’t need. Even a small reduction in weight can make a noticeable difference over time.

Plan your trips to avoid congested areas when possible. Stop-and-go traffic consumes significantly more fuel than cruising at a steady speed. Use navigation apps to identify and navigate around traffic jams. Even a slightly longer route can sometimes be more fuel-efficient if it allows you to maintain a more consistent speed.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Engaging cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can improve highway fuel economy, especially on relatively flat roads. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the system may downshift frequently, negating some of the fuel-saving benefits.