22 MPG combined might not raise eyebrows at the gas pump for a compact sedan, but it’s a perfectly acceptable figure for the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander AWD Limited/Platinum with its 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. This is a substantial three-row SUV, designed to comfortably ferry six or seven people and their gear through all kinds of weather, offering the kind of practicality and reliability modern families demand. Those who choose the Grand Highlander aren’t prioritizing ultimate fuel frugality; they’re buying into Toyota’s reputation for longevity, resale value, and a well-appointed, spacious cabin. The 2.4L turbo, while not a Prius drivetrain, delivers sufficient power without sacrificing an egregious amount of fuel in a vehicle this size and capability. It’s a calculated compromise, and one that its target demographic, families seeking maximum utility in a familiar, dependable package, is perfectly willing to make.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2025 Grand Highlander AWD Limited/Platinum at 20 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. This split reveals a characteristic common among larger, non-hybrid SUVs: city driving taxes the powertrain more significantly. The 2.4L turbocharged engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, works a bit harder to get 4,700+ pounds of metal moving from a standstill and through stop-and-go traffic. On the open road, however, the picture improves. Highway cruising allows the engine to settle into its most efficient RPM range, and the well-tuned automatic transmission holds higher gears, minimizing fuel consumption. That 26 MPG highway figure is solid for a vehicle of this size and configuration, particularly with all-wheel drive, indicating efficient power delivery once momentum is established. Buyers understand that a comfortable, spacious family hauler will inherently consume more fuel in urban environments, and they prioritize the interior volume and AWD capability over a few extra city miles per gallon.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander AWD Limited/Platinum 2.4L 4-cyl. This figure provides a useful benchmark for consumers and is calculated based on an average driving distance of 15,000 miles per year, with a combination of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. For a large, all-wheel-drive SUV, $2,000 per year represents a predictable and manageable expense, especially for a family that likely budgets for such transportation costs. It’s a cost that directly reflects the vehicle’s size, weight, and powertrain, giving buyers a straightforward expectation of their yearly fuel outlay without any surprises. This transparency aligns with Toyota’s no-nonsense approach to vehicle ownership and helps buyers understand the long-term running costs before they even sign the paperwork.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, owners of the 2025 Grand Highlander AWD Limited/Platinum 2.4L can expect their actual mileage to hover closely around the EPA’s 22 MPG combined rating, with variations largely dependent on driving habits and conditions. Drivers with a heavy foot, who frequently accelerate aggressively or spend significant time in dense, congested urban areas, might see their city MPG dip slightly below the 20 MPG estimate. Conversely, those who primarily use their Grand Highlander for highway commuting or long road trips, maintaining consistent speeds without excessive braking and accelerating, could regularly achieve or even slightly exceed the 26 MPG highway rating. The Grand Highlander’s standard all-wheel drive system, while offering enhanced traction and stability, doesn’t significantly penalize fuel economy unless it’s actively engaged in slippery conditions, where the added resistance can have a minor impact. Ultimately, this SUV delivers an honest interpretation of its fuel economy figures, aligning with Toyota’s reputation for predictable performance across its lineup, including models like the Highlander and RAV4.

How it compares

The 2025 Grand Highlander AWD Limited/Platinum with its 2.4L engine stacks up quite competitively against its direct rivals, particularly when considering its dimensions and standard features. A key competitor is the Mazda CX-90 AWD, which, with its standard 3.3L inline-six turbo, achieves 23 MPG combined (22 city/27 highway). While the CX-90 offers a slight advantage on the highway, the Grand Highlander’s city rating is on par, and given the similar overall package, it’s a close fight. Another player, the Volkswagen Atlas AWD with its 2.0L turbo, delivers 20 MPG combined (19 city/22 highway), putting the Grand Highlander in a clearly superior position for fuel efficiency. Even the larger Chevrolet Traverse AWD, with its 2.5L turbo, manages 21 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway), essentially matching the Grand Highlander’s city figure but falling slightly behind in the combined average. For those prioritizing space over absolute efficiency, the Kia Carnival (FWD, 3.5L V6) achieves 22 MPG combined (19 city/26 highway), illustrating that the Grand Highlander’s AWD and traditional SUV flexibility come with a competitive fuel penalty. The Grand Highlander’s 22 MPG combined places it firmly in the middle of the pack for large three-row SUVs, a respectable showing for a vehicle that truly emphasizes interior volume and reliable capability. For a broader look at all Toyota fuel economy data, our site has extensive resources.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the most effective ways to improve the Grand Highlander’s fuel economy is to maintain smooth, consistent driving habits. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking; instead, anticipate traffic flow and allow the vehicle to coast when possible, which significantly reduces the engine’s workload.

Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. Ensure that tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and force the engine to work harder. Adhere to the recommended service schedule for oil changes and air filter replacements.

Consider lightening the load and removing any unnecessary items from the vehicle, especially heavy gear that lives in the cargo area. The less weight the Grand Highlander has to move, the less fuel it will consume. Similarly, remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use, as they create aerodynamic drag.

Use the Grand Highlander’s Eco driving mode, if equipped, as it adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel economy. While it might slightly temper the vehicle’s responsiveness, it can yield noticeable gains in MPG over time, particularly in mixed driving conditions.

When planning road trips or longer journeys with your Grand Highlander, using cruise control on flat highways helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing fuel-consuming fluctuations. This allows the 2.4L engine to operate most efficiently over extended periods. For more information on GRAND MPG across all years, consult our comprehensive archive.