Toyota Highlander
24.5 MPG The 2025 Toyota Highlander is EPA-rated at 24.5 MPG combined (21.5 city / 28.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 612 gallons, $1959 a year in fuel, or $0.131 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2017–2025 run it averages 23.5 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.102 | $1020 | $1531 | $2041 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.122 | $1224 | $1837 | $2449 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.131 | $1306 | $1959 | $2612 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.163 | $1633 | $2449 | $3265 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.184 | $1837 | $2755 | $3673 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.204 | $2041 | $3061 | $4082 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24.5 MPG | 21.5 | 28.5 | $2550 | 365 | 2 |
| 2024 | 24.5 MPG | 21.5 | 28.5 | $2550 | 365 | 2 |
| 2023 | 24.5 MPG | 21.5 | 28.5 | $2550 | 365 | 2 |
| 2022 | 23.5 MPG | 20.5 | 28.5 | $2650 | 381 | 2 |
| 2021 | 23.5 MPG | 20.5 | 28.5 | $2650 | 381 | 2 |
| 2020 | 23.5 MPG | 20.5 | 28.5 | $2650 | 379 | 2 |
| 2019 | 22.5 MPG | 20 | 25.5 | $2775 | 399 | 2 |
| 2018 | 22.5 MPG | 20 | 25.5 | $2775 | 399 | 2 |
| 2017 | 22.5 MPG | 20 | 25.5 | $2775 | 399 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Toyota Highlander ranks 54 on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Jeep Cherokee FWD (24.7), Alfa Romeo Stelvio (25), BMW X3 sDrive30i (25), Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD (25), Jeep Compass FWD (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 365 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Toyota Highlander get?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is rated at 24.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 21.5 city and 28.5 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 23.5 MPG, ranging from 22 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Toyota Highlander cost in fuel per year?
At 24.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 612 gallons — roughly $1959 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.131 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2025 model is $2550.
Has the Toyota Highlander become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22.5 MPG in 2017 to 24.5 in 2025 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 9% across 9 model years.
Is the Toyota Highlander efficient for its class?
It ranks 54 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG. That is 10.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.