Toyota Highlander 2WD
21.5 MPG The 2016 Toyota Highlander 2WD is EPA-rated at 21.5 MPG combined (19.5 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 698 gallons, $2233 a year in fuel, or $0.149 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2016 run it averages 20.7 MPG, improving by 1.5 MPG over 16 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 | $0.116 | $1163 | $1744 | $2326 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.140 | $1395 | $2093 | $2791 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.149 | $1488 | $2233 | $2977 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.163 | $1628 | $2442 | $3256 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.186 | $1860 | $2791 | $3721 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.209 | $2093 | $3140 | $4186 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.233 | $2326 | $3488 | $4651 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 25 | $2900 | 412 | 2 |
| 2015 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 25 | $2900 | 412 | 2 |
| 2014 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 25 | $2900 | 409 | 2 |
| 2013 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24.5 | $2975 | 419 | 2 |
| 2012 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24.5 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2011 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24.5 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2010 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25.5 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2009 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25.5 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2008 | 20 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 2007 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3075 | 436 | 2 |
| 2006 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3075 | 436 | 2 |
| 2005 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3075 | 436 | 2 |
| 2004 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3075 | 436 | 2 |
| 2003 | 20 MPG | 18 | 23 | $3150 | 449 | 2 |
| 2002 | 20 MPG | 18 | 23 | $3150 | 449 | 2 |
| 2001 | 20 MPG | 18 | 23 | $3150 | 449 | 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 70 sport utility vehicle - 2wd models tracked here, the Toyota Highlander 2WD ranks 21 on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Tracker 2WD Convertible (22), Honda Element 2WD (22), Toyota 4Runner 2WD (22), Toyota Venza (22), Honda Pilot 2WD (22.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 412 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Toyota Highlander 2WD get?
The 2016 Toyota Highlander 2WD is rated at 21.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 19.5 city and 25 highway. Across all 16 model years in the database it averages 20.7 MPG, ranging from 18 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Toyota Highlander 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 21.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 698 gallons — roughly $2233 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.149 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2016 model is $2900.
Has the Toyota Highlander 2WD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 2001 to 21.5 in 2016 — an improvement of 1.5 MPG, or 8% across 16 model years.
Is the Toyota Highlander 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 21 of 70 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG. That is 0.8 better 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.