Toyota Highlander 4WD
19 MPG The 2013 Toyota Highlander 4WD is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2013 run it averages 19.1 MPG, essentially flat across 13 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 | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3300 | 465 | 1 |
| 2012 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2011 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2010 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2009 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2008 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2007 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 2006 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 17.5 | 22.5 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 2004 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 2003 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 21.5 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 2002 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 21.5 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 2001 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 21.5 | $3375 | 481 | 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 97 sport utility vehicle - 4wd models tracked here, the Toyota Highlander 4WD ranks 34 on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD (20), Land Rover LR2 (20), Mercedes-Benz ML350 (20), Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD (20), Honda Element 4WD (20.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 465 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Toyota Highlander 4WD get?
The 2013 Toyota Highlander 4WD is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 22 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 19.1 MPG, ranging from 18 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Toyota Highlander 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2013 model is $3300.
Has the Toyota Highlander 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 19 MPG today against 18.5 in 2001 — essentially flat across 13 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Toyota Highlander 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 34 of 97 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG. That is 0.5 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.