A 2021 Toyota Highlander Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) model gets an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon combined. This breaks down to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy Overview
The fuel efficiency of a Toyota Highlander can vary depending on the model year, drivetrain (Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive), and whether it's a conventional gasoline engine or a hybrid variant. The EPA provides estimates to give consumers a reliable benchmark for vehicle fuel economy.
For a common configuration, such as the 2021 Toyota Highlander with Front-Wheel Drive and a conventional gasoline engine, the EPA estimates are as follows:
| Driving Condition | Miles Per Gallon (MPG) |
|---|---|
| City | 21 |
| Highway | 29 |
| Combined | 24 |
It's important to note that Highlander Hybrid models generally offer significantly higher MPG ratings, often exceeding 35 MPG combined, providing an even more fuel-efficient option for drivers. For detailed information on various Highlander models, you can refer to reputable sources like the official EPA fuel economy website.
Factors Affecting Your Highlander's MPG
While EPA estimates provide a great baseline, actual fuel economy can differ based on several real-world factors. Understanding these can help you maximize your Highlander's efficiency:
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, including rapid acceleration and hard braking, significantly reduces fuel efficiency.
- Maintenance: Poor vehicle maintenance, such as overdue oil changes or dirty air filters, can negatively impact MPG.
- Road Conditions and Terrain: Driving on unpaved roads, uphill, or in stop-and-go city traffic consumes more fuel than steady highway driving.
- Vehicle Load: Carrying excessive weight (passengers or cargo) increases the energy required to move the vehicle.
- Tire Pressure: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to lower MPG.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme hot or cold weather can affect engine performance and require more use of climate control systems, consuming more fuel.
Tips for Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
To get the most miles per gallon out of your Toyota Highlander, consider adopting these practical tips:
- Practice Smooth Driving: Accelerate gently, maintain a consistent speed, and anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Adhere to your Highlander's recommended service schedule. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and checking fluid levels.
- Check Tire Pressure Regularly: Ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, which can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual.
- Reduce Excess Weight: Remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle, especially heavy ones, as extra weight decreases fuel efficiency.
- Use Cruise Control: On highways, cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and prevent unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, optimizing fuel use.
- Limit Idling: If you're going to be stopped for more than a minute, it's often more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine than to let it idle.
By being mindful of your driving habits and keeping your Highlander well-maintained, you can often achieve fuel economy results close to or even exceeding the EPA estimates.
