Lincoln MKZ vs. Toyota Highlander MPG

Chart is based on 28 fuel economy reports for the Lincoln MKZ and 340 fuel economy reports for the Toyota Highlander.

Lincoln MKZ MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2015	4dr Sedan 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	100	0	0		33.6
2012	4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	hills	med	light	60	10	10	20	70	39.3
2011	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	0	100	70	28.0
2011	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	21	0	63	16	55	17.2
2010	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	20	21	26	33	80	23.2
2010	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	2	21	8	69	74	26.6
2008	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD	flat	light	light	6	13	26	55	64	24.8
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2008	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	hvy	3	17	11	69	63	23.3
2007	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD	flat	light	light	9	29	16	46	68	22.0
2007	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	13	62	13	13	60	14.0

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This page shows only averages. See all the Lincoln MKZ fuel economy data.

Toyota Highlander MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2018	4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	0	0	51	49	73	24.5
2017	4dr SUV 257-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	flat	med	hvy	10	20	5	65	75	26.5
2016	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	light	1	1	56	42	75	23.5
2015	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	30	20	50	70	23.5
2014	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	mtns	med	hvy	0	10	10	80	75	23.7
2013	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	0	30	0	70	100	19.4
2012	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	16	10	34	41	57	21.0
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2012	4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	hills	light	light	0	20	45	35	70	32.5
2012	4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	15	10	0	75	65	23.0
2011	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	1	1	80	18	67	21.5
2011	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	1	7	28	65	60	20.5
2011	4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	flat	med	light	23	28	25	25	85	28.8
2010	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	0	0	100	0	0	17.0
2010	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	5	10	85	65	21.9
2009	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	1	2	2	95	80	24.9
2009	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	15	19	27	40	68	22.5
2009	4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	flat	light	none	7	28	27	39	62	24.0
2009	4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	hvy	0	5	45	50	75	24.0
2008	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	0	0	15	85	73	25.0
2008	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	1	15	47	37	90	21.2
2008	4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	flat	light	none	10	27	14	49	97	26.3
2007	4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT FWD	flat	lead	light	13	15	63	8	80	24.2
2007	4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	flat	light	light	20	50	0	30	65	22.6
2007	4dr SUV 155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	0	100	70	30.1
2006	4dr SUV 215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD	flat	med	none	6	14	22	58	73	20.3
2006	4dr SUV 215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	none	15	12	16	57	92	19.9
2006	4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT FWD	flat	light	hvy	19	26	23	32	66	25.8
2006	4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	flat	light	light	9	28	35	27	69	25.4
2005.5	4dr SUV 215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	none	5	20	60	15	100	15.9
2005	4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD	flat	light	light	22	24	25	28	60	18.0
2005	4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	hills	light	light	2	16	34	47	70	20.5
2004	4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD	hills	light	none	9	59	14	18	61	16.8
2004	4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	none	5	13	5	76	99	21.4
2004	4dr SUV 160-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD	flat	light	light	0	10	55	35	60	20.0
2003	4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD	hills	med	hvy	10	20	60	10	75	21.4
2003	4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	none	8	18	5	68	63	19.6
2003	4dr SUV 155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	18	30	25	28	85	22.3
2003	4dr SUV 155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	none	3	50	18	30	70	18.9
2002	4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD	hills	light	none	0	55	14	31	63	21.0
2002	4dr SUV 155-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD	flat	light	light	7	2	3	88	60	26.9
2001	4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	15	85	70	22.4

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This page shows only averages. See all the Toyota Highlander fuel economy data.

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See TrueDelta's information for all Lincoln models and Toyota models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln MKZ Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2014	I wavered on whether or not to include fuel economy among the reasons to buy a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. With the possible exception of its grille, no aspect of the car has been more controversial. As with other current Ford hybrids, owners found they could not match the original EPA estimates, in this case 45 mpg for both city and highway. Ford recently caved to pressure, revising the MKZ Hybrid's EPA ratings downward to 38 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and compensating owners for the difference. Which numbers are more accurate, the old or the new? Even with a cold start in near-freezing weather Gayla (who works the pedals like the typical American) managed over 34.6 mpg in the suburbs (based on the trip computer). With a trip computer reset after the engine was warm and much more effort put towards maximizing efficiency, I observed 51.6 with a two-way suburban trip. Taking the highway downtown and back, I observed 47.4 mpg. So the original EPA ratings are doable, just not when driving the car the typical American way, with a heavy foot and the AC blasting. Braking is at least as important as acceleration. Wait too long to start slowing down for a red light, as most Americans do, and the car's kinetic energy will be used to heat the brake rotors rather than being channeled back into the battery pack. When the battery is fully charged, the car can and will cruise for a few miles on electricity alone. The Lexus ES 300h's EPA ratings are a couple mpg higher than the Lincoln's. My experience with the related Camry Hybrid suggests that the Lexus will also have a real-world advantage, but one small enough to consider them "about the same." The only other midsize luxury sedans offering similar fuel economy are diesels from Germany, such as the Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC. Though these are much quicker than the hybrids, they are also far more expensive. How much more? If you have to ask... see full Lincoln MKZ review

Lincoln MKZ Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Comment
	The MKZ with the 2.0T engine is EPA-rated 22/33 mpg with FWD, 22/31 with AWD. This barely tops the V6-powered ES, and in the real world likely trails the Lexus. A front-wheel-drive Fusion 2.0T, with EPA ratings of 22/34, averaged 19.5 mpg in suburban driving during the week we drove it. With AWD in the heavier Lincoln, real-world fuel economy could get ugly. Step up to the V6, and the EPA figures fall to 19/28 with FWD and 18/26 with AWD (though mpg might not suffer at all outside the lab). Then again, the MKZ is available with a hybrid powertrain rated by the EPA at 45 mpg for both city and highway driving--at no additional cost over the base engine. Even though this powertrain can't seem to approach these impressive numbers in the real world, it's far more efficient than the other two engines. It's the clear choice for buyers who place a high priority on fuel economy. see full Lincoln MKZ review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln MKZ Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	I wanted a hybrid. I didn't want a Prius. I wanted a more conventional dashboard see full Lincoln MKZ review
2012	4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	I have been averaging 37.8 combined mpg in warmer months, and averaging 35.2 combined mpg in colder months. I do have to drive with a light foot to achieve these numbers. see full Lincoln MKZ review
2008	4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD	Good economy for performance trade off. see full Lincoln MKZ review

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2021	Given the lack of a plug and its small battery pack, the Highlander Hybrid cannot be driven on electricity alone for a significant distance. If you want a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) three-row vehicle, your choices are limited to the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90 Recharge, though Kia will soon offer a plug-in Sorento. The Pacifica isn't offered with AWD, while the Lincoln and Volvo are much more expensive than the Toyota. Okay with a regular hybrid? Then your options also include the Ford Explorer Hybrid and the Kia Sorento Hybrid. Unlike the upcoming PHEV, the latter is not offered with AWD. Thanks to its four-cylinder engine, the latest Highlander Hybrid is significantly more fuel-efficient than previous V6-powered generations and than all of the above except the Kia. Specifically, the 2021 HiHy with FWD managed 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway in the EPA's tests. AWD costs a single mpg in the city and none on the highway unless you get the Limited (tested) or the Platinum, which are rated 35/34. The 2019 (offered only with AWD) managed just 30/28 or (in the upper trim levels) 29/27. The larger and heavier Explorer can't even match those numbers: 27/29 with RWD and 23/26 with AWD (the latter not much better than the conventional Explorer's 20/27). The Sorento Hybrid bests the HiHy in the city with 39/35, but can fit only six people (vs. the Toyota's seven or eight) and is FWD-only. So, if you need to carry seven or either people or want AWD, the HiHy is your most fuel-efficient option. Well, almost. The Toyota Sienna minivan, now offered only as a hybrid, rates 36/36 with FWD and 35/36 with AWD, so it's slightly more fuel-efficient than the HiHy. But many people refuse to buy the minivan despite its significantly roomier interior. In my winter driving the Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD's trip computer reported averages around 36 mpg in the suburbs and 30 mpg on the highway. see full Toyota Highlander review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2018	4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Fuel economy is OK-ish. And that's the only good thing I can say about this car. see full Toyota Highlander review
2012	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Average 22 mpg is exceptional for an SUV of this size. see full Toyota Highlander review
2011	4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	29mpg highway, >30mpg city in hybrid trim so far see full Toyota Highlander review
2010	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	lowest in class see full Toyota Highlander review
2009	4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	For a daily driver it was nice to be able to get a vehicle with all the space with above 20 MPG fuel rating. see full Toyota Highlander review
2009	4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I am averaging 27 mpg on my 2.7L engine on my mostly highway commute. During summertime it is close to 30 and during winter it goes to about 25, with snow tires. Best MPG for a 7 passenger non-hybrid out there. see full Toyota Highlander review
2008	4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	Tremendous, how 2.8 tons of weight use as much as 7L/100km - outstanding! see full Toyota Highlander review
2008	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Best in class see full Toyota Highlander review
2006	4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	Very good for sucha large and capable vehicle. see full Toyota Highlander review
2003	4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD	For a SUV 20 MPG is pretty good, I can drive a car i like without suffering to much at the pump see full Toyota Highlander review

Toyota Highlander Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	A complete pig. Yes, we were doing mostly urban assault driving but 14.8 MPG (according to the trip computer I reset when we drove away - did not calculate actual mileage since it was a rental and do not know how full the tank was when we received it) is pretty deplorable. see full Toyota Highlander review
2011	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	So far city driving is at 14 mph - hoped for better see full Toyota Highlander review
2006	4dr SUV 215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	Consumes btwn 19 and 24 MPg (cdn) city/hwy see full Toyota Highlander review
2005	4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	Same as the pilot, but with premuim fuel recommended see full Toyota Highlander review