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Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Highlander MPG

Chart is based on 452 fuel economy reports for the Hyundai Sonata and 340 fuel economy reports for the Toyota Highlander.

Hyundai Sonata MPG

Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2021 33.2 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2018 32.9 MPG Highway Percentage 81 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2017 29.2 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2016 48.5 MPG Highway Percentage 86 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2015 39.8 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2014 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2014 39.7 MPG Highway Percentage 93 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2014 38.5 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2013 34.2 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2012 20.2 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2012 27.0 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2012 32.7 MPG Highway Percentage 29 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2011 27.0 MPG Highway Percentage 60 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2011 28.8 MPG Highway Percentage 43 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2011 31.6 MPG Highway Percentage 62 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2011 30.4 MPG Highway Percentage 60 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2011 34.1 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2010 29.1 MPG Highway Percentage 66 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2009 26.2 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2009 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 63 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2009 23.5 MPG Highway Percentage 41 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2008 26.9 MPG Highway Percentage 73 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2008 31.8 MPG Highway Percentage 57 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2008 31.2 MPG Highway Percentage 72 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2007 23.7 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2007 29.3 MPG Highway Percentage 46 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2007 27.0 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2006 21.1 MPG Highway Percentage 31 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2006 31.5 MPG Highway Percentage 62 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2006 27.5 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2005 23.6 MPG Highway Percentage 72 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2005 24.0 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2004 21.2 MPG Highway Percentage 37 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2004 18.4 MPG Highway Percentage 28 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2003 23.0 MPG Highway Percentage 36 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2003 19.7 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2002 27.9 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent
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
2021 4dr Sedan 191-horsepower 2.5L I4
8-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light hvy 0 10 70 20 75 33.2  
2018 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med hvy 8 4 9 81 78 32.9  
2017 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 0 0 70 30 75 29.2  
2016 4dr Sedan 154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light hvy 2 7 6 86 66 48.5  
2015 4dr Sedan turbocharged 178hp 1.6L I4
7-speed automated manual FWD
flat v.lt light 0 0 20 80 60 39.8  
2014 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 5 15 10 70 70 27.1  
2014 4dr Sedan 190-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat v.lt light 2 2 3 93 70 39.7  
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2014 4dr Sedan 159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 1 2 22 75 66 38.5  
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 0 0 10 90 75 34.2  
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 10 39 21 30 69 20.2  
2012 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 25 20 25 30 73 27.0  
2012 4dr Sedan 166-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 7 48 16 29 98 32.7  
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 9 14 18 60 74 27.0  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 9 13 35 43 70 28.8  
2011 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 4 18 16 62 70 31.6  
2011 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD
flat med light 1 28 12 60 68 30.4  
2011 4dr Sedan 166-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
hills light light 5 6 35 54 61 34.1  
2010 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 5 5 24 66 76 29.1  
2009 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med none 8 25 18 50 62 26.2  
2009 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 3 7 28 63 68 30.0  
2009 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat light light 13 31 14 41 65 23.5  
2008 4dr Sedan 234-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
hills med light 0 25 2 73 75 26.9  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat med light 6 12 26 57 68 31.8  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 7 7 15 72 68 31.2  
2007 4dr Sedan 234-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 12 13 25 50 72 23.7  
2007 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat med light 9 18 27 46 71 29.3  
2007 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 14 12 19 54 75 27.0  
2006 4dr Sedan 235-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 6 37 26 31 70 21.1  
2006 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD
hills light light 10 13 14 62 63 31.5  
2006 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 10 17 22 51 75 27.5  
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med hvy 2 3 25 72 68 23.6  
2005 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med none 10 45 5 40 60 24.0  
2004 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 2 18 43 37 70 21.2  
2004 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med hvy 8 20 45 28 68 18.4  
2003 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 9 17 39 36 76 23.0  
2003 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 15 48 23 15 70 19.7  
2002 4dr Sedan 149-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 5 15 30 50 120 27.9  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Hyundai Sonata fuel economy data.

Toyota Highlander MPG

Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2018 24.5 MPG Highway Percentage 49 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2017 26.5 MPG Highway Percentage 65 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2016 23.5 MPG Highway Percentage 42 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2015 23.5 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2014 23.7 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2013 19.4 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2012 21.0 MPG Highway Percentage 41 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2012 32.5 MPG Highway Percentage 35 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2012 23.0 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2011 21.5 MPG Highway Percentage 18 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2011 20.5 MPG Highway Percentage 65 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2011 28.8 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2010 17.0 MPG Highway Percentage 0 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2010 21.9 MPG Highway Percentage 85 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2009 24.9 MPG Highway Percentage 95 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2009 22.5 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2009 24.0 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2009 24.0 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2008 25.0 MPG Highway Percentage 85 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2008 21.2 MPG Highway Percentage 37 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2008 26.3 MPG Highway Percentage 49 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2007 24.2 MPG Highway Percentage 8 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2007 22.6 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2007 30.1 MPG Highway Percentage 100 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2006 20.3 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2006 19.9 MPG Highway Percentage 57 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2006 25.8 MPG Highway Percentage 32 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2006 25.4 MPG Highway Percentage 27 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2005.5 15.9 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2005 18.0 MPG Highway Percentage 28 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2005 20.5 MPG Highway Percentage 47 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2004 16.8 MPG Highway Percentage 18 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2004 21.4 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2004 20.0 MPG Highway Percentage 35 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2003 21.4 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2003 19.6 MPG Highway Percentage 68 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2003 22.3 MPG Highway Percentage 28 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2003 18.9 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2002 21.0 MPG Highway Percentage 31 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2002 26.9 MPG Highway Percentage 88 percent Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2001 22.4 MPG Highway Percentage 85 percent
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.

Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Highlander MPG

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Highlander's where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of their real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans
See TrueDelta's information for all Hyundai models and Toyota models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearComment
In fuel economy as well the 2013 Hyundai Sonata has lost an earlier lead. EPA ratings of 24 mpg city, 35 highway, impressive two years ago, can't match the 2014 Mazda6's 26/38 or the 2013 Altima's 27/38 today. The trip computer reported about 25 in my regular suburban driving, a bit over 30 if I engaged in some mild hypermiling, and about 34 on the highway. When mildly hypermiling the Altima for a few miles its trip computer average approached 40. While trip computers aren't always accurate, others have also reported impressive fuel economy from the Altima. The Mazda has a smaller edge, but an edge nonetheless. see full Hyundai Sonata review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
With just over 1400 miles so far, it is averaging 28.3mpg combined with the eco option turned off. It has the eco drive option which works well in sustained at speed driving but lags in demanding driving situations. see full Hyundai Sonata review
2013 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The fuel economy is pretty good for a car of this size. I have averaged 36.5mpg (imperial gallon) over the last 37000km. 85% highway, 110km/h and little sitting in traffic. It gets very cold here sometimes so the mileage suffers. In Dec/Jan when it reaches -30 C (or colder), I get about 33mpg and in the summer about 40mpg. My best was 44mpg in the summer and worst was 31mpg in mid-winter when the car was new and not broken in. I keep track of the mileage with an app on my cell phone so the numbers above are exact. see full Hyundai Sonata review
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
better than Honda or Santa Fe see full Hyundai Sonata review
2011 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
35 mpg for a full size car see full Hyundai Sonata review
2011 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
With less than 1,000 miles I observed 37mpg on the highway. see full Hyundai Sonata review
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Performance of a V6 with the economy of a 4 cyl. see full Hyundai Sonata review
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Average 24 mpg in town and typically get 38 mpg on trips. All in a large family sedan. Uses regular gas. see full Hyundai Sonata review
2009 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The I4 gets about 33 mpg for me in mixed driving. It still has plenty of power at 175 HP and is a quiet smooth engine. This is the first 4 cylinder I have ever owned and so far it has performed well. see full Hyundai Sonata review
2009 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
decent for all around use see full Hyundai Sonata review
2009 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
24-25 mpg city 30+ highway see full Hyundai Sonata review
Hyundai Sonata Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I do a lot of rural driving and the MPG struggles to reach 22mpg. I really expected the mpg to be higher. see full Hyundai Sonata review
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Dreadful fuel economy. For long highway drives, the Sonata Turbo can indeed match the 34 mpg EPA rating, but for city driving with A/C, you'll be lucky to get any more than 17 mpg. Even with A/C off, the urban mileage never hits the 20 mpg level. Only 2,700 miles on the engine so far, so this may get better, but the EPA city estimate seems to be pegged too high by Hyundai. see full Hyundai Sonata review
2006 4dr Sedan 235-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
not as good as some competition see full Hyundai Sonata review
2006 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I expect more MPG out of a modern I4 engine, as compared to my 10-year Accord. see full Hyundai Sonata review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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