Kia Optima vs. Toyota Highlander MPG

Chart is based on 152 fuel economy reports for the Kia Optima and 340 fuel economy reports for the Toyota Highlander.

Kia Optima 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
2019	4dr Sedan turbocharged 245hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	hvy	0	10	50	40	70	26.7
2017	4dr Sedan 154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	30	30	20	20	70	52.6
2016	4dr Sedan turbocharged 178hp 1.6L I4 7-speed automated manual FWD	hills	light	light	6	0	14	80	67	39.0
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	0	24	21	56	69	25.5
2013	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	32	14	54	83	27.1
2013	4dr Sedan 159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	v.lt	none	2	13	15	71	102	32.5
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	light	4	18	39	39	72	25.6
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2012	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	none	0	4	20	76	69	32.3
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	light	0	5	28	68	70	28.0
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	none	4	7	21	67	66	28.7
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	0	5	20	75	75	30.0
2010	4dr Sedan 194-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	0	10	70	20	75	20.0
2010	4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	20	80	63	36.2
2009	4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	5	12	16	67	65	29.1
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	20	60	10	10	60	26.3
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	lead	light	30	15	30	25	75	26.2
2007	4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	none	7	13	3	78	108	29.5
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	none	1	36	48	15	63	23.2
2006.5	4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	6	4	33	58	66	24.6
2006.5	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	18	16	9	56	63	28.9
2006.5	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	10	90	60	30.0
2005	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	lead	light	5	95	0	0	0	12.1
2004	4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	5	95	70	30.0

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Optima 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.

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.

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

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	Many auto makers are substituting turbocharged fours for V6s because of their theoretically superior fuel economy. The Kia Optima SXL earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 34 highway. The similarly turbo-foured Ford Fusion comes close, 22/33. The most fuel efficient V6, in the new Honda Accord, manages 21/34 without paddle shifters, but 21/32 with them. Trip computer numbers suggest a one-to-two mpg advantage for the Kia in real-world suburban driving--perhaps too close to call since these devices aren't terribly precise. Figure just under 20 with a heavy foot, mid-20s if you resist the temptation, and just over 30 with a very light foot and luck with the lights. All of these figures are with the engine warmed up. In cold weather, fuel economy is in the mid-teens for the first mile or two. An eco mode makes little noticeable difference in either how the car drives or its fuel economy. These numbers don't seem particularly good? Recall that the Kia Optima SXL is a very quick car. You won't find a 274-horsepower sedan that does better without the aid of a battery pack. see full Kia Optima review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I find fuel economy, in mixed driving, to be on par with a V6 of comparable power. I usually get about 24 MPG in combined driving. However, on a recent road trip, I had 32 MPG on one tank. It's perhaps slightly better than the Acura TL I had, but one big bonus: the Acura required premium unleaded. On the Kia Optima, however, the manufacturer only calls for regular unleaded. Over time, that can mean a significant savings. see full Kia Optima review
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	This is my biggest (and only real) complaint with the Optima. It advertises fuel economy of 22 city, 34 highway. I drive a lot (100 mile round trip daily, with more than half of it being highway miles). Admittedly, I have a heavy foot, but I regularly get about 24-25 mpg combined, with the car in ECO mode. The best tank of gas I ever got was a little over 28 mpg. (I calculate it manually, don't rely on the on-board MPG estimates, as they are always 3-5 MPG more generous than reality.) see full Kia Optima review
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	High 30s on the highway and 29-30 overall with a lot of power. Active eco. setting for better economy. see full Kia Optima review
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	33 mpg on 200 mile trips at about 65 mph avg. see full Kia Optima review
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	Decent fuel mileage at this point for a mid-size sedan. see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	25-30 city/hwy see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	It may be a bit borderline in 100% city driving (19-20 mpg), but it gets 33mpg+ on the open highway, with only a 1-2 mpg penalty for using A/C. see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	got 42 mgh yesteerday on a 120 minute drive 25%/75% in town/highway driving. Like paying $2.25 per gallon, see full Kia Optima review
2005	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	AS above see full Kia Optima review

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I'd recommend this car in a heartbeat. I honestly like this styling even more than the updates they've made since 2012. My biggest cons are the fuel economy and the lack of a manual transmission on any models other than the base model. see full Kia Optima 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