Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer MPG

Chart is based on 340 fuel economy reports for the Toyota Highlander and 128 fuel economy reports for the Ford Explorer.

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.

Ford Explorer 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
2017	4dr SUV turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	none	0	5	75	20	65	18.5
2015	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	45	0	15	40	75	20.9
2013	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	25	0	30	45	70	21.8
2012	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	20	80	110	21.4
2012	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	31	17	52	71	18.4
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	9	73	9	9	60	15.6
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	none	10	0	10	80	55	22.0
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2009	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	0	0	0	100	60	18.5
2009	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	light	hvy	5	20	30	45	60	19.2
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	hvy	0	5	20	75	60	16.5
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	63	37	65	16.6
2008	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	none	6	27	50	17	75	16.7
2007	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	hvy	1	6	13	82	75	17.2
2007	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	24	8	7	61	90	17.7
2006	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	light	2	18	19	61	68	18.3
2006	4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	4	17	41	37	78	15.1
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	20	23	28	29	70	18.1
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	5	30	22	44	65	16.4
2005	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	0	9	9	83	75	17.5
2005	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	5	18	33	43	80	16.4
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	lead	hvy	20	20	10	50	60	18.0
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	45	45	5	5	55	13.3
2004	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	light	17	20	13	50	60	16.7
2004	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	7	35	28	30	75	13.2
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	hills	light	hvy	10	20	18	52	63	16.4
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	hvy	5	0	0	95	65	18.8
2003	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	5	17	32	45	81	14.4
2003	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	light	18	45	13	25	65	17.8
2003	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	16	14	32	38	74	17.6
2002	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	hills	med	light	17	26	17	40	89	16.1
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed manual 4WD w/low range	flat	med	hvy	0	40	30	30	65	17.0
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	light	7	22	37	35	70	18.2
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	18	3	44	36	70	19.2
2001	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	0	75	25	0	0	11.4
2000	4dr SUV 215-horsepower 5.0L V8 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	v.lt	none	0	10	33	58	60	17.8

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This page shows only averages. See all the Ford Explorer fuel economy data.

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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

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr SUV turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	We initially went in looking for a commuter vehicle with High mpg... but the sport they had jumped out at us and we were on the hunt for one... in the wife's daily 45 mile drive to work she's averaging 20 mpg which is comparable to the Audi's 4 cylinder and my truck's 8 cylinder. see full Ford Explorer review
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Best in Class all that needs to be said. see full Ford Explorer review
2011	4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	For such a beast I'm pleased with the gas mileage. I average 19-21 in almost all city/suburban stoplight and rush hour driving. Highway mileage drops fast if you drive over 70. Keep it under 70 and I get about 24. see full Ford Explorer review
2003	4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	For a mid-sized SUV, fuel economy is still as good or better than many 2008 cross-overs, and has all of the luxury features I like. see full Ford Explorer review

Ford Explorer Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	Not really bad, but not that great either. To be expected for a vehicle this heavy see full Ford Explorer review
2006	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	13-15 mpg around town, ouch! see full Ford Explorer review
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	Could be better see full Ford Explorer review
2005	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	wish it was higher. Part of our problem is that wanted and bought a model with the towing package. The lower gearing does impact fuel economy see full Ford Explorer review
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	13 - 14.5 for a V6! Ridiculous. see full Ford Explorer review
2004	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	Gets poor fuel economy, but that is expected from a large SUV see full Ford Explorer review
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	17 miles to the gallon on a six. see full Ford Explorer review
2002	4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	For a low output V6 (210hp) I would expect better gas mileage for this 4,400 suv. I average 14 to 18 mpg per tank depending on mix of city/highway. see full Ford Explorer review