- Newest year: 2007
- Gas
- Hybrid
- Standard SUVs
2001-2007 Toyota Highlander MPG & Fuel Cost
7 model years · 18–27 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 9 of 10 standard SUV configurations, MY2007. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2001-2007 Toyota Highlander at a glance
The 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander covers 7 model years in the EPA database (32 configurations in all), rated 18–27 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2007, costs about $2,510 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Hybrid 3.3L 6-cyl FWD (26 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). Powertrains over the years: gas and hybrid. EPA changed the ratings in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; 2002 and 2003 repeat the values of the year before. The best combined rating in the generation, 27 MPG, was reached in 2006.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2001-2007 Toyota Highlander by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Gas, Hybrid | 19–26 MPG | $2,510–$3,440 | Ratings changed |
| 2006 | Gas, Hybrid | 19–27 MPG | $2,420–$3,440 | Ratings changed |
| 2005 | Gas | 19–22 MPG | $2,970–$3,440 | Ratings changed |
| 2004 | Gas | 19–22 MPG | $2,970–$3,440 | Ratings changed |
| 2003 | Gas | 18–22 MPG | $2,970–$3,630 | Same EPA ratings as 2002 |
| 2002 | Gas | 18–22 MPG | $2,970–$3,630 | Same EPA ratings as 2001 |
| 2001 | Gas | 18–22 MPG | $2,970–$3,630 | First year |
What the 2007 Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$248
$2,970 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.95
Per 100 miles
$19.80
Five years
$14,850
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the standard SUV median
$1,050less a year
Class median $4,020 a year, MY2007
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2007 Toyota Highlander MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2006: The most efficient configuration moves from 27 to 26 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,420 to $2,510, $90 more.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4WD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Highlander 3.3L 6-cyl FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,440 |
| Highlander 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
Hybrid configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid 3.3L 6-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 28 | 25 | 26 | $2,510 |
| Hybrid 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 27 | 25 | 26 | $2,510 |
2006 Toyota Highlander MPG
19–27 MPG · $2,420–$3,440/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2005: The most efficient configuration moves from 22 to 27 MPG, up 5. Its annual cost goes from $2,970 to $2,420, $550 less.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4WD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Highlander 3.3L 6-cyl FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,440 |
| Highlander 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
Hybrid configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid 3.3L 6-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 28 | 25 | 27 | $2,420 |
| Hybrid 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 27 | 25 | 26 | $2,510 |
2005 Toyota Highlander MPG
19–22 MPG · $2,970–$3,440/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2004: The most efficient configuration stays at 22 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,970.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4WD | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,110 |
| Highlander 3.3L 6-cyl FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,440 |
| Highlander 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
2004 Toyota Highlander MPG
19–22 MPG · $2,970–$3,440/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2003: The most efficient configuration stays at 22 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,970.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4WD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Highlander 3.3L 6-cyl FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,440 |
| Highlander 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
2003 Toyota Highlander MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2002
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2003 Toyota Highlander as for the 2002 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2002 section above.See 2002
2002 Toyota Highlander MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2001
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2002 Toyota Highlander as for the 2001 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2001 section above.See 2001
2001 Toyota Highlander MPG
18–22 MPG · $2,970–$3,630/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
| Highlander 3.0L 6-cyl FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
| Highlander 3.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD: $4,040 in California and $2,590 in Texas, a $1,450 difference.
- California $4,040
- Washington $3,740
- New York $2,970
- Florida $2,810
- Texas $2,590
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2007 standard SUV models.
Generations
- 2001-2007 (XU20)
- 2008-2013 (XU40)
- 2014-2019 (XU50)
- 2020-2026 (XU70)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA rates the 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander at 18–27 MPG combined across 32 configurations and 7 model years. The most efficient version, the 2006 Hybrid 3.3L 6-cyl FWD, is rated 27 MPG (28 city, 25 highway). By powertrain: Gas: 18–22 MPG; Hybrid: 26–27 MPG.
Which years had the best MPG in the 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander?
The Hybrid 3.3L 6-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 27 MPG, in 2006. The lowest top rating, 22 MPG, was in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2002 and 2003 the values repeat the year before.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2007 Toyota Highlander per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,970 a year. Across all 6 configurations the cost runs $2,510–$3,440 a year. That is a $930 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2007 Toyota Highlander 100 miles?
About $19.80 per 100 miles for the Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $16.73 and $22.93 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2007 Toyota Highlander more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD is rated 19 city and 25 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 6 MPG.
How does the 2007 Toyota Highlander compare with other standard SUV configurations?
The Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,970 a year to fuel, $1,050 less than the class median of $4,020, and less than 9 of 10 standard SUV configurations. The comparison covers all 325 rated standard SUV configurations for MY2007, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2007 Toyota Highlander hybrid cheaper to fuel than the gas version?
Yes. The best hybrid (Hybrid 3.3L 6-cyl FWD) is rated 26 MPG against 22 MPG for the best gas version (Highlander 2.4L 4-cyl FWD), 4 MPG more. At regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026) that is $2,510 versus $2,970 a year, a saving of $460.
Is the 2007 Toyota Highlander different from the 2006 model?
The most efficient configuration moves from 27 to 26 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,420 to $2,510, $90 more. EPA lists 6 configurations for 2007 against 6 configurations for 2006. See the 2006 Toyota Highlander for that year.