I'm getting 21-22 "in town" and 25-26 highway, per the computer readout...Calculated at the pump, it runs about .5mpg less, if i don't top off the tank...
At a steady 75mph on level road with a/c on, and no head or tail winds...and only 2 people in car, the trip computer reads about 27-28...and as low as 24 ....varies as A/C cycles on and off...
in town, if i do a lot of short trips, it drops to about 19.5...which is the absolute lowest i have seen yet for a full tank fillup
03 with 32,000 gets about 20 in town, and 23 highway. The 3.3 L and 5 speed in the 2005 model makes a big difference.
MPG has improved to 24.0 on highway (65 to 72 MPH). City is 18.0 to 19.5. Hilly terrain for both city and highway. Was getting 21, then 22, then 23 mpg on highway...
I have two long trips scheduled this next month (700 miles and 1,600 miles). I may switch to Mobil 1 synthetic between the two trips to see if there's a difference. First trip will be to SW MO by myself. Second trip will be to NW SC with 4 adults. My comparison won't be on a level playing field, but I'll post the results.
I just bought it so it's under 5K miles. I get an average of 23 MPG with mixed city/freeway driving. While on the freeway I drive around 65-75 Mph.
I'm a little dissapointed at the MPG that I'm getting but obviously I need to drive slower in the highway. I wanted an average of 25 MPG at least, oh well.
'04 V6 4X4 13K mi. Just filled today, based on the trip odometer reading...17.1 MPG. All suburban, short (5 or less miles) cold-start trips at max. speed of 45, typical of 30-35 MPH, throttle "hammered" periodically, AC on all the time and 1 or 2 adult occupants.
"City sounds right on but I'd think you should be getting almost mid 20's on the highway."
Not in the 4x4. Best I've ever done with our 2004 is 23. Usually it's 21-22. Going to try premium on our next trip. Premium improved the highway mileage by 2 mpg on my 3.3 liter Camry. No savings but I felt better
Less than 1K, Conservative in town driver, highway speeds 75-80 mph.
I'm getting between 21-22 mpg mixed driving. I thought I'd get better with the 4 cyl, but perhaps my driving is the root of the less than advertised mileage? Will mileage improve as the car gets "broke in"?
Didn't necessarily want the 6 cyl, but wanted side curtain air bags and Toyota is stingy with regional options.
Bought in January 2005, and during a trip that summer averegard 16.9 mpg - not happy. But this summer we went to Virginia (from NY) and enjoyed good highway traffic so went mostly without ac - and the mpg was almost 24! I knew there was a break in period, but it took a little longer than I thought. I haven't done city mpg in awhile (was too depressing last year) but I'll give it another shot.
800 mile trip by myself - hills and traffic speeds at 70-75MPH - got 24mpg
1,700 mile trip - 4 adults and packed heavy - mountains and 55 to 65 MPH traffic - got 21.3 mpg - last leg of trip was open highway 65-72 MPH and got 23.2 mpg
1,300 mile trip some mountain mostly flat-average speed 70-75 mph-air conditioner continually set at 74 degrees-back heavily loaded-3 adult passengers-using 87 octane-was getting 26.1 mpg Average mixed driving-21-22 mpg with one adult no load-87 octane. City as low as 16 mpg one adult no load-87 octane.
Just a quick comparison number for you regular Highlander owners. I have an 06 Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i (V6 + electric). Over my first 2300 miles (6 tanks) I'm averaging 29.6 mpg (calculated)in mixed city and highway driving (65% city, 35% highway).
Just got back from a 768 mile trip using premium in my 4WD 3.3 liter V6 for the first time. About 400 miles was pure freeway and I set the cruise at 71 mpg (per my GPS, speedo said about 69.5) The other driving was mostly 2 lane country roads at 50-65 mpg in rolling terrain (northern Michigan).
Overall average was 23.95 mpg which is the best I've ever done in this vehicle. I took an identical trip (except it was 850 miles) 2 years ago using only regular and averaged 20.95.
I've had a similar experience with my 3.3 liter Camry (i.e., improved mileage with premium). No big savings ($7 on this trip) but the psychological benefit was worth far more.
Recently purchased an '03 Limited and noticed the 3.0L-V6 engine speed runs between 2800-3000 rpm at highway speed (65-70), with OD engaged. Knowing the AWD would have less economy than the 2WD version, we have intentionally kept the speed close to the posted limits. I wonder why this V6 runs at the higher rpm? :confuse: Our former Dodge van w/3.3L engine ran about 2500 rpm at the same speeds.
Is there any legal way to change the final drive gearing to reduce the rpm for highway driving, without "adversely" affecting normal town driving, or engine monitoring computer controls? or drivetrain warranty?
I just got a 2006 AWD V6 Highlander and was stunned when our first full tank just averaged 13 mpg!! The car has just 250 miles on the clock, so I'm hoping that the mileage will improve as the engine breaks in. Did others have a similiar experience?
I've never been happy with my 02's V6/AWD mileage, but it wasn't *that* bad. I just this second walked in teh door from going after my new 06. Had to drive 210 miles home, it took 9.6 gal's so not great, but not that bad.
It could be that you didn't start off with a completely full tank. Dealers can fill the tank to the F but not to the first click. Since the car is new, break in is expected. Do the standard checks: 1) Tire pressure 2) Oil Level 3) Obvious wheel alignment deviation
Just got back from 2000 mile round trip to NY. MPG range from 26 to 28.5!!! Best yet! My HL has 35k miles and just did oil change. I use Mobil 1; 3w-30. Mick
I have the same problem, averaged 13 MPG on my first FULL tank (one I filled myself). Haven't been able to verify again but roughly seem to be getting 16 MPG combined city highway since then. I have only 450 miles on it so far. Am very dissapointed and plan to take it back to have the dealer look at it once I can do one more verification of MPG.
I have now over 700 miles on the clock, and filled the tank 3 times. Unbelievably, the average mileage is still 13mpg. So, I took it to Toyota Service to check it out. They spend the whole day on it and found.... nothing. Everything normal. They dismissed me with a "come back if it's still the same after a 5000 mile break-in period". Excuse me? I can't tell you how disappointed I am. I love the car and the ride, but the gas mileage is worse than my previous 2003 Explorer with the 4.6L V8 engine. That made over 14 mpg and I traded it in for something supposedly more fuel efficient!!!!!!!!!!
My minivan got 17, 19, 15, 11 and 11 over the first 5 tanks the first 1,000 miles. It finally settled in at 21 overall (19ish town, 24ish highway) but it took over 10,000 miles to really hit its stride. I would give it a little while longer.
Meanwhile, maybe this article will give you some ideas to try:
Have been here a few years and people on these boards for the V6 in city and mixed have been getting 15 to 19 mpg -- many of these owners have the older 3.0L V6, so the current 3.3L V6 will get slightly lower, but I agree 13 mpg for mixed city and highway driving does sound too low for a HL and I'd be quite upset too (I wasn't even thrilled with 19 mpg, but it is an SUV). I do recall though that on my first couple of tanks my mileage was 2 to 3 mpg lower than what it settled upon subsequently. After a few fillups, unless if you're driving in the mountains or something, ideal thing would be to rent a HL and see if it gets the same mileage or not.
I don't know what part of the country you are in, but about the time you get to 3,000 miles and are ready to see that 13mph bump up, the cold weather will set in - reformulated "winter" gas is already being sold in many places and that often dings the mpg. :sick:
What's odd is we get plenty of reports around the various discussions where people get good mpg from the first tank. Go figure.
We'll keep our fingers crossed for your next report!
Does any body have an AVERAGE MPG on Speedometer multi-information display on Highlander Hybrid 2WD? My new Highlander Hybrid does not have AVERAGE MPG.
Please let me know so I can go back to the dealer to have them fix it.
I don't have the hybrid but some posters in the hybrid discussion have been complaining about the lack of an avg mpg readout, though I can't remember which specific models this was in reference to. My only guess is this is because perhaps the readout would waver too much as the ICE kicks in and out.
how loaded was your HL ( people, stuff in the trunk), and what average speed you drove esp. on h-ways? Looking to buy a 2004 used 2WD , not sure if 4 cyl can carry too much in the detriment of gas mileage... Thanks! Dan
I am getting as low as 15 in town with occasional highway driving. Average for typical suburban driving with hills is around 16 or 17 mpg. This is disappointing but does not seem to out of line with some of the numbers reported here. It seems toyota rating of 18 in town is not very realistic. We have 2006 4wd with 11k on the odometer...
I have a 2005 Highlander V6 AWD with 22,563 miles on it and have tracked my gas mileage since the vehicle was new.
Typically I get between 22-23 mpg during normal summer driving on the stock Toyo tires. During winter I get aroung 19 mpg using Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires.
When towing a loaded dual axle car trailer weighing 3300 lbs. I get between 18-19 mpg (using the Toyo tires).
I have a 2007 4Cyl, 4x4, and the sticker says 20MPG-city, 25MPG-highway....i drive about 50 miles to work round trip, 80% highway, and I'm only getting about 16 miles per gallon. When I get to about 300 miles, it's almost time to fill up again. I'm definitly not happy! On the highway, go about 65-70 miles per hour, but coming home there's too much traffic to even think about going above 60. I have 2000 miles on the car..had I known it was going to be this bad, I would have either gotten the FJ Cruiser, or the Mazda CX7 which uses premium fuel.
Ihave a 2004 4 cyl 4x2 Highlander rated at 22/27 and I have never gotten below 18-19 mpg even with all city driving during the winter in Boston area. Highway will easily match rating at 65-70 mph. I do however, try to coast as much as possible in city traffic, not easy to do with the annoying drag in 3rd gear that doesn't release till about 20 mph.
I do 95% in town driving and average 15 mpg. Very disappointing. I got better gas mileage in my 2000 Grand Caravan. That being said, I truly love this vehicle so I won't complain too much!
It has been my experience over the years that vehicles never get their advertised "mpg". But I understand that the Government is cracking down on those claims now. With the mileage claims not being based upon normal driving conditions in the past.
The advertised mileage for a 3.3l Auto AWD Kluger (Highlander)here in Australia is 12.3 l/100km equivalent to 19.1 mpg (US)
My own expereicned suggests this is about right, Australian standards being pretty tightly controlled and subject to governemenet control. My own experience is generally a bit better, the current tank full running at 10.5 l/100km equivalent to 22.4 mpg (US) in mixed city and high speed country driving, much of it into a savage head wind.
In lighter conditions and if driven very carefully, you can achieve down to about 9.5 l/100km (24.8 mpg (US)) but this is more likely over gentle freeway driving under light traffic conditions.
Stop start city traffic shows about 13.5l /100km
However, if the vehicle is driven hard with harsh acceleration and braking, economy can slip out surprisingly quickly. To look at this try monitoring the instant fuel consumption usage on the dashboard display.
Traffic conditions in Melbourne are pretty much the same as most major US cities although not as bad as New York or London (all of which I have driven in). Sydney conditions are worse.
My 2002 Highlander is a 4 Cyl, front wheel drive with automatic transmission. Has about 35,000 miles now. This vehicle was rated as 27/22 when I purchased it.
I have always gotten 22-23 mpg no matter whether I drive in town or on the highway, running the AC or not. Interstate here in Nebraska is basically flat and speed limit is 75mph. On state highways where speed limit is 65 mph I still get 22-23 mpg.
This is the first vehicle I have ever owned that didn't do 'better' than what it was rated at. Also the first that didn't have improved mpg on the highway.
I'm very disappointed in the mpg. During it's bumper to bumper warranty I raised the issue with the dealer and was told that 'gas isn't what it used to be'. Funny comment since the 10 year old car I was replacing had never experienced an mpg drop off. Another explanation the dealer had was that 'they come up with those mpg estimates in really flat places'. Ha! Doesn't get much flatter than Nebraska.
That sounds highly ususual, getting the same mileage in town or on the highway. I have never heard of or seen a vehicle that did that.
Also I have yet to see a vehicle get the mileage the manufacturers claim. However, I do understand that the government is tightening up on those posted mileage claims. And I do expect to see those mileage claims dropping as they get closer to the real world.
Comments
I'm getting 21-22 "in town" and 25-26 highway, per the computer readout...Calculated at the pump, it runs about .5mpg less, if i don't top off the tank...
At a steady 75mph on level road with a/c on, and no head or tail winds...and only 2 people in car, the trip computer reads about 27-28...and as low as 24 ....varies as A/C cycles on and off...
in town, if i do a lot of short trips, it drops to about 19.5...which is the absolute lowest i have seen yet for a full tank fillup
03 with 32,000 gets about 20 in town, and 23 highway. The 3.3 L and 5 speed in the 2005 model makes a big difference.
oh! and I use regular (87?) unleaded exclusively
I have two long trips scheduled this next month (700 miles and 1,600 miles). I may switch to Mobil 1 synthetic between the two trips to see if there's a difference. First trip will be to SW MO by myself. Second trip will be to NW SC with 4 adults. My comparison won't be on a level playing field, but I'll post the results.
Steve, Host
16 mpg city
23 mpg highway
21 mpg combined
I am getting about 10.8 l/100km in mixed city and country driving using 98 Octane Premium Unleaded.
Cheers
Graham
I just bought it so it's under 5K miles. I get an average of 23 MPG with mixed city/freeway driving. While on the freeway I drive around 65-75 Mph.
I'm a little dissapointed at the MPG that I'm getting but obviously I need to drive slower in the highway. I wanted an average of 25 MPG at least, oh well.
get 19.9 MPG on Interstate.
Around town with a mix of highway/city, we got 23.7 on our first full week.
That's 1-2 people using 87 octane.
Thanks
Not in the 4x4. Best I've ever done with our 2004 is 23. Usually it's 21-22. Going to try premium on our next trip. Premium improved the highway mileage by 2 mpg on my 3.3 liter Camry. No savings but I felt better
I'm getting between 21-22 mpg mixed driving. I thought I'd get better with the 4 cyl, but perhaps my driving is the root of the less than advertised mileage? Will mileage improve as the car gets "broke in"?
Bought in January 2005, and during a trip that summer averegard 16.9 mpg - not happy. But this summer we went to Virginia (from NY) and enjoyed good highway traffic so went mostly without ac - and the mpg was almost 24! I knew there was a break in period, but it took a little longer than I thought. I haven't done city mpg in awhile (was too depressing last year) but I'll give it another shot.
1,700 mile trip - 4 adults and packed heavy - mountains and 55 to 65 MPH traffic - got 21.3 mpg - last leg of trip was open highway 65-72 MPH and got 23.2 mpg
70-75 mph-air conditioner continually set at 74 degrees-back heavily loaded-3 adult passengers-using 87 octane-was getting 26.1 mpg
Average mixed driving-21-22 mpg with one adult no load-87 octane. City as low as 16 mpg one adult no load-87 octane.
Overall average was 23.95 mpg which is the best I've ever done in this vehicle. I took an identical trip (except it was 850 miles) 2 years ago using only regular and averaged 20.95.
I've had a similar experience with my 3.3 liter Camry (i.e., improved mileage with premium). No big savings ($7 on this trip) but the psychological benefit was worth far more.
Last highway trip; right at 26 mpg.
Why doesn't Toyota build a 4 cyl hybrid!!!!!!!
Our former Dodge van w/3.3L engine ran about 2500 rpm at the same speeds.
Is there any legal way to change the final drive gearing to reduce the rpm for highway driving, without "adversely" affecting normal town driving, or engine monitoring computer controls? or drivetrain warranty?
May we assume you do not let tank go even close to empty?
Since the car is new, break in is expected. Do the standard checks:
1) Tire pressure
2) Oil Level
3) Obvious wheel alignment deviation
May we assume you do not let tank go even close to empty?"
I normally refill somewhere around the 1/4 mark or when I've traveled about 400 miles. It takes about 13 gallons to fill at that point.
Mick
I can't tell you how disappointed I am. I love the car and the ride, but the gas mileage is worse than my previous 2003 Explorer with the 4.6L V8 engine. That made over 14 mpg and I traded it in for something supposedly more fuel efficient!!!!!!!!!!
Anyone got an idea what to look for next?
Meanwhile, maybe this article will give you some ideas to try:
What Really Saves Gas? And How Much?
Your past experience gives me some hope that it'll eventually get better.
What's odd is we get plenty of reports around the various discussions where people get good mpg from the first tank. Go figure.
We'll keep our fingers crossed for your next report!
Please let me know so I can go back to the dealer to have them fix it.
Thanks,
John
I don't have the hybrid but some posters in the hybrid discussion have been complaining about the lack of an avg mpg readout, though I can't remember which specific models this was in reference to. My only guess is this is because perhaps the readout would waver too much as the ICE kicks in and out.
Looking to buy a 2004 used 2WD , not sure if 4 cyl can carry too much in the detriment of gas mileage...
Thanks!
Dan
Typically I get between 22-23 mpg during normal summer driving on the stock Toyo tires. During winter I get aroung 19 mpg using Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires.
When towing a loaded dual axle car trailer weighing 3300 lbs. I get between 18-19 mpg (using the Toyo tires).
John
The advertised mileage for a 3.3l Auto AWD Kluger (Highlander)here in Australia is 12.3 l/100km equivalent to 19.1 mpg (US)
My own expereicned suggests this is about right, Australian standards being pretty tightly controlled and subject to governemenet control. My own experience is generally a bit better, the current tank full running at 10.5 l/100km equivalent to 22.4 mpg (US) in mixed city and high speed country driving, much of it into a savage head wind.
In lighter conditions and if driven very carefully, you can achieve down to about 9.5 l/100km (24.8 mpg (US)) but this is more likely over gentle freeway driving under light traffic conditions.
Stop start city traffic shows about 13.5l /100km
However, if the vehicle is driven hard with harsh acceleration and braking, economy can slip out surprisingly quickly. To look at this try monitoring the instant fuel consumption usage on the dashboard display.
Cheers
Graham
However, over here we have to keep moving to keep from getting hit from the rear. Which of course effect gasoline mileage...........(smile)
Traffic conditions in Melbourne are pretty much the same as most major US cities although not as bad as New York or London (all of which I have driven in). Sydney conditions are worse.
Regards
Graham
My 2002 Highlander is a 4 Cyl, front wheel drive with automatic transmission. Has about 35,000 miles now. This vehicle was rated as 27/22 when I purchased it.
I have always gotten 22-23 mpg no matter whether I drive in town or on the highway, running the AC or not. Interstate here in Nebraska is basically flat and speed limit is 75mph. On state highways where speed limit is 65 mph I still get 22-23 mpg.
This is the first vehicle I have ever owned that didn't do 'better' than what it was rated at. Also the first that didn't have improved mpg on the highway.
I'm very disappointed in the mpg. During it's bumper to bumper warranty I raised the issue with the dealer and was told that 'gas isn't what it used to be'. Funny comment since the 10 year old car I was replacing had never experienced an mpg drop off. Another explanation the dealer had was that 'they come up with those mpg estimates in really flat places'. Ha! Doesn't get much flatter than Nebraska.
Thanks,
Kathie
Also I have yet to see a vehicle get the mileage the manufacturers claim. However, I do understand that the government is tightening up on those posted mileage claims. And I do expect to see those mileage claims dropping as they get closer to the real world.