Is the Highlander Fuel-Efficient?
3 Answers
The Highlander is not particularly fuel-inefficient, with an average fuel consumption of around 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is considered normal for a midsize SUV. Below is an introduction to the 2021 2.0T 4WD Premium Edition Toyota Highlander: Powertrain: Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder 8AR-FTS engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Body Dimensions: Length, width, and height are 4890mm, 1925mm, and 1715mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. Chassis: The drivetrain is front-engine, four-wheel drive, with a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear E-type multi-link independent suspension.
As an ordinary car owner who commutes frequently in the city, I've been driving the Highlander for a while now. I feel its fuel consumption isn't particularly economical, but it's not too bad either. On average, it consumes about 11-13 liters per 100 kilometers in urban driving, and can spike to over 15 liters during peak traffic congestion. On highways, it drops to 8-10 liters, which is still acceptable. There are many influencing factors: the vehicle itself is heavy with significant wind resistance; fuel consumption noticeably increases when using air conditioning or carrying a full load of family members in the back seats; driving habits are also crucial, as rapid acceleration and frequent braking both consume more fuel. Compared to compact SUVs in the same class like the RAV4, the Highlander is a bit more fuel-thirsty, but it offers more space and better comfort, making it suitable for family trips. Daily driving tips include using eco mode, regular engine maintenance, and keeping tire pressure at normal levels—these small tricks can slightly improve efficiency and save some fuel money in the long run. Overall, it's not a fuel-saving champion, but its practicality compensates for this drawback.
As a long-distance travel enthusiast, I frequently drive my Highlander on highways. Its fuel consumption is acceptable but not outstanding. When cruising at 120km/h on highways, the fuel consumption is approximately 7-9 liters per 100 kilometers. With steady driving, it doesn't guzzle fuel too aggressively, which I find quite reliable. However, in urban short-distance trips or congested areas, the fuel consumption soars to over 12 liters, which is less than ideal. The main reasons are the SUV's design with higher aerodynamic drag and its heavy weight, leading to more fuel consumption during acceleration from a standstill. Compared to compact sedans, it's definitely more fuel-thirsty, but it offers spacious interiors and good safety performance, making long trips less tiring. I'm accustomed to using the cruise control function for smooth acceleration, which helps save some fuel. Overall, the Highlander is suitable for scenarios with more highway driving, but it's not the most fuel-efficient choice in general.
