2008 Highlander MPG

nirion · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:01 PM

Can anyone help me by providing their real world mpg on their 2008 Highlander. We are looking at the 2wd drive version base or sport model.

We currently have an 06 Rav4 2wd 4 cylinder and get about 25 in town and 29 on the freeway. I am hoping I can get at least 25 freeway from the Highlander, even though epa is 24.

Any other 08 Highlander thoughts would be appreciated as well.

Thanks,
Nick

sanf · #2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 08:40 PM

08 HLS 4WD

I drive 60% city and 40% highway. I get under 290 miles per tank on normal driving. City goes from 16.5 to 17.9. Highway i get 23 (if i am driving for like 30 min @ constant 65mph)

i also installed a K&N drop-in filter and that helps.

VorlonBlue · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 11:14 PM

My 2008 LTD 4x4 gets 18.2 mpg driving in downtown Chicago. I accelerate pretty hard most of the time as well. On the highway I get about 22.5 but I drive 80 mph most of the time. I know this thing wasn't the most fuel conscience vehicle but for it's size it's pretty good.

The weight difference between the RAV and the Highlander is significant. The 08 Rav is about 4500lbs and the 08 Highlander is 6000lbs.

hihy08 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 06:42 AM

I own a hybrid version (limited) and get an average 27-28mph with about 40% highway and 60% city driving. I drive it hard on highway, but city is generally where I keep a low profile to get the most out of it.

Btw, I believe all 2008 models are 4WD or, as in the case of hybrids, 4WDi

bepperb · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 09:15 AM

If you're comparing EPA, you're going from 30 to 24. If you're doing worse than EPA in your Rav, I doubt you'll do better than EPA in a HL.

That being said, everyone who has replied has 4wd, which adds parasitic drag, but more importantly adds a couple hundred pounds.

Up to you if it's worth it. Maybe a Venza with the new 2.7???

Mr Wayne · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 09:25 AM

I got 26.1 hwy the other day on cruise @ 65 MPH on a moderately hilly highway with my 08 Sport 4wd. Made my day

nirion · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 10:30 AM

Thanks for the input. The EPA freeway on RAV4 is 27 and city is 21. EPA freeway on 2wd Highlander is 24 and city is 18. We actually do a little better than EPA with the Rav4. per Toyota's site, our RAV4 curb weight is 3300lbs and the Highlander is 4045lbs for a sport 2wd.

I was just curious if the EPA mpg is reasonable to expect.

Thanks,
Nick

lucky777 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 01:58 PM

Current EPA numbers very close to reality. I get around 22MPG in mixed driving on 4WD base model. If you don't live in snow belt area then get 2WD model, it will give you extra 1-2MPG.

nirion · #9 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 04:58 PM

I am in central OH. We get some snow, but not the lake effect or mountain snow. There have only been a few times I wanted our Rav4 to be 4wd drive and in those instances I just get out my 4wd pickup.

Thanks

mr08highlander · #10 (**permalink**) 07-12-2008, 12:11 AM

08 4x4, 11k miles on it - 22.7 mpg for last 1800 miles of mixed highway and urban. This is w/o AC on - cool summer here so far. I've seen 26 on 2 lane 60mph trips - I use a scangage II so I do drive for economy. Winter is less as will be AC weather so 18-20 city, 22-25 highway is about optimum.

tiger · #11 (**permalink**) 07-12-2008, 06:55 AM

Hybrid here & we get at least 27mpg in city & 30 or more highway!

greg hazlett · #12 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 05:51 AM

Not sure who said all 08's are 4x4....I have an 08 2wd and see about 23-24 on the highway with a drop in K&N.

MKII/Mx83 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 04:02 PM

Just filled up for the first time since I bought the HL. All in town moderate driving. I got 18.4 mpg. Mine is a 4cyl 2wd.
I'm wondering if I need to reset the cpu so it can learn my driving habits, or just wait to see if it will adjust.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
R Bodiot

DeWat · #14 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008, 11:00 AM

Bought my 4x4 Sport October 4th. I generally get 19-21 city and 24-28 highway. Of course getting the higher number requires more conservative driving. If you know anything about the DC area, 19-21 city is good for any SUV! It also just so happens that I'm now fifty cents short of two thousand dollars on fuel alone. While I do wish my MPGs were higher (who doesn't), I must admit that I'm still happy!!!

DeWat

crcr · #15 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 11:00 AM

We have a 2004 Highlander, V6, 2WD. We get 19-20 mpg City (in the hot desert, running the AC on high continuously), and 23-24 Highway (at 75-84 mph). We're pretty satisfied with that mileage for the size and capability of the vehicle, which includes a 3000 lb. towing capacity, very handy from time to time to tow our open utility trailer.