Three powertrains, four drive and trim combinations and one EPA label per combination make the Grand Highlander's fuel economy hard to compare. This guide lines up every EPA row we found, adds range per tank and a gallons-per-year figure you can multiply by your own fuel price, and flags what the EPA numbers do not tell you.
Where these numbers come from. On October 20, 2026 we pulled the EPA's fueleconomy.gov vehicle data for the Toyota Grand Highlander, model years 2024, 2025 and 2026. Range per tank is EPA combined mpg multiplied by the fuel tank capacity in Toyota's 2025 owner's manuals (17.8 gal for the gas truck, 17.2 gal for the hybrids). It is a calculation, not a measured range. We did not use owner-reported mpg because we could not verify a consistent source.
EPA Ratings by Powertrain, 2024–2026
| POWERTRAIN | DRIVE | TRIM | CITY | HIGHWAY | COMBINED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L turbo, 8-speed | FWD | LE/XLE, Limited | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| 2.4L turbo, 8-speed | AWD | LE/XLE | 21 | 27 | 23 |
| 2.4L turbo, 8-speed | AWD | Limited/Platinum | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| 2.5L Hybrid | FWD | Hybrid | 37 | 34 | 36 |
| 2.5L Hybrid | FWD | Hybrid Limited | 36 | 32 | 34 |
| 2.5L Hybrid | AWD | Hybrid AWD | 36 | 32 | 34 |
| 2.4L turbo Hybrid MAX, 6-speed | AWD | Hybrid MAX | 26 | 27 | 27 |
The Hybrid MAX row is the EPA's entry for the Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD with the 2.4L turbo engine and a 6-speed automatic. Toyota's owner's manual confirms the T24A-FTS turbo engine is offered in the hybrid.
Range Per Tank and Yearly Fuel
| POWERTRAIN | EPA COMBINED | RANGE PER TANK | GALLONS PER 15,000 MI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas FWD | 24 mpg | about 427 mi | 625 |
| Gas AWD LE/XLE | 23 mpg | about 409 mi | 652 |
| Gas AWD Limited/Platinum | 22 mpg | about 392 mi | 682 |
| Hybrid MAX AWD | 27 mpg | about 464 mi | 556 |
| 2.5L Hybrid AWD | 34 mpg | about 585 mi | 441 |
| 2.5L Hybrid FWD | 36 mpg | about 619 mi | 417 |
Multiply the last column by your price per gallon. At $3.50 a gallon, the 2.5L Hybrid AWD saves about $738 a year over the gas AWD LE/XLE (211 gallons x $3.50). The Hybrid MAX saves about $336 (96 gallons x $3.50) over the same gas truck, so its case rests on power and towing, not fuel savings. The gas truck uses regular unleaded (87 AKI minimum).
What the EPA Numbers Miss
- Towing and load cut mpg. The EPA tests an empty truck. See the towing guide for the ratings.
- Cold weather and short trips hit hybrids hardest. Real-world hybrid mpg varies more than gas mpg because short trips and cold starts keep the engine running more.
- Trim and wheels matter inside a powertrain. The Limited/Platinum gas AWD is rated 1 mpg below the LE/XLE AWD, and the Limited hybrid FWD is rated 2 mpg below the base hybrid FWD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grand Highlander's gas mileage?
24 mpg combined for the gas front-wheel-drive truck, 23 for AWD LE/XLE and 22 for AWD Limited/Platinum.
What mpg does the Grand Highlander Hybrid get?
The 2.5L Hybrid is rated 34 to 36 mpg combined. The 2.4L turbo Hybrid MAX is rated 27 mpg combined.
Does the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX save fuel?
Slightly. It is rated 27 mpg combined against 23 for the gas AWD LE/XLE, about 96 fewer gallons over 15,000 miles.
Did the Grand Highlander's mpg change from 2024 to 2026?
No. The EPA ratings are the same for all three model years.
Related Guides
- Toyota Grand Highlander Maintenance Schedule by Mileage
- Toyota Grand Highlander Towing Capacity by Engine
- Toyota Grand Highlander Oil, Tire Size and Fluid Specs
- Toyota Grand Highlander TSB List and Known Issues
- Toyota Grand Highlander Recalls: Every Recall 2024–2026
- Toyota Grand Highlander Problems: NHTSA Complaints
- Toyota RAV4 Known Issues: NHTSA Complaints by Year
- Toyota Towing Capacity Chart: Every Truck and SUV
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy and EPA, fueleconomy.gov vehicle data (Toyota Grand Highlander, 2024–2026), queried October 20, 2026. Fuel tank capacities from Toyota's 2025 Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid owner's manuals. Range and yearly fuel figures are our arithmetic.
Keep reading
Toyota Grand Highlander Maintenance Schedule by Mileage
Toyota's schedule for the Grand Highlander is a service visit every 5,000 miles or 6 months, with the engine oil and filter changed every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Cabin and engine air filters are replaced at 30,000 miles, spark plugs at 40,000 miles on the 2.4L turbo (then 80,000 and 120,000), and engine coolant first at 100,000 miles or 120 months, then every 50,000 miles or 60 months. All-wheel-drive gas trucks also replace the rear differential and transfer case oil every 30,000 miles. Hybrids add an HV battery cooling intake filter check at each visit and a cleaning every 20,000 miles. Dirt and dust shorten the oil interval to 5,000 miles or 6 months.
Toyota Grand Highlander Oil, Tire Size and Fluid Specs
The gas Grand Highlander takes 5.6 qt of 0W-20 oil, the 2.5L Hybrid takes 4.5 qt of 0W-8, and the Hybrid MAX takes 5.6 qt of 0W-20. Tires are 255/65R18 111H or 255/55R20 107V, at 35 psi cold front and rear, with a T165/90D18 compact spare at 60 psi. Wheel nut torque is 103 ft-lbf. The fuel tank holds 17.8 gal on the gas truck and 17.2 gal on the hybrids, and all versions take regular unleaded (87 AKI). Figures are from Toyota's 2025 owner's manuals.
Toyota Grand Highlander Problems: NHTSA Complaints
NHTSA holds 314 complaints on the Toyota Grand Highlander: 235 for the 2024 model year and 79 for 2025. The 2026 truck has none on file yet. The most-mentioned components are power train (67), engine (51) and fuel/propulsion system (47), after a large "other" bucket (80). About 35 complaint texts mention stalling, shutting off or losing power, and about 36 mention hesitation, jerking or lurching. Only 2 of the 314 mention the turbo, so the complaint data does not show a turbo failure pattern. Complaints are voluntary and unverified.
Toyota Grand Highlander Recalls: Every Recall 2024–2026
NHTSA lists 7 recalls on the Toyota Grand Highlander for model years 2024 to 2026. The two most serious are both on the 2026 model: 26V437 (rear axle carriers that may break, July 2026) and 26V598 (front steering knuckles that may crack, September 2026). The 2024 model has the curtain air bag recall (24V461). A rearview camera software recall (25V744) and an instrument panel recall (25V595) cover 2024 and 2025 trucks. Two load label recalls (24V548, 26V179) are label swaps. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.