Gonna snag a Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum and wondering about gas mileage

[cabmandone]

I've settled in on a 2017-2018 Highlander Limited Platinum AWD with a 3.5 V-6 I've done some research on fuelly and it seems to indicate this setup should get around 25mpg on the highway and around 18-19 in town with a blended average of around 22mpg. I was wondering if anyone here is an owner and could give some real world input? I'm going with the Predawn Grey Mica color because I like the combo with the wheels that come with the Platinum edition. Once I get one bought I'll post a pic.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by cabmando

I was wondering if anyone here is an owner and could give some real world input?

I had a two wheel drive Highlander for three years. Easy 22mph around town probably more...but, 2wd.

I had zero issues: it ran perfectly, plenty of room and pep...the only reason I sold it was I did not get the AWD version, which was stupid on my part, a complete cerebral flame-out.

The third time I had to worry about getting over the pass to get my son from VMI I sold it. I combined selling my old F150 and the Highlander for the 2015 Tundra I own. The Toyota dealer was delighted. It had 60K or so on it when I let it go. I was commuting to DC a lot! I got crushed

There is nothing not to like about the Highlander as long as you know what it is...you are not going to Moab.

[Cajundaddy]

I think the Highlander is the same chassis, drivetrain and weight as the Lexus RX350. We average 22 with the Lex and 25 on the highway. A very solid car with enough juice to get out of it's own way.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

I had a two wheel drive Highlander for three years. Easy 22mph around town probably more...but, 2wd.

I had zero issues: it ran perfectly, plenty of room and pep...the only reason I sold it was I did not get the AWD version, which was stupid on my part, a complete cerebral flame-out.

The third time I had to worry about getting over the pass to get my son from VMI I sold it. I combined selling my old F150 and the Highlander for the 2015 Tundra I own. The Toyota dealer was delighted. It had 60K or so on it when I let it go. I was commuting to DC a lot! I got crushed

There is nothing not to like about the Highlander as long as you know what it is...you are not going to Moab.

This thing is gonna be my wife's car and the one we take on vacations. I've seen plenty of them on the 4x4 beach in the OBX so I think it's capable for the worst we'd put it through or at least the worst my wife and I together would put it through.

[Esel Mann]

If the highlander is a rockin don't come a knockin.

gas mileage numbers published from toyota are reasonable (based upon my sperience with my 2016 4runner whic is a stretched highlander).

awd penalty is a coupla mpg less than the 1wd, BUT, if you keep tire pressures maintained and learn how to drive with cruise control, both city n highway, plus accelerate from stop while staying in eco mode, you can squeeze a coupla more mpg out no sweat.

[JJ 911SC]

In the great scheme of thing, at the end of the day... MPG should not be a factor.

If everything else is good and you like it, just get it.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

In the great scheme of thing, at the end of the day... MPG should not be a factor.

If everything else is good and you like it, just get it.

The only reason MPG comes into play is due to the fact I can buy the Hybrid model for about the same as I'm buying the standard Limited Platinum. My wife's big commute is all of a 20 mile round trip so It's not gonna see a lot of highway miles. I just can't stand buying something that can pass everything on the road but a gas station.

[Reg]

We have a 2015 with 275000 km from new. It’s the XLE AWD model and been good car decent mileage. The Limited was nicer Plus better seats than what we have and had a few other options but we wanted 8 pass for hauling kids where the top end has captain seats for 4.

[wildthing]

That 3.5 V6 sounds a lot like the engine in my Sienna. And I'm too lazy to look it up. I'm getting 19MPG on the FWD Sienna, which I assume, although is FWD, is heavier than a Highlander. But we do more city than freeway so, literally, YMMV.

[Reg]

...ours regular gas v6 is about 22mpg

[sammyg2]

My 2018 2wd highlander gets an easy 23 in the city and 25 on the open highway on regular and I drive relatively aggressive-like.
I wouldn't think AWD would change that too much.

[cabmandone]

Thanks for all the replies! Seems to confirm what I'm finding through research. Now I just have to get a dealer to sell me one!
I'm not joking, I've called four different dealers in 3 different states. One salesman in Michigan never called me back about the information I was seeking. One in Ohio had the vehicle advertised as CPO, I agreed to their price, they said "oops, It's not CPO. That'll cost another $1000" so I said "I'm out". I agreed to the price yesterday with a dealer in VA but they sent me some painfully vague sales agreement to which I asked "would you please list that the vehicle is certified pre owned on the sale agreement?" I never heard back from them. Another in Ohio has one that is about $1700 more than the other three and won't budge on their price at all.

We're talking a 33K to 35K purchase, plus tax and dealer fees, here with no financing and no trade involved and these places act like they don't even care. I'm thinking things are a lot better out there than you're reading in the news.

[Crowbob]

The big car dealerships around here are operating at full-tilt. Just yesterday one of the owners of a mega-dealership said they’re pretty much back to pre-shutdown volume. Their main problem is they can’t fill the job vacancies the have in every department.

[Sooner or later]

Some sectors are doing great. You wouldn't want to be in the entertainment, travel, energy, or restaurant sectors.

[slow&rusty]

I never in a million years thought I would see the Words "Toyota Highlander" and "Limited Platinum" in the same sentence, it would certainly look cool next to my Hyundai Accent Rhinestone Edition.

[Sooner or later]

Lol

That Rhinestone Edition is rare are will only appreciate in value over time.

[Reg]

When we bought ours it was ‘here is the price’. Not discounted no employee pricing BS or 30% off list. Just a good car.

[cabmandone]

It just amazes me that there's all this talk of economic hardship and salesmen aren't calling people back or budging on numbers at all. I know the one I'm getting is a good deal but I can't believe a local wouldn't budge on their numbers when I showed them that theirs was high.

[sammyg2]

BTW the highlander has just about 300 hp, is very well made, and is one of the most reliable vehicles on the road.
Although mine got a nail one of tires this year .....

The only knock I have on it is the steering.
The steering wheel is small and the steering is too light and has little feel or feedback.
That's the worst thing I can say about the vehicle. I consider it a very smart purchase.

[Esel Mann]

Originally Posted by cabmando

It just amazes me that there's all this talk of economic hardship and salesmen aren't calling people back or budging on numbers at all. I know the one I'm getting is a good deal but I can't believe a local wouldn't budge on their numbers when I showed them that theirs was high.

Patience.... its quite possible you've stumbled upon a popular vehicle at this moment so demand exceeds supply. I had the same issues when i was on the prowl for a 4runner 4 years ago same time of year actually. Dealers rode my azz to sell what they had but wasn't what i wanted. Then late October walla, what i wanted was on the lot and demand had lulled because buyers had to cover their kollidge football bets.

When its supposed to happen it happens. No earlier no later.

Dont worry about the steering wheel. Sammy doesn't know yet he was sold a rebadged geo traker.