2022 Toyota Highlander XLE - MPG Question

I recently bought a used 2022 Highlander XLE with 24,000 miles on it.

It’s supposed to get around 20-22 MPG, but I’m only averaging 17.9.

I mostly drive around town and make short trips, with an occasional highway drive maybe once a week.

Any idea why my mileage is lower than expected?

Short trips will kill your MPG.

Hutton said:
Short trips will kill your MPG.

So if I start taking longer drives, I should see closer to 20-22 MPG?

Emory said:

Hutton said:
Short trips will kill your MPG.

So if I start taking longer drives, I should see closer to 20-22 MPG?

Yeah, I’ve hit close to 30 MPG on highway trips.

@Hutton
That’s good to hear!

Same car, same year, same mileage—I’m getting mid-19s. Probably higher when my wife drives, lower when I drive. Love that Sport mode!

Caden said:
Same car, same year, same mileage—I’m getting mid-19s. Probably higher when my wife drives, lower when I drive. Love that Sport mode!

Does Sport mode actually help? I usually leave it in Normal mode. Tried Eco mode today, and my MPG actually dropped to 17.7. :man_facepalming:

@Emory
Sport mode will make it worse, in theory.

Caden said:
@Emory
Sport mode will make it worse, in theory.

Great. :joy:

How’s your driving style? Have you checked the air filter and tire pressure?

17.9 MPG isn’t crazy low, but yeah, the listed city MPG is supposed to be 20-22.

Vale said:
How’s your driving style? Have you checked the air filter and tire pressure?

17.9 MPG isn’t crazy low, but yeah, the listed city MPG is supposed to be 20-22.

I don’t drive aggressively, and I’m not constantly braking. Took it in for a brake issue recently, and they checked everything. Tire pressure is good too.

I just expected closer to 20-22, and I hate how often I’m stopping for gas now.

@Emory
Yeah, the tanks in these newer SUVs are small. Our ‘23 Highlander only shows about 309 miles of range when full.

Vale said:
@Emory
Yeah, the tanks in these newer SUVs are small. Our ‘23 Highlander only shows about 309 miles of range when full.

That’s disappointing. :weary:

I’ve had multiple Highlanders over the years, and your MPG won’t improve much in winter. The older models had a 3.5L engine, but newer ones have a 2.5L to improve fuel efficiency. If you’re really worried about MPG, a hybrid might be a better option.

I drove Highlanders from 2004 to 2024 when I had my business. Gas expenses were a write-off, so I never cared about MPG. Now that I sold my business and got a Lexus NX-450h, I barely go to the gas station. Already put 5,000 km on it and only filled up once. The fuel savings are crazy.

@ChrisBunnet
I just bought a 2019 Highlander Hybrid. I’m getting around 8L/100 km combined city/highway. Thought it would be better. :weary:

Wait… 5,000 km on one tank?? Is your car fully electric?

Wayne said:
@ChrisBunnet
I just bought a 2019 Highlander Hybrid. I’m getting around 8L/100 km combined city/highway. Thought it would be better. :weary:

Wait… 5,000 km on one tank?? Is your car fully electric?

Nah, mine’s a plug-in hybrid. It runs about 60 km on electric alone, which covers my daily commute. Only uses gas when I go beyond that or when temps drop below -10°C. So I’ve mostly been driving in EV mode and barely using gas.

Wayne said:
@ChrisBunnet
I just bought a 2019 Highlander Hybrid. I’m getting around 8L/100 km combined city/highway. Thought it would be better. :weary:

Wait… 5,000 km on one tank?? Is your car fully electric?

Yeah, since I rarely go over 60 km per trip, I almost never use gas. If I do, or if it’s really cold, then it works like a regular hybrid.

Hope that makes sense!

@ChrisBunnet
Makes total sense. My daily commute is 150 km, so a plug-in wouldn’t help much. Thanks for explaining!

Wayne said:
@ChrisBunnet
Makes total sense. My daily commute is 150 km, so a plug-in wouldn’t help much. Thanks for explaining!

Yeah, in your case, a fully electric car like a Tesla might actually save you more money long-term.

It’s January… are you letting the car idle to warm up? That kills MPG.