CRTCar Real Test
Sources: EPA fuel economy file 2026-11-04 | NHTSA safety records 2026-11-14
Home › Toyota › Highlander › 2024

2024 Toyota Highlander: mileage, fuel cost, safety and recalls

The 2024 Toyota Highlander gets 24 to 36 miles per gallon combined, depending on the version. The best is the 2024 Highlander Hybrid at 36 mpg; the best regular gas version is the 2024 Highlander #1 (4-cyl 2.4 L) at 25 mpg.

The EPA figures for 2024 are the same as for 2023; the safety records below are for 2024.

How the Highlander ranks in its class

In the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class for 2024, the Highlander ranks 5th (tied with 1 other) of 40 for combined mileage (36 mpg), 5th (tied with 1 other) of 40 for yearly fuel cost ($1,750 for its cheapest version, cheapest first) and 5th of 40 for tailpipe CO2 (245 grams per mile for its lowest version, lowest first). The middle model of the class gets 27.5 mpg, costs $2,300 a year and puts out 327 grams per mile.

Across all 262 2024 models in the file that burn fuel, the middle best-version figure is 25 mpg and the highest is 57 mpg (Toyota Prius). Of the 261 other models, 23 get more miles per gallon than the 2024 Highlander's best version, 5 other models get the same and 233 get less. The 2024 Highlander's cheapest version costs $1,750 a year to fuel by the agency's figure; of the 255 other models with a cost figure, 20 cost less, 4 the same and 231 more.

Nearest models in the class (places 3 to 9 of 40)

Open the best-mileage list of this class for 2024. Cost and CO2 in the table are each model's lowest figure over its versions; plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell versions have no fuel cost and are left out of the cost column.

PlaceModelBest versionmpgFuel a year, cheapest versionCO2 g/mi, lowest version
32024 Ford Escape2024 Escape FWD HEV39$1,600225
42024 Kia Sorento2024 Sorento Hybrid FWD37$1,700242
52024 Hyundai Santa Fe2024 Santa Fe Hybrid FWD36$1,750249
52024 Toyota HighlanderThis car2024 Highlander Hybrid36$1,750245
72024 Nissan Rogue2024 Rogue FWD33$1,900269
82024 Toyota Corolla Cross2024 Corolla Cross32$1,950276
92024 Chevrolet Trailblazer2024 Trailblazer FWD31$2,000290

Your fuel cost

Pick a 2024 version, then set your miles and fuel price. Fuel price as of 2026-11-14, U.S. Department of Energy / EPA. The price box starts at the dated price of the fuel the picked version burns (regular, midgrade or premium gasoline, diesel, E85 or electricity) and sets the price of that fuel. Miles are limited to 1,000 to 60,000 a year and the price to $0.01 to $20.00; a value outside that is worked out at the nearest limit.

$2,400 a year

2024 Highlander #1, 4-cyl 2.4 L: 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined. The agency's own estimate for the 2024 Highlander version is $2,500 a year (15,000 miles, the agency's fuel prices).

25miles per gallon, combined
$0.16fuel cost per mile
600gallons a year
$12,000fuel cost over 5 years

Compare with a rival

The 3 nearest rivals in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class for 2024, picked by closest combined mileage; only versions with a fuel-cost figure are listed. Same miles as on the left. The price box on the left is the price of the fuel of the version you picked: a rival that burns the same fuel uses that price, a rival that burns another fuel keeps the dated price of its own fuel. The 5-year line is 5 times the yearly gap.

2024 Toyota Highlander #1
25
mpg combined
$2,400
fuel a year
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD
36
mpg combined
$1,667
fuel a year

The Santa Fe costs $733 less to fuel each year.

Over 5 years the Santa Fe costs $3,665 less to fuel than the Highlander (5 times the yearly difference, at these miles and these prices).

The Highlander against its nearest rivals

Dollar gaps use each car's best-mileage version.

Rival in 2024Best versionCombinedFuel a year, agency (15,000 miles)Against the Highlander (mileage)Agency yearly fuel cost against the HighlanderSide by side
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe2024 Santa Fe Hybrid FWD36 mpg$1,750same figuresameCompare
2024 Kia Sorento2024 Sorento Hybrid FWD37 mpg$1,7001 higher$50 less a yearCompare
2024 Ford Escape2024 Escape FWD HEV39 mpg$1,6003 higher$150 less a yearCompare

Every version of the 2024 Toyota Highlander

EPA test figures for 2024; the last column is the yearly fuel cost against the cheapest version.

VersionEngineGearboxDriveCityHighwayCombinedFuel a yearCO2 g/miFuel vs cheapest
2024 Highlander HybridHybrid4-cyl 2.5 LAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-wheel363536$1,750245cheapest
2024 Highlander Hybrid AWDHybrid4-cyl 2.5 LAutomatic (AV-S6)All-wheel353535$1,800254+$50
2024 Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLATHybrid4-cyl 2.5 LAutomatic (AV-S6)All-wheel353435$1,800253+$50
2024 Highlander #14-cyl 2.4 LAutomatic (S8)Front-wheel222925$2,500359+$750
2024 Highlander #24-cyl 2.4 LAutomatic (S8)Front-wheel212824$2,600370+$850
2024 Highlander AWD4-cyl 2.4 LAutomatic (S8)All-wheel212824$2,600371+$850

The cheapest-to-run hybrid, the 2024 Highlander Hybrid (36 mpg, $1,750 a year), costs $750 a year less in fuel than the cheapest-to-run gas version, the 2024 Highlander #1 (25 mpg, $2,500 a year).

Does a cheaper-to-fuel 2024 version pay back?

Enter the price difference you were quoted for the 2024 Highlander; this page has no prices. Miles come from the calculator. The fuel price box there sets the price of the fuel of the version picked there; a version here that burns another fuel keeps the dated price of its own fuel. Versions with no fuel-cost figure are not listed.

Type the price difference you were quoted to see the payback.

Emissions

Tailpipe CO2: the 2024 Highlander Hybrid puts out 245 grams per mile; across the 6 tested versions the figure runs from 245 to 371.

EPA scores (1 to 10, 10 best) for the 2024 Highlander Hybrid: fuel economy score 7 (5 to 7 across versions), greenhouse gas score 7 (5 to 7 across versions).

Mileage by model year

Best combined figure of the Highlander gas version and hybrid each model year since 2016, set against the 2024 model.

Model yearBest gas versionBest hybridVersions testedAgainst 2024
201622 mpg
28 mpg58 mpg lower than 2024
201723 mpg
29 mpg87 mpg lower than 2024
201823 mpg
29 mpg87 mpg lower than 2024
201923 mpg
29 mpg87 mpg lower than 2024
202024 mpg
36 mpg6same as 2024
202124 mpg
36 mpg6same as 2024
202224 mpg
36 mpg6same as 2024
202325 mpg
36 mpg6same as 2024
2024This page25 mpg
36 mpg6this page
202525 mpg
35 mpg51 mpg lower than 2024
202624 mpg
35 mpg31 mpg lower than 2024

Compared with the 2023 model: 6 versions were tested then and 6 now; the best figure went from 36 to 36 mpg (no change).

The 2025 model has 5 tested versions.

Version in 202420242023Change
2024 Highlander Hybrid, 4-cyl 2.5 L36 mpg36 mpgno change
2024 Highlander Hybrid AWD, 4-cyl 2.5 L35 mpg35 mpgno change
2024 Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT, 4-cyl 2.5 L35 mpg35 mpgno change
2024 Highlander #1, 4-cyl 2.4 L25 mpg25 mpgno change
2024 Highlander #2, 4-cyl 2.4 L24 mpg25 mpg-1 mpg
2024 Highlander AWD, 4-cyl 2.4 L24 mpg24 mpgno change

1 2023 version has no match in 2024.

Safety record

Crash-test ratings, 2024

Crash-test stars from the U.S. safety agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings, checked 2026-11-14. 5 is the best.

VehicleOverallFrontSideRollover
2024 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD5 of 54 of 55 of 54 of 5
2024 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV AWD5 of 54 of 55 of 54 of 5

The agency lists 4 variants; the first 2 are shown.

The agency's record for the first rated vehicle also lists 43 complaints, 7 recalls, 0 investigations.

Includes agency records filed under: HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID.

Owner complaints, 2024

43 complaints for the 2024 Toyota Highlander are on file (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints are reports that owners sent to the safety agency. They are not proven defects, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Part named in the reportsReports
Unknown Or Other13
Service Brakes8
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Electrical System6
Engine5

4 of the 43 reports say the car was in a crash, 0 mention a fire and 4 mention an injury. One report can name more than one part.

Includes agency records filed under: HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID.

Safety recalls

7 recalls are on file for the 2024 Toyota Highlander at the U.S. safety agency (checked 2026-11-14). A dealer does recall repairs free of charge.

Includes agency records filed under: HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID.

Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly:Recliner

Reported 5 Mar 2026, campaign 26V128000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.

Fix: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall.

Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Anchorage

Reported 17 Dec 2025, campaign 25V872000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles.

Fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Back Over Prevention:Display Function

Reported 30 Oct 2025, campaign 25V744000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.

Fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Reported 11 Sep 2025, campaign 25V595000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry ...

Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge.

Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported 23 Jul 2024, campaign 24V548000

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander ...

Fix: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074.

Tires

Reported 18 Jun 2024, campaign 24V452000

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed.

Fix: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024.

Tires

Reported 6 Jun 2024, campaign 24V419000

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating.

Fix: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024.

More Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD for 2024

Other 2024 models of the same agency class, each with its best combined figure. The Highlander itself is at 36 mpg.

Other Toyota models of 2024

More Toyota models that have a 2024 page here, with the class of each and its best combined figure.

Common questions

Which 2024 Toyota Highlander gets the best mileage?

The 2024 Highlander Hybrid with 36 mpg combined (36 city, 35 highway). Among the regular gas versions it is the 2024 Highlander #1 at 25 mpg.

How much does a 2024 Toyota Highlander cost to fuel for a year?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander costs between $1,750 and $2,600 to fuel by the agency's estimate, which assumes 15,000 miles a year. The cheapest is the 2024 Highlander Hybrid at $1,750; the dearest is the 2024 Highlander #2 at $2,600. Use the calculator above for your own miles and fuel price.

What mileage does the all-wheel-drive Highlander get?

2024 Highlander Hybrid AWD: 35 mpg combined (35 city, 35 highway); 2024 Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT: 35 mpg combined (35 city, 34 highway); 2024 Highlander AWD: 24 mpg combined (21 city, 28 highway).

Is the hybrid Highlander more efficient than the gas version?

In the agency's tests the best hybrid, the 2024 Highlander Hybrid, gets 36 mpg combined and the best non-hybrid, the 2024 Highlander #1, gets 25 mpg: 11 mpg more for the hybrid.

How does the 2024 Toyota Highlander rank among 2024 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD models?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is 5th of 40 for combined mileage. The top of the class is the 2024 Kia Niro at 53 mpg, and the middle figure for the class is 27.5 mpg. In the list, the next one ahead is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe at 36 mpg and the next one behind is the 2024 Nissan Rogue at 33 mpg.

Did the Highlander change from 2023 to 2024?

The 2023 model had 6 tested versions and the 2024 model has 6. The best figure went from 36 to 36 mpg (no change).

How did the 2024 Toyota Highlander do in crash tests?

In the agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14; 5 is the best), the stars are 2024 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD: overall 5 of 5, front 4, side 5, rollover 4; 2024 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV AWD: overall 5 of 5, front 4, side 5, rollover 4. The agency lists 4 variants; the first 2 are shown.

Do owners complain about the 2024 Toyota Highlander?

43 complaints for the 2024 Toyota Highlander are on file at the safety agency (checked 2026-11-14); the part named most often is Unknown Or Other (13 reports). Complaints are reports owners sent in, not proven defects.

Does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

The agency's database lists 7 recalls for the 2024 Toyota Highlander (checked 2026-11-14). They are listed above with the repair the maker offers.

How fresh these numbers are

For the 2024 Toyota Highlander: EPA file 2026-11-04; fuel price 2026-11-14; crash tests 2026-11-14; complaints 2026-11-14; recalls 2026-11-14. Not covered: purchase price, towing, reliability, repair and insurance costs.

Mileage and fuel cost for the 2024 Toyota Highlander: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fueleconomy.gov vehicle file (file dated 2026-11-04). Recalls for the 2024 Toyota Highlander: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (checked 2026-11-14). Crash-test ratings for the 2024 Toyota Highlander: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints for the 2024 Toyota Highlander: NHTSA (checked 2026-11-14). Fuel prices: U.S. Department of Energy / EPA (2026-11-14). Your own mileage depends on how and where you drive. Where our numbers come from.