How Far a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Can Travel on a Tank of Gas

I think that no SUV with an engine should have a gas tank smaller than 20 gallons. For me, the biggest issue is that I hate to go to gas stations, so the less frequent that I have to go, the better. They are dirty and dangerous and just crappy to be at; you step in gasoline puddles and you can get gas on your hands, clothes, and side of your car; you have to sometimes wait in lines, and it can be freezing or raining. Take out that third row of seats and throw in a PHEV battery pack like Toyota has done for its RAV4 Prime, and still increase the gas tank size to 20 or 22 gallons; I'm willing to sacrifice space. Porsche has done exactly this with their Cayenne SUV PHEV (21-gallon gas tank).

Thanks for the information Jeff. Honestly, if I was just considering a V6, the Highlander would not be my choice (Telluride, Palisade and Atlas in that order). However, since I'm going hybrid in 2020, the Highlander is really the best choice out there. I do wish they would have added power-folding mirrors and adjustable front passenger seat (up/down and lumber) for the price point of the Platinum. However, for the money and hybrid option they're hard to beat. Lastly, it will be interesting to see if Toyota hits their market penetration mark of 20% sales increase for the hybrid Highlander.

Awesome SUV, desire a Limited/Platinum Model, currently no hitch available. This is a show stopper for me.

Just filled my 2020 Highlander Hybrid tank for the first time and was surprised I was only able to put 13 gallons in the tank. This makes the crusing range under 450 miles, and lower than my outback which got significantly less mpgs. My distance till empty was less than 50 miles when I filled and the low fuel indicator was on. Do these cars have a gas tank issue like the Rav4s?

The TV ads say my 2020 Highlander Hybrid XLE can go 595 miles, which is the tank size (17) multiplied by the mpg (35). However, as you know, no car will let you approach empty without warning you extensively.

According to google, the Denver to Kansas City trip is 600 miles or so. So it's close. However, you'll never make it that far without stopping because the vehicle's computer calculates the distance to empty at about 450 for a full tank.

Recently, the warnings came on when I reached 450ish, and it pressured me to get gas. I was getting about 36+ mpg (yes, 36+) when my dashboard told me I had only a handful of miles remaining. I hit 475 miles and was afraid I was on fumes. I was also super-disappointed that it didn't have the promised range.

But when I filled the tank, it topped off at 13.5 gallons. Which means that I still had 3.5 gallons in the tank (120+ miles to go!). It also means that it was telling me I was out of gas starting at about four gallons left.

I would expect a car to hedge a little, but is it normal for it to claim empty with FOUR gallons in the tank?

Also, they claim it goes 595 on a tank, but given my experience, I can't imagine anyone even approaching that level with those dashboard warnings. Looks like your family will have to make a gas stop in Topeka.

Is this normal, or could we consider this a bug in the software?

Just bought the 2021 hybrid highlander.. what a mistake. the distance to empty on a full tank was 425? we went 300 miles in two days and filled up. only took 7 gallons to click off. was able to barely trickle in another 3.5 gallons... really? why does the DTE no working right, and why can we not put gas in it? I have filed with Toyota and have my first appointment next week.

Is the Highlander Hybrid SUV a plug-in version? How far will it travel in the electric-only mode?
Thanks!

Went for a dealer visit- they said nothing is wrong with anything. Asked why I can only put 14-ish gallons in. No answer. Filed a lemon law complaint with my state (Utah) and with Toyota for false and misleading information. There is no way to meet the mileage listed. I think Toyota is using “math” to calculate mileages, but there are three-four gallons in the saddle style tank you cannot access. If you cannot access the fuel in that area of the tank, then it is useless. Everyone file a grievance if you too have this issue. The Rav4 has the same problem - now a class action suit.