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MPG › Toyota › Highlander › 2006

2006 Toyota Highlander MPG

19–27 mpg combined across 6 EPA-rated versions. Best: Highlander Hybrid 2WD (FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl) at 28 city / 25 hwy / 27 combined; lowest: Highlander 2WD (3.3L 6-cyl, A5) at 19.

Every version

VersionEngineTrans.DriveCityHwyCombFuel cost / yr
Highlander Hybrid 2WD (Hybrid)3.3L 6-cylCVTFWD 282527$2,500
Highlander Hybrid 4WD (Hybrid)3.3L 6-cylCVT4WD/AWD 272526$2,600
Highlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylA4FWD 192522$3,050
Highlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylA44WD/AWD 182320$3,350
Highlander 2WD3.3L 6-cylA5FWD 172319$3,550
Highlander 4WD3.3L 6-cylA54WD/AWD 162219$3,550

Abbreviations and method

How it compares

Chart: the 2006 Toyota Highlander at 27 mpg combined against other Toyota Highlander model years

Safety

649 owner complaints: Service Brakes 240, Electrical System 100, Vehicle Speed Control 76, Hydraulic 66. Crashes 63, fires 11, injuries 40, deaths 3.

Complaint areaReportsShare
Service Brakes24037%
Electrical System10015%
Vehicle Speed Control7612%
Hydraulic6610%
Engine And Engine Cooling498%
Hybrid Propulsion System467%
Engine447%
Power Train416%

Recent owner reports: Service Brakes

“Multiple warning lights appeared on the dash board including ABS, also check VSC system in the dialogue window. Code C1391 (Abnormal leak in accumulator) appeared in a diagnostic scan. After some internet research, it appears this a common problem with the 2006 Toyota Highlander and is a very costly repair $2000-$4000.”

NHTSA complaint, filed 10/07/2026

“The Antilock Braking Actuator has failed. This seems to be a known issue and was already recalled on the Toyota Camry. Toyota sells the part for $1500 locally and labor will be added to that as well - which will put the cost of replacing this critical part almost above the current value of the vehicle. This is a safety issue if I lose braking capability.”

NHTSA complaint, filed 09/12/2026

“The ABS/Brake Actuator is going out. There is a stuttering as I'm coming to a stop, but when I brake from normal speeds to slow down, there is no stutter/vibration. Only when I'm going very slow and about to stop the car is when I feel a vibration/stutter in the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint, filed 09/01/2026

Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.

Recalls

11 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).

DateComponentCampaign
Jun 2, 2016Seats › front Assembly › seat Heater/Cooler 16V396000
Nov 19, 2014Seats › front Assembly › seat Heater/Cooler 14V743000
Sep 4, 2013Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter 13V396000
Nov 9, 2011Engine And Engine Cooling 11V539000
Jun 29, 2011Electrical System 11V342000
Feb 24, 2011Vehicle Speed Control › accelerator Pedal 11V112000
Oct 21, 2010Service Brakes, Hydraulic › foundation Components › master Cylinder 10V499000
Feb 3, 2010Equipment › other › labels 10V035000
Feb 3, 2010Equipment › other › labels 10V036000
Jun 15, 2009Equipment › other › labels 09V223000
Jul 13, 2006Vehicle Speed Control › accelerator Pedal 06V253000

Nearby years

All 26 years →