2016 Toyota Highlander — Full Specifications
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The 2016 Toyota Highlander is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) / 22 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (3.5L 6-cyl), returning around 34 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Toyota Highlander workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Toyota Highlander: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 26 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.7L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.7L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 26 combined / 24 urban / 30 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 22 combined / 20 city / 25 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 247 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2016 Toyota Highlander across 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 28 mpg (US), or 24 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/25) | 247 | $3,050 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (27/28) | 199 | $2,400 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/24) | 272 | $3,350 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/25) | 264 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Toyota Highlander
Running Costs: 2016 Toyota Highlander
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Toyota Highlander at 26 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,399 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Toyota Highlander (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Equipment (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Electrical system — campaign 18E107000, reported 27 November 2018. Risk: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 16V775000, reported 24 October 2016. Risk: If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Equipment — campaign 16V420000, reported 9 June 2016. Risk: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota Highlander. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (22), Service brakes (22), Electrical system (14). Complaints include 14 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 12 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 204 complaints across the 16 Toyota Highlander model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Toyota Highlander
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (2 recall campaigns · 14 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (22 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Air bags (10 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Toyota Highlander compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 247 g/km CO₂ figure is 6 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Toyota models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 Toyota Highlander's 26 mpg is 8 mpg below that make average. Its 247 g/km CO₂ figure is 31 g/km higher than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 17 Toyota Highlander model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 11th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (26 mpg UK combined, against a high of 30 mpg). See every Toyota Highlander year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Toyota Highlander
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2016 Toyota Highlander: 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.7L 4-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Toyota Highlander?
The most efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, or 22 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 34 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2016 Toyota Highlander cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Toyota Highlander (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Equipment (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Toyota Highlander?
Among the 117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (22 complaints), Service brakes (22 complaints), Electrical system (14 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Toyota Highlander's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.