Toyota Highlander vs BMW iX
The BMW iX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 97 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Toyota Highlander, a 61 mpg advantage and costs about $900 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the BMW iX leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Toyota Highlander
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2022–2026
BMW iX
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 35 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Toyota Highlander | BMW iX |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg | 97 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 36 mpg | 99 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 35 mpg | 94 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,700 | $800 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 245 g/mi | Not available |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start | Not available |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Electricity |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2022–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 35 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Highlander vs iX: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Toyota Highlander or the BMW iX?
The BMW iX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 97 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Toyota Highlander, a 61 mpg advantage and costs about $900 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW iX runs about $800 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,700 for the Toyota Highlander — a difference of roughly $900 per year.
What engines do the Highlander and iX offer?
Toyota Highlander: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start. BMW iX: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Toyota Highlander and the BMW iX as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Highlander comparisons
Comparison id: toyota-highlander-vs-bmw-ix