I got an 08 Highlander Limited AWD about 1 month and 1600 miles ago Previous vehicle was a base 02 AWD V-6 'lander w 71000 miles.
I am getting so far, about 17.4 mpg in mostly local driving and last tank from Ashland, Or to Redding, Ca (at a good 75+) was 24.2
The 02 was usually under 17 in town and I think best I ever got on highway was just over 22.
So obviously the $ will take years to catch up.
But
The new one is much quieter, roomier, more comfortable and man the 3.5 is one hell of a power plant. Our 05 Avalon also has same motor.
So far, other than cooled seats like the Avalon and the LED turnsignals on the mirrors, its a good rig - steering (electric) is a bit quick but might be the Toyo "open Country A20's" can't find a thing out about them.
Ron in Ca