The Real Cost
Week of November 2, 2026 · Houston, TX
2026 Toyota Highlander
2.4L I4 AWD · 17.9 gal tank · 24 MPG · manufacturer spec
$55–$65
typical fill → full tank · 17.9 galAt $3.63/gal, this tank gets you about 430 miles.
Source: EIA · Updated November 2, 2026
12-week state trend
+$0.06 over 12 wk
Local context
Houston runs at $3.63/gal this week — about 12.7% below the U.S. average of $4.15. At this price the 2026 Toyota Highlander's 24 MPG returns roughly 6.6 miles per dollar (41.7 gallons per 1,000 miles).
At a typical 12,000 miles a year — the U.S. driving average — a Houston driver spends about $1,813 on gas in this car (use the calculator for your own mileage). For the same car, $2,874 in California (priciest reporting state at $5.75/gal) vs. $1,789 in Texas ($3.58/gal). $1,085 swing.
By the numbers
Fill cost
$55–$65
typical → full · 430 mi/tank
Per gallon
$3.63
EIA weekly — Houston
Monthly · 12k mi/yr
$151.04
41.7 gal
Annual · 12k mi/yr
$1813
500 gal
The math
Why it costs what it costs.
- Fill cost = 17.9 gal × $3.63/gal = $64.89
- Miles per tank = 17.9 × 24 = 430
- Annual @ 12,000 mi (typical) = 12,000 ÷ 24 × $3.63 = $1813
Want to customize miles per year or override the pump price you saw? Use the full calculator.