I can relate - I was very disappointed with the first two tanks of my highlander... I just calculated my 4th tank of my 2wd non-limited highlander and it was 25.4mpg... It's getting there. I had it pointed out to me that these cars have a stiff breakin period for the first couple of thousand miles.

Also - it was pointed out to me that if your trips are short, you'll pay a mileage penalty... 5 minutes to warm up. My commute is about 15 minutes in stop and go traffic... I was hoping when I bought it that I'd get the "city driving" benefit... but the short commute counteracts that. I'm hoping for an eventual 28mpg after the breakin period. Which is pretty good for an SUV.