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All things considered which makes for a better motor for this vehicle? Anyone know the actual mileage for the 6 vs. the 4 cyl. engines. Is the 4 capable enough for driving in all types of road conditions? Anyone that has these would help me make the decision on a purchase. Thanks
A V4 engine is only for fuel economy. V6 gets you better performance that people want.
lets change the vehicle and pose the same question comparing a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 4cyl vs 6cyl.
I had a 98, then a 2009 tacoma 4cyl 4x4, both Manual tranny. I would get 22combined and 24-26hwy. My neighbor had a 09 4cyl 4x4 then got a 2011 4x4 v6 manual and isn't doing much better than my current 2011 tundra v8 4.6L (16combined/18-20hwy) So what is the difference between those highlanders and those tacomas? Those 4 bangers get good MPG's
based on 24 vs 18 mpg at 300 miles traveled at fillup, that's a 16 gal difference for the month, that's $50-60 worth of money per month you could be saving with the 4 banger. $600-$720 extra for 6cyl per year.
Now we all know I'm not comparing apples to apples (manual vs Auto tranny's) and gas prices are not the same from one place to another, but that is a significant difference in cost these days.
That may make the 4 banger worth it in the Tacoma for someone who is not towing, or frequently hauling heavy loads. Even if the 4 bangers can and will tow or haul some heavy loads, if your doing a lot of mountains or doing it frequently your increasing the strain and doing it far slower. Not something all would want. Use plays a big part here.
However, I am not sure that is too applicable to the Highlander since the EPA mileage figures are much closer (2 MPG difference) and in general that seems supported by Fuelly reports (V6's mostly ranging 19-22, 4 bangers mostly ranging 21-24).
Auto makers are or will be offering more 4 banger models/versions in there future lineups...according to a statement from FORD. The trend away from fuel economy is like a boomerang...you'll start to see more 4cyl offerings as auto makers try to meet the 2025 deadline established by BUSH.
All things considered which makes for a better motor for this vehicle? Anyone know the actual mileage for the 6 vs. the 4 cyl. engines. Is the 4 capable enough for driving in all types of road conditions? Anyone that has these would help me make the decision on a purchase. Thanks
I think it will depend on where and how you drive. I have two geriatric Camrys, a '93 V6 and a '94 I4. In congested eastern Bergen County New Jersey the difference is negligible. Truth be told, in every day driving I can't tell the difference. The cost to replace the valve cover gaskets, the rear one being a real pain, on the V6 was not negligible.
I think it will depend on where and how you drive. I have two geriatric Camrys, a '93 V6 and a '94 I4. In congested eastern Bergen County New Jersey the difference is negligible. Truth be told, in every day driving I can't tell the difference. The cost to replace the valve cover gaskets, the rear one being a real pain, on the V6 was not negligible.
Your Camrys weigh 1000 lbs less. Your example is not really relevant.
Auto makers are or will be offering more 4 banger models/versions in there future lineups...according to a statement from FORD. The trend away from fuel economy is like a boomerang...you'll start to see more 4cyl offerings as auto makers try to meet the 2025 deadline established by BUSH.
Not sure why you are trying to make this a political issue. But Bush's change to the CAFE standard had a 35MPG target for 2020. More recent changes to the CAFE standard, pushed and approved by Obama, raise the target to 54.5 MPG in 2025.
Get the V6. There is a huge difference driving the i4 vs the V6 Rav4 (same V6 engine as the Highlander) and the Rav4 weighs 500lbs less. The i4 Rav4 always seems to struggle a bit while the V6 you feel you always have a good amount of power in reserve for passing etc. In addition to that you have to consider that you cannot get AWD on the i4.
Anyway I suggest you take a test drive of both version. I think it will be an easy decision.
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