I'm currently going through the process of purchasing a new 4Runner. I'm looking into both the 6 and 8 cylinder engines (likely in the Sport Edition). I don't think I'll get 4WD but it's still in my trade space. What I'd like to know is peoples' experience with fuel economy in actual use, not the EPA estimates. Any data would be greatly appreciated. Any other suggestions to consider in my selection are readily accepted.
Fuel Economy for 2008 4Runner
- Thread starter JoeA
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Thai
Elite Member
The new fuel economy EPA ratings are pretty close to real life...therefore, i would look at this site to do some comparisons: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorSelectYear.jsp
CannondaleMan
New member
keylay31 said:
Have to agree.
As for the 2wd versions, basically for the soccer moms in the warm areas that will only drive over the occasional curb or hill.
Jeff Kleb
New member
I pretty much agree with the comments above - particularly about the V6 having plenty of power. My 2005 SR5 4x4 has the 4.0L V6 and will do more than just get out of its own way.
Regarding 4x4, bear in mind that the 4x4 V8 models are always in 4-wheel-drive but the V6 allows you to select the mode you want.
Now, living in CA, 4x4 might be a waste of money in that climate. Only you will be able to answer that. The price of gasoline alone should steer you toward the V6, unless you plan to do a lot of towing.
Real world mileage (taken my actual miles and actual gallons - not the overly optimistic trip computer) show me getting 16 to 18 miles per gallon in local driving, and 20 to 21 mpg on the highway. I have traveled to upstate NY, northern PA and three times to Michigan and back with my 4Runner and it is honestly an awesome highway cruiser (for an SUV anyway).
My highway driving is at rather high speeds (70+ mph), though, and I know it would be able to average 22 or 23 if I could keep it under 60. You'll find that quite hard to do in a 4Runner, though.
If you consider the power, size, strength, build quality and overall package, the 4Runner is on par or better than most any competitor. I'll probably get flamed for saying it, but you might want to investigate the new Highlander if you are more into "flat road commuting" rather than off-roading.
My g/f has an '02 Highlander that is approaching 110,000 miles and it rides and drives like new. Even though it only has a 3.0L V6 Camry engine, it gets up and goes like nobody's business. Toyota switched to a bigger engine for the Highlander (3.5L, I believe) in 2004 or 2005. I suppose the 2008 models have even more juice under the hood because of how much larger the new model is compared to the old one.
The latest model of the RAV4 is available with a powerful V6, too; and it is said to hit zero to sixty in less than seven seconds. Not too shabby!!
The important thing, though, is that it is still a Toyota.
:bigok:
sharp4runr
New member
See my signature for my anal retentive spreadsheet of gas mileage. Up until about a month ago, my work commute consisted of driving up I95 in DC Metro traffic. If you're familiar with the area, it's not for the faint of heart or patience. New commute is much nicer so the mileage shows that. Over the past few years it seems I'm averaging a bit south of 17mpg. I've hit lows of 15 and highs of 18 so it's not too bad. I'm relatively young and I also ride a motorcycle so I do like the get up and go of the V6. I'm sure the V8 is nice, but the V6 has done everything I need from it since I don't tow. If you tow, then defintely get a V8. I've also found that driving in 4WD with the V6 doesn't affect gas mileage that much. Even in 2WD, you're still carrying the weight of the 4WD components.
I just picked up an 07 Sport V6 2 wheel drive. I got it used for a great deal, low mileage. Hindsight, I probably should've waited for a 4x4, but oh well, I still love it and would only occasional use the 4x4. here in ATL.
I commute about 35mi each way.
In my first month of ownership (4 fill ups) I'm averaging 23.5mpg on 87 octane. MUCH better than the 12-13mpg I got in the Ram I traded in. Not as good as the 30-ish my wife gets in her V6 Altima, but I'm not complaining! My last fill up was 21.112 gals and 501 miles.
I have motorcycles as well and a 6x12 enclosed trailer... Judging by the 5000lb rating on the V6, I dont anticipate any towing problems. Just waiting for the hitch to arrive.
Any way you slice it though I am VERY VERY impressed with my mileage out of the 4Runner.
I commute about 35mi each way.
In my first month of ownership (4 fill ups) I'm averaging 23.5mpg on 87 octane. MUCH better than the 12-13mpg I got in the Ram I traded in. Not as good as the 30-ish my wife gets in her V6 Altima, but I'm not complaining! My last fill up was 21.112 gals and 501 miles.
I have motorcycles as well and a 6x12 enclosed trailer... Judging by the 5000lb rating on the V6, I dont anticipate any towing problems. Just waiting for the hitch to arrive.
Any way you slice it though I am VERY VERY impressed with my mileage out of the 4Runner.
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charlier180
New member
The real world mileage for my runs about 15-17 local and 19-21 highway.
My mileage is calculated not from the on board computer (which runs about 13% too optimistic).
On my last trip from upstate New York the mpg was 20.64.
I do have to wonder what the mpg might have been had I been drving 60-65 instead of 70-75.
Maybe sometime I will find out.
FYI, when I am towing my enclosed car hauler (~5,500 lbs) the mpg drops just a little to 8-9 mpg.
My mileage is calculated not from the on board computer (which runs about 13% too optimistic).
On my last trip from upstate New York the mpg was 20.64.
I do have to wonder what the mpg might have been had I been drving 60-65 instead of 70-75.
Maybe sometime I will find out.
FYI, when I am towing my enclosed car hauler (~5,500 lbs) the mpg drops just a little to 8-9 mpg.
Thanks everyone for the on target comments. I might look a little more seriously at 4WD as even though I live in Southern California I do get up in the Sierras to fish and end up on some dirt roads some of which have steep inclines, etc. I'm not a skier so there's not a snow issue though.
With the V6 I get 12-16mpg around town (with hills and plenty of stops) and up to 22mpg with pure freeway driving at 65mph (tho usually 20-21mpg).
IMO around town mileage will vary wildly depending on your "town". In a large city where you're lucky if you can get above 20mph for more than three blocks you're looking at around 12mpg in my experience, even with a light foot. In suburban towns with wide boulevards and infrequent traffic signals you might get closer to 18mpg.
IMO around town mileage will vary wildly depending on your "town". In a large city where you're lucky if you can get above 20mph for more than three blocks you're looking at around 12mpg in my experience, even with a light foot. In suburban towns with wide boulevards and infrequent traffic signals you might get closer to 18mpg.
