Mileage from 1996-2002

[KellyJ]

After reading every third generation page on J.A's website I noticed something peculiar. Every year, the EPA estimates for the mileage for both 2WD and 4WD 4Runners have dropped. For example, 1998 4WD 4Runners were advertised to get 19/22, while my 02 is advertised to get 16/19. Is there any reasoning behind this? I think this is the first instance I have seen where mileage numbers have dropped instead of increased as a particular model aged through its generation. Any insight on this?

 

[Clemsonfan15]

This site says 15/18 for 1998.


And then this one says 17/20 for 1998. This one also has the number increasing in 2000 I think and then dropping off in 2002.

 

[One_96TR4]

Possibly due to the addition of the all-wheel drive option? in the 99+ models? That's the first I've seen of any of the 3rd gen's advertised with 19/22mpg.

 

[DavidAlexander]

The testing requirements probably changed.

I know makers used to hook up an engine in a shop and test it to determine fuel economy.

Then they had to actually drive them, so they would put different size tires or change weight or options on the car. They could also drive at their own determined speed and on their choosen roads. They could do the test over and over until they got the resutls they wanted.

Now they are requred to operate the car on an approved test site at predetermined speeds with actual production cars.

Testing is much more organized and reliable to compare across brands now.

The fuel economy also could have dropped because Toyota was increasing emmisions controls in the later 4runners but still working with the same engine. So the 96 might be the least restrictive and the 02 should be the most.

This is supported by the idea that a 96-98 4runner gets 7 HP from an intake replacement but a 99-02 gets 12 HP. The intake track alone must be more restrictive on the 99-02. Not to mention any other emmisions stuff.