2.7L Vs 3.6 Base Highlander, fwd/awd??? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

naturoses · 02-13-2010, 12:56 AM

Hi All,

I am planning on purchasing a higlander for the following reasons. For transport of 4 adults (Ht-5.6 inches/weight- not more than 180Lbs each) PLUS two car seats (2.5 year old + one on the way). Out of 4 adults, 2 adults (parents) stay with us for 3-4 months once in 2 years.

I already have a Rav4 (4 cyclinder, AWD) with a 3rd row seat. I feel that it is bit tight. Hence resorted to trade-in my current Rav4 for an highlander.

My major travel needs are mainly city (80%) and remaining highway.

Which one is best for economical reasons (Gas Mileage, maintenance, resale value). I also looked at hybrid: Cannot afford as well as cannot justify $6000+

Highlander 4 cycliner Vs V6

I live in Boston: Probably AWD? (but only in V6)

***summerwind*** · 02-13-2010, 06:11 AM

I have no experience with performance of the HL with the 4 cyl but like you I went from a Rav4 with the 4 cylinder engine to an 4WD V6 Highlander.

If you can say Snow I would opt for the 4WD V6 Highlander. The other option would be a Venza with 4WD. You can get it with the 4 cylinder engine and it uses an 4WD system similar to the RAV4.

rsgunther · 02-13-2010, 06:43 AM

Since you live in MA, I would recommend the AWD V6 model 100%. I have the 2010 V6 AWD and it is a great vehicle. Fuel economy is decent as well - even in the winter. I saw 23.6mpg (on the display) on mostly highway miles (only 1 tank - but still not bad). Normally around 20mpg on the highway with my driving (higher speeds).

naturoses · 02-13-2010, 07:19 AM

Thanks guys, my primary needs

1. Third row seat (should be better than Rav4 - Hence, highlander)
2. 80 -90% City driving - Hence 2.7 but no AWD.

I like 3.6 AWD (base model) but since I am city person, I may not get 18 as they say on paper on the city mode.

How much did you pay for 3.6 AWD base with a 3rd row seat?

***summerwind*** · 02-13-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturoses

How much did you pay for 3.6 AWD base with a 3rd row seat?

You might look through the following thread. So far it has had over 40,000 hits

How much did you pay for yours???

mdhighlander09 · 02-13-2010, 08:28 AM

With car seats in the middle row it can be a little tricky to get into the 3rd row. If you haven't already you may want to practice this at the dealer if it's important to you. Having said that, once you're back there it should be very comfortable for someone 5'6".

For reference, in Maryland the Base AWD V6 Highlanders are selling in the low 29s at the no-haggle dealerships.

Camread · 02-13-2010, 09:28 AM

why don't you just get a sienna? with a new one coming, i'm sure you can find a good deal on the current one.

jeffs3820 · 02-13-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturoses

Hi All,

I am planning on purchasing a higlander for the following reasons. For transport of 4 adults (Ht-5.6 inches/weight- not more than 180Lbs each) PLUS two car seats (2.5 year old + one on the way). Out of 4 adults, 2 adults (parents) stay with us for 3-4 months once in 2 years.

I already have a Rav4 (4 cyclinder, AWD) with a 3rd row seat. I feel that it is bit tight. Hence resorted to trade-in my current Rav4 for an highlander.

My major travel needs are mainly city (80%) and remaining highway.

Which one is best for economical reasons (Gas Mileage, maintenance, resale value). I also looked at hybrid: Cannot afford as well as cannot justify $6000+

Highlander 4 cycliner Vs V6

I live in Boston: Probably AWD? (but only in V6)

Since you mention economic reasons, you can easily get by with a FWD model and purchase a set of winter tires for the snow months. Why carry the baggage of AWD (initial investment, weight, lower economy) if you don't have to? IF you live in an area, or commute through an area that absolutely needs AWD that is a different story. Here in the snowy upper midwest FWD is just fine. Having a hybrid model I can see when the rear motor kicks in to emulate AWD and it has rarely kicked in all winter.

***TrailDust*** · 02-13-2010, 03:23 PM

I consistently get 19/20 MPG city with mine, but you have to be willing to drive easier to get those numbers, or else you're looking at 16/17. Don't get me wrong I'm no hypermiler by any means, but just take it easy when I'm on the city roads.

naturoses · 02-13-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

I consistently get 19/20 MPG city with mine, but you have to be willing to drive easier to get those numbers, or else you're looking at 16/17. Don't get me wrong I'm no hypermiler by any means, but just take it easy when I'm on the city roads.

Is yours V6?

For Boston winters, I have decided to go with AWD.

Also, I am struggling to decide between to go with AWD 2010 - base/ SE model. Base was offered for $28,300 with a back up camera (dealer fitted)

But, if I spend $1700 extra, which is $30,000, I will be getting leather seats, factory fitted back up camera, fog lights, steering wheels controls etc.,

My Rav4 is getting $20,000.

Am I going in the right direction??

Many thanks for all your prompt replies.

***TrailDust*** · 02-13-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturoses

Is yours V6-AWD

Yes. Click on the link in my sig to see the details of my Highlander.

naturoses · 02-13-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Yes. Click on the link in my sig to see the details of my Highlander.

How do you get such impressive MPG in city?

Has this improved over time after they say what is called "BREAK-IN Period"?

What is RPM from stopping at Red light to move when you see green??

Thanks

***TrailDust*** · 02-13-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturoses

How do you get such impressive MPG in city?

Has this improved over time after they say what is called "BREAK-IN Period"?

What is RPM from stopping at Red light to move when you see green??

Thanks

When I first got my HL I was getting 17/18 city and 25/26 highway. As detailed in one of the threads on gas mileage I put in a K&N air filter which, according to the numbers I ran, improved mileage by 4%. I'd add that those are my estimates and do your research on the subject of air filters, since pro and con views about K&N filters pretty much are as volatile as discussions on religion or politics.

Anyway, after the filter install and about six months break-in period I've been consistently getting the 19/20 city and 27/28 highway, as measured by filling literally to the lip of the gas spout at each filling and then dividing mileage versus gallons used.

I keep my tires filled at 35 PSI for less roll resistance, and I don't carry a bunch of unnecessary junk in the HL either to add to overall weight. Just having the 3rd row seat gone and the 2nd row seat console/armrest removed from the front row center console storage bin saves 72 pounds of weight. I also don't run around with a full tank either, and when I get down to 1/8 tank fill up to about 2/3 tank, saving another nominal 60 pounds of weight. It just means I have to fill up a few more times a year doing that. I definitely coast up to lights, and like I always say getting the most out of a car is very similar to piloting a boat or flying a plane, which is a lot about energy management. I'll have to take a look at how high my RPM go when I'm accelerating from a light since I don't monitor it in that regime too much, but I'll say that I don't chomp down on the gas and am in the lead at every light, but I'm also not lagging behind with people honking at me either. I just take it easy. I definitely don't go over 3,000 RPM while accelerating from a light, and a guess would be my shift points are at about 2,600 to 2,800 RPM. Again, I'll take a look at that next time I'm on the road and update about it.

deadrx7conv · 02-13-2010, 04:47 PM

I've driven in the northeast with FWD for 20years. With quality snow tires, you only need AWD in extreme weather. And, you should stay home when its that bad.

Get the v6/awd if you must, but cut out all the unnecessary options. Avoid the limited edition. Too pricey!
Or, get more options with I4/fwd. Your choice.

With the I4/FWD, invest in dedicated snow tires and you'll get thru 99% of the weather without the need of AWD.

jimmied · 02-13-2010, 08:08 PM

i live in Nj and bought a base 2wd v6 because i wanted the third row. In the NE region it is near impossible to get thrid row without v6 option. I have no problem getting around with the front wheel drive even with all the snow we have had. Just took it to vermont a couple weeks ago and it handled the mountains with snow no problem.

Out lease is coming up on our altima and am deciding on another car. I am leaning towards a 4cyl highlander and might take a trip down south to buy it. you can get the third row down there no problem!!!