08+ 2nd Gen 4 cyl vs V6, something is not right...

[grandpapa]

I used to have 01 4 cyl FWD years ago and when looking at the 2nd gen, something still bother me...

4 cyl with 6 speed auto
V6 only has 5 speed? Now even the new Sienna has 6 speed, will Toyota update the tranny on the V6 in a year or so? Probably? Consider how many years left on this 2nd Gen model?

I read/search on this forum but seems most folks go with V6. However, those who have 4 cyl seems to be happy with the mpg they are getting vs V6 (and they don't feel the car is that slow compares to v6). It's hard to say if FWD vs AWD makes the different or 4 cyl vs V6 makes the different.

Most V6 AWD owners are getting around 16-18mpg from what I read. Hope to hear more from you guys on this. Does the 4 makes more noise? As smooth as the V6? V6 owners, are you disappointed with the current mpg?

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by grandpapa

Most V6 AWD owners are getting around 16-18mpg from what I read. Hope to hear more from you guys on this. Does the 4 makes more noise? As smooth as the V6? V6 owners, are you disappointed with the current mpg?

Not me. Some of the other forum members are probably sick of hearing this, but my mileage has been outstanding for a V6 SUV of this class, averaging 22 MPG per tank (19 city/26-28 highway). I'm no lead foot and no Speed Racer, but when I chomp down on that accelerator I want the responsiveness of a V6--especially when merging on a freeway--as opposed to the lagging performance of a 4-cylinder.

[vsansal]

Originally Posted by grandpapa

I used to have 01 4 cyl FWD years ago and when looking at the 2nd gen, something still bother me...

4 cyl with 6 speed auto
V6 only has 5 speed? Now even the new Sienna has 6 speed, will Toyota update the tranny on the V6 in a year or so? Probably? Consider how many years left on this 2nd Gen model?

I read/search on this forum but seems most folks go with V6. However, those who have 4 cyl seems to be happy with the mpg they are getting vs V6 (and they don't feel the car is that slow compares to v6). It's hard to say if FWD vs AWD makes the different or 4 cyl vs V6 makes the different.

Most V6 AWD owners are getting around 16-18mpg from what I read. Hope to hear more from you guys on this. Does the 4 makes more noise? As smooth as the V6? V6 owners, are you disappointed with the current mpg?

I have FWD V6 and the mpg I am getting doesn't bother me that much cuz my daily commute is only 8 miles roundtrip. It is all in city and stop and go traffic so I usually end up getting about 15-16mpg. My previous car was an 05 Solara 4 cyl and I was getting about 18mpg for the same commute. I don't know about the 4 cyl HL but the engine noise of 4cyl solara, and I don't mean the noise that comes inside the car, I mean the noise of the engine itself, is so different compared to my V6 HL engine. I love the sound of the V6 engine when I accelerate. You don't have that in 4 cyl. And also even though it has a 5 gear transmission the RPM is really low. So cruising around 90 mph on 5th gear you get around 2900rpm. I am not sure you will get that even on 6th gear with a 4 cyl HL. On Highway if I cruize around speed limits I get around 26-27mpg which I usually don't. I cruize around 80-90mph range which brings it down to about 21mpg.

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by grandpapa

I used to have 01 4 cyl FWD years ago and when looking at the 2nd gen, something still bother me...

4 cyl with 6 speed auto
V6 only has 5 speed? Now even the new Sienna has 6 speed, will Toyota update the tranny on the V6 in a year or so? Probably? Consider how many years left on this 2nd Gen model?

I read/search on this forum but seems most folks go with V6. However, those who have 4 cyl seems to be happy with the mpg they are getting vs V6 (and they don't feel the car is that slow compares to v6). It's hard to say if FWD vs AWD makes the different or 4 cyl vs V6 makes the different.

Most V6 AWD owners are getting around 16-18mpg from what I read. Hope to hear more from you guys on this. Does the 4 makes more noise? As smooth as the V6? V6 owners, are you disappointed with the current mpg?

in my 08 fwd v6 lim the highest ive ever seen was 27mpg on the highway going at a consistant 65mph...Generally on the interstate i get around 24mpg going 75-80mph. Around the city I can get around 19 if i keep the rpm's under 2k under acceleration but i generally average 17mpg, because slow acceleration is boring and like you said, i like the sound of the engine I can't complain about the mileage for a vehicle this size. if only the gas tank was bigger so the fuel light didn't come on when you had only gone through barely over 3/4 a tank (gallon wise not according to the fuel gauge, thats says E)

[ziya20]

I have a 2009 4Cyl FWD 23000km and I am very disappointed in Fuel milage.

I am getting right now about 18 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy driving in Toronto. That is about %30 lower than EPA advertised by Toyota.

That sucks. might as well have got a 4runner.

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by ziya20

I have a 2009 4Cyl FWD 23000km and I am very disappointed in Fuel milage.

I am getting right now about 18 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy driving in Toronto. That is about %30 lower than EPA advertised by Toyota.

That sucks. might as well have got a 4runner.

something is up with that, the fact that my '08 V6 (plus limited which according to toyota.com weights about 300 lbs more than base and SE) is getting that in pure city driving... Would cold weather have that much effect on fuel economy (I'm in Tennessee so not all that cold here)...very odd

[Thunderchief]

I drove the 4 banger and then the V6. I was a bit on the fence as I am old school. I had some 4 bangers in the past that would struggle sitting at red lights with AC running. I know those days are over and even though I found it hard to find much fault with the 4 cyl, I went with the V6. The 270 HP seemed to be the right fit for a car this heavy. On the other hand, my son got the Hyundai Tucson with a 4 banger and 176 HP and a 6 speed auto. That seemed to work as it is way lighter. For the HL, I was just not sure how it would feel with a full load, 4-5 passengers.

[ktmd]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Not me. Some of the other forum members are probably sick of hearing this, but my mileage has been outstanding for a V6 SUV of this class, averaging 22 MPG per tank (19 city/26-28 highway). I'm no lead foot and no Speed Racer, but when I chomp down on that accelerator I want the responsiveness of a V6--especially when merging on a freeway--as opposed to the lagging performance of a 4-cylinder.

I have no idea how you achieve 22 mpg. The best I can get is an overall average of 16 mpg with my '08 LTD. I can't even get 22 mpg on the highway during road trips.

[ziya20]

Originally Posted by ktmd

I have no idea how you achieve 22 mpg. The best I can get is an overall average of 16 mpg with my '08 LTD. I can't even get 22 mpg on the highway during road trips.

Interesting, we are both in Canada and getting way below expected mpg. could that be our Gas quality causing the high consumtion?

I excpect from Toyota well know honesty and quality to have calibrated all the engines consistently.
I also know that during past couple of years EPA has changed their tests and mpg calculation methods to be more accurate. I hope we can find what is really causing this problem. I am going to try to bring the car to the dealer next weeks to see if they can help ( I know, good luck with that...)

[nogo]

Are you going by the on board computer calculations or are you going by mileage? I'm also a bit frustrated by the fuel consumption on mine (a V6 Sport with AWD).

- My commute to work is all city (busy, busy roads) and the on-board computer creeps up from 15 L/100 Km to 18 or 19 L/100 Km.
- In pure highway driving, depending on speed and traffic, it might get into the high-10 L/100 Km at very conservative speeds, or usually around the mid-12 L/100 Km range.

Mind you, I realize the heft of the vehicle and am not pushing it in stop and go traffic or on the highway. I try and get the transmission to shift around 2000 rpm, and I normally don't go over 120 km/h on the highway.

I have also done the "unhook battery reset transmission shift points trick" but no real change in consumption. When I monitor the on-board computer, I see fewer spikes in the fuel consumption monitor, but overall consumption is still high.

During the winter, I am seeing around 460 kms per tank of gas (fuel light comes on). Car is running synthetic (from the Toyota dealer - probably a synthetic blend), but I plan to:

(i) Check tire pressures
(ii) Get another oil change with full synthetic before our next road trip (next weekend)
(iii) Only fill up at the bigger stations (any stations in Canada sell non-ethanol fuel)?

Thanks and take care guys.

Originally Posted by ziya20

Interesting, we are both in Canada and getting way below expected mpg. could that be our Gas quality causing the high consumtion?

I excpect from Toyota well know honesty and quality to have calibrated all the engines consistently.
I also know that during past couple of years EPA has changed their tests and mpg calculation methods to be more accurate. I hope we can find what is really causing this problem. I am going to try to bring the car to the dealer next weeks to see if they can help ( I know, good luck with that...)

[deadrx7conv]

What other Toyota FWD/AWD vehicles with the 3.5L V6 can tow 5000lbs? It'll give you a little hint on which transmission is stronger.

If yours has the 'Snow' button, drive a few tanks with it turned on. Monitor MPG and post your results. Don't use the computer. Calculate MPG yourself...miles traveled over fill up amount!

I'm not disappointed with the MPG. Its a big, heavy, powerful, comfortable... SUV that gets 2x the MPG of my '81 Bronco. Whats there not to like?

V6/AWD, 36psi tire pressure, Mobil1 75w90 in the rear-end and transfer case, Valvoline Maxlife in the transmission, various full synthetic oils used but 0w20 for winter use in the engine, perfect alignment, and a bottle of FI cleaner every oil change, along with a driver that isn't in a hurry, knows how to drive, and understands coasting, while always anticipating conditions... 50k miles and only been to dealer for recalls or TSB.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by ktmd

I have no idea how you achieve 22 mpg. The best I can get is an overall average of 16 mpg with my '08 LTD. I can't even get 22 mpg on the highway during road trips.

Dunno either. Only modifications I've done is remove the charcoal element in the air filter box, install a K&N filter, and although you can't call it a mod I keep my tires at 35 PSI. I also keep my freeway speeds at 65-70 MPH, and in the city I coast up to lights and stop signs as much as possible. I'm also reasonably light on the gas at acceleration. We have 10% ethanol here in California which affects overall mileage, but I don't know how much ethanol Canada may mandate for gas? Last thing I can think of is I have the Base model and you have the Limited. The Base doesn't have all the motors and wiring associated with electronic seats, plus (and I'm speculating here) possible additional soundproofing, and add to that I removed my 3rd row seat and don't lug around the 2nd row center seat/console. All added up is -55 pounds for the seat, -5 pounds for the shoulder belts that were removed, -15 pounds for the center console, and guessing here again but maybe -40 pounds by not having electronically adjusted front seats. Maybe all that adds up to the difference in mileage we're experiencing?

[vsansal]

My best so far was 29mpg (from the trip computer) after I refueled the way back home on a 50mile trip cruising around 60mph. The road was pretty flat. No up and down hills that much. It was a one time thing cuz it is so boring to cruise around 60mph. I feel like I am losing so much time.

[grandpapa]

I think the best way to look at MPG is still the old fashion pen and paper vs the onboard computer.

Also, I am trying to look at real world experience with normal driving. I have been driving my dad's 88 suburban and getting 13mpg week after week mostly city driving (much bigger than the HL) so if the V6 HL gives around 16-18, I am a little disapppointed.

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by grandpapa

I think the best way to look at MPG is still the old fashion pen and paper vs the onboard computer.

Also, I am trying to look at real world experience with normal driving. I have been driving my dad's 88 suburban and getting 13mpg week after week mostly city driving (much bigger than the HL) so if the V6 HL gives around 16-18, I am a little disapppointed.

but remember, that v6 has to work harder to move a heavy vehicle, my highlander weights little over 4350lb's (last i got it weighted). A quick look on Google puts a suburban at your year around 5k lbs. I know thats about 600-700ish lbs difference, but that v6 has to move about 85% of the same mass as the suburban. Granted the v6 is newer but it does lack the low end torque of a V8, so u do have to get it reved higher to get it going. in other words im fine with 18-19mpg. rant over lol