How some of you feel about the I4 over v6

[etap]

I had a 08 highlander sport,with 42,000 miles and sold it. Now I have 08 RX-350 and I miss my highlander. The highlander did get one more mile per gallon more than RX-350,and more room in the highlander. Now thinking of another one, but would the I4 engine and 6 speed transmission be the target,or would it be way under power. I don't pull a boat,or a trailer. I think the V6 has been around awhile,but don't see these gas prices coming down.THX

[jimmied]

We have the 4cyl in our venza. It doesn't feel bad. Not as fast when getting on it but great for everyday bebopping around town and great for hwy driving. Never feels under powered by much.

[arabianobsession]

To be completely honest, because of the sheer size of the Highlander, your 4 cylinder will struggle a little bit to haul all the weight. Not to say that it's under powered....but you don't get a 6 speed transmission with the 4 cylinder, either. Plus, you're going to get about the same gas mileage. Might as well get the V6 and have the power there just in case you need it down the road.

[grandpapa]

If gas price is your concern, you might also consider FWD.
I think the 4 should be Ok as long as you don't have 5 people inside.
We used to have a 4 cyl FWD HL and it worked great since most of the time, only my wife and the baby.

[typesix]

The Toyota website states that a 4 cyl Highlander does come with 6 speed tranny. You should test drive the 4 cyl Highlander to help make up your mind. If you do more city driving, the 4 cyl will be better. If you are used to 6 cyl engines, then the 4 cyl may not be to your liking for power, vibration, and noise when accelerating. The 4 cyl can only be had in FWD.

[arabianobsession]

Interesting. We have a couple of 4 cylinder Highlanders on the lot that I have driven, and no 6 speed tranny. Perhaps they are in the process of phasing the old transmission out, I will double check this.

[Dman1]

I would opt for the V6. You may save a MPG or two by going with the I4 and/or FWD, but I think that it would be marginal. If mileage is that much of a concern, and you are not towing, depending on the size of your family, perhaps you could consider a Rav4, a Sienna, or a Prius.

Just my $0.02.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

to be completely honest, because of the sheer size of the highlander, your 4 cylinder will struggle a little bit to haul all the weight. Not to say that it's under powered....but you don't get a 6 speed transmission with the 4 cylinder, either. Plus, you're going to get about the same gas mileage. Might as well get the v6 and have the power there just in case you need it down the road.

Originally Posted by dman1

i would opt for the v6. You may save a mpg or two by going with the i4 and/or fwd, but i think that it would be marginal. If mileage is that much of a concern, and you are not towing, depending on the size of your family, perhaps you could consider a rav4, a sienna, or a prius.

+1

[arabianobsession]

Correction:
You CAN get the 6 speed with the 4 cylinder, but it's not a standard option.

[nursejilly]

I drove a 4 cylinder while waiting for my V6 to come in and i can tell you the 4 was much noisier. It did have prettty good pick up but i lovvee my V6.

[2009Taco]

i have the i4, 6spd fwd w/ third row, and its fine for us, my wife, and two young daughters. i was actually surprised w/ the 4, it is a little slow getting up to speed, but for the most part, its fine, we are happy with it.