V6 or 4 cyl 4WD Highlander?

[Ukrainian102]

My parents are buying a 4wd highlander and they want a V6, but I say V6 wastes too much gas.

What can you guys tell me about the 4-cylinder 4wd model?

[Bakemono]

Id go with the V6. With AWD, you NEED the added power of the V6.
Cap'n

[Ukrainian102]

Yeah, my rents just bought it. 04 V6 4WD with 28k. We test drove and V6 pulls way better, especially with out hilly region.

One thing I hate is Toyota calls it 4WD but it's really AWD cause there is no 2WD option.

[Bakemono]

Originally Posted by Ukrainian102

Yeah, my rents just bought it. 04 V6 4WD with 28k. We test drove and V6 pulls way better, especially with out hilly region.

One thing I hate is Toyota calls it 4WD but it's really AWD cause there is no 2WD option.

Its actually BETTER than a 4x4 because it actually pulls with all 4 tires. On a 4x4 truck, you only get power to 3 tires at best, usually its only 2 tires that get power (1 of the front and 1 or the rear). Of course, there is limited-slip but with limited slip you only get power to both tires when one of them is spinning, so the tire that is spinning essentially have almost no grip.
Hope your folks like their Highlander, they should have went with a Highlander Hybrid though. Its got 60 more hp and 9 mpg better in the city over the standard V6 Highlander.
Cap'n