suv

Toyota Highlander Gas Mileage

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The Toyota Highlander was introduced to America as a 2002 model and was redesigned for the 2008 model year. The Highlander Hybrid (pictured at right) produces solid gas mileage figures for a seven passenger SUV at 27 city and 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

The non-hybrid Highlander is equipped with a 3.5 liter double overhead cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that produces 270 horsepower, while the Highlander Hybrid mates a slightly smaller 209 horsepower 3.3 liter V-6 with its electric motors and is classified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).

We spent a week with the seven-seat MPG champ this last summer. Check out our Toyota Highlander Hybrid review:

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Toyota 4Runner Gas Mileage

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First introduced as a pickup truck-based compact SUV in 1982, the Toyota 4Runner grew to become one of the world’s most popular rugged mid-size SUVs. 4Runners typically deliver highway gas mileage figures in the 20 mile per gallon (MPG) range. Some of the earliest four-cylinder trucks were the most fuel efficient of the bunch, with highway gas mileage ratings in the mid-twenties.

The 2008 4Runner is available with a 4.0 liter six or a 4.7 liter V-8. (The V-8 equipped 4WD version can be thirsty.) The 4Runner was last redesigned for the 2003 model year.

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Toyota RAV4 Gas Mileage

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First introduced in the mid-1990s, the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular small SUVs in America. An affordable price and good gas mileage have kept the RAV4 at the top of its class. A 2.0 liter four-cylinder was the sole engine choice through 2003, when the displacement was bumped up to 2.4 liters.

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 produces acceptable gas mileage figures for a small SUV, with highway ratings in the mid 20s. The current RAV4 is available with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder or a 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine in both 2WD and 4WD variations. All 2008 RAV4s are equipped with automatic transmission (a manual gearbox was last offered in 2005).

We spent a week with the RAV4 and came away with some interesting observations. Check out our Toyota RAV4 Review:

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Ford Escape Hybrid: Most Fuel-Efficient SUV on Earth?

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Ford is running an advertising campaign, billing the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid as “the Most Fuel-Efficient SUV on Earth.” There’s no questioning that the Escape Hybrid delivers great gas mileage figures … for a SUV. But the claim that the Escape Hybrid is the world’s best demands closer inspection.

It’s time for a fact check.

While the Escape Hybrid is indeed the most fuel-efficient SUV currently for sale in the United States of America, it might not be the most fuel-efficient SUV in the entire world.

Equipped with a 2.2 liter i-CTDi common rail turbo diesel engine, the all-wheel-drive 2007 Honda CR-V currently on sale in Great Britain is rated at 34.9 Urban / 49.6 Extra Urban / 43.5 Combined in miles per British gallon. Since the British gallon is larger than the US gallon, we need to convert the numbers to US specs.

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