Honda Pilot Gas Mileage: 2003 – 2013

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The mid-size Honda Pilot SUV was introduced in the 2003 model year. While the Pilot’s gas mileage may not seem impressive at first glance – highway gas mileage ratings of twenty or so miles per gallon (MPG) in 4WD trim – it’s good to keep in mind that it’s an eight-passenger SUV.

The Pilot was redesigned for the 2009 model year and is propelled by a 3.5 liter V-6 producing 250 horsepower (up from 244 HP in earlier models). All models use a five-speed automatic transmission. Although the Pilot is often criticized for being thirsty, the automatic transmission can reward light-footed drivers with higher than expected fuel-efficiency. The trick is to maximize inertia and drive with your foot off the throttle, whenever practical.

We’ve tested extensively with a 2003 Pilot that now has over 170,000 miles on the odometer. By using a ScanGaugeII, we were able to make significantly improve our gas mileage by changing our driving style.

If our high-mileage Pilot continues to hold up (fingers crossed), we plan to install low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tires and swap out all the fluids (engine oil, transmission fluid, differential) for synthetics. LRR tires in the Pilot’s 235/70R16 stock size include the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia, Continental CrossContact, Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max, Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season, and General Grabber HTS.

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Honda Element Gas Mileage

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Honda’s distinctive compact crossover Element SUV was introduced in the 2003 model year. The Element has never undergone a significant redesign, and rumor has it that the model may soon be due for extinction. While the Element shares its engine and underpinnings with the Honda CR-V, gas mileage suffers a bit due to the aerodynamic drag of the Element’s boxy shape, with highway gas mileage ratings peaking at 25 miles per gallon (MPG) for the manual-transmission 2WD variant.

The Element’s 2.4 liter 4-banger produces 156 horsepower and can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. For many, the design of the Element is a love it or hate it affair. The Element would have been a prime candidate to receive the European CR-V diesel’s thrifty 2.2 liter i-CTDi powerplant …had Honda chose to bring their diesel engine across the pond.

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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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Nissan Quest Gas Mileage

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First introduced in 1993, the Nissan Quest competes in a highly competitive minivan market. The Quest produces gas mileage ratings in line with its minivan peers, with highway ratings in the mid-twenties. From 1993 through 2002, the Quest was echoed by the nearly identical Mercury Villager.

The Quest was last redesigned in 2007 and is fitted with the same highly respected 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine found in the Maxima and Altima. A spacious interior and distinctive design are hallmarks of the model. Nissan sorely needs a way to differentiate itself from the crowd. A Quest hybrid, based on the powertrain in the Altima Hybrid would be a slam dunk with environmentally- and budget-conscious soccer moms (and dads). Rumor has it that a new Nissan minivan is on the way, but there’s been little word on the possibilities of either a hybrid or high-MPG diesel version.

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