The highlander is nice but really a modern station wagon, not a truck at all. I wouldnt call the 4runner a solid axle jeep sibling but it does still have mechanical bits instead of software to get your through some sketchy terrain.

I think about a 4runner or older landcruiser as my next dd, cant go wrong.

BS. Toyota has done zero on their engines for a decade and it shows in the fuel economy numbers, compared to other large trucks / SUV. The new Suburban 4x4 has the exact same 18mpg average than the Toyota. It is 1200 pounds heavier, with a V8. How about the Ford Ecoboost and the Pentastar in the Dodges? You can look those up too. They all beat the Toyota V6.

G

you made a great buy! keep them to around 300K miles, than buy new ones. you cannot find a better more reliable suv. great choice.

The engine in the new Tacoma is drastically different than the previous one. The next gen 4Runner (coming soon) will most likely get something similar.

Glad to hear they are putting some effort into their engines then. Not been following the Toyota engine developments in detail, just know what is in the recent models. I was truck shopping and the Tundra still has the same basic engine my 2001 Sequia had, albeit larger displacement ... and the same fuel economy ...

G

George, I'm as excited as anyone about advances in engine technology and efficiency but those pesky laws of physics are always there...weigh/mass/drag/gearing.

Turbo charging or cylinder deactivation make a big difference when combined with a sophisticated transmission even with the laws of physics remaining in place. :)

G

My DD: ;)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1442861701.jpg

I've owned three 4Runners. Great vehicles for their intended purpose. They seem to be better built and more capable than other "off road" vehicles sold these days.

My neighbor just hauled one of those back from Colorado. It's a Land Cruiser though, '96 I believe. I was all in to it until I learned it gets 13 mpg.

Mine's a 1997 Lexus LX450. Essentially identical to a Land Cruiser (just re-badged as a Lexus). I get about 14-16 mpg in daily driver duties (I check it at every fill up). That sounds terrible until I compare it to the 16-18 mpg I was getting out of my 2001 Tacoma. The Lexus (80 series Land Cruiser) is a freakin' tank in comparison.

that looks just like mine but with a less expensive hood badge. they are a beast and required nothing. Watch those head gaskets, depending on the year and mileage.

I was happy if I got 14 mpg. 12-13 was the norm. Pure hwy driving at 70, it would get 14-15 depending on the headwind or terrain. I talked to lots of folks with these trucks, but 16-18 is damn good.

You get zero MPG when you're parked on the 405 ;)

So don't park on the 405.

A buddy of mine has a '15; absolutely loves it. He upgraded from a KIA Sportage that he'd had since KIA's still sucked, though, so...

He's always parking on the 405. :)

One of the few in the Toyota lineup that's sold in the US and still built in Japan. I've been contemplating one as the next purchase. Maybe a TRD Pro version.

I've got a 2008 V8 4RS that I use for towing, 16.5mpg w/o babying and has been reliable and comfy
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1442874431.jpg

Mileage is of no concern to me, just utility.

We like the v6 Highlander awd. Average 9.8/100km. Lots of room too.

Maybe they've not done much with engine development because what they have is good?