Toyota RAV4 Gas Mileage

7 comments ↓

#1 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drive on 12.15.07 at 1:31 pm

[…] Toyota RAV4 […]

#2 Dan on 12.20.07 at 2:49 pm

The 2001 photo is a Highlander

#3 mpg-o-editor on 12.21.07 at 7:11 pm

Photo fixed (deleted 2001 thumbnail). Thanks, Dan!

#4 Zach on 01.29.08 at 11:32 pm

My 06 RAV4 was getting 27 mpg. Recently it has dropped to 25. I am not sure what has caused the decline. Any ideas?

#5 mpg-o-editor on 01.30.08 at 7:48 am

@Zach - if you live in a colder climate, the winter weather could be the culprit … with longer warm up times and the like. You should also check your RAV4’s tire pressure (free!) and change its air filter ($15).

You might consider switching to a K&N air filter … K&N’s are more efficient and reusable … while cleaning is a small added hassle, you’ll save over the long run.

One last thing off the top of my head … have you recently switched your brand of gasoline? Switching to a brand with a higher blend of ethanol can negatively effect mileage.

#6 Ashley on 09.02.08 at 5:08 pm

I recently put gas in my car that had ethanol in it as well. I then saw that my maintenance required light came on- I was wondering if my car needs to get it all pumped out or if maybe my car was just over heating somehow? I had been driving for a few hours.. I have a 2007 rav4. Any info would be a huge help.

#7 mpg-o-editor on 09.02.08 at 9:59 pm

@Ashley - Although there’s a good chance the maintenance light came on by coincidence, it’s best not to take a chance.

Ethanol is everywhere these days, but the percentages vary. While 10% ethanol shouldn’t be a problem, 85% (E85) isn’t a good thing in an engine that’s not designed for it.

Best bet is to check the filling station and your owners manual to see what percentage of ethanol is approved and give your local Toyota dealer’s service department a call.

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