gas mileage

Toyota Highlander Gas Mileage

by

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:

Read more

Toyota 4Runner Gas Mileage

by

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.

Read more

Nissan Quest Gas Mileage

by

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.

Read more

Nissan Sentra Gas Mileage

by

Introduced as a sub-compact way back in 1982, the Nissan Sentra grew to become one of America’s most popular compacts. Good gas mileage has been one of the Sentra’s big selling points over the years, with highway gas mileage ratings floating around or above 30 miles per gallon (MPG) nearly every model year. The early 1980s sub-compact Sentras were the most fuel efficient models with the diesel variants producing remarkable gas mileage ratings.

The Sentra SE-R model offers a nice combination of performance and fuel-efficiency for the budget-minded auto enthusiast. The SE-R’s 4-banger produces 177 horsepower (on regular unleaded), and is mated with a continuously variable transmission controlled via paddle shifter.

Check out our Nissan Sentra Review:

Read more

Nissan Maxima Gas Mileage

by

The mid-sized Maxima is Nissan’s top of the line passenger sedan. While the Maxima’s 3.5 liter V-6 engine produces plenty of get up and go for the sporty four-door, gas mileage ratings have become a liability as gas prices have risen. The 2008 Maxima scores a highway ranking of just 25 miles per gallon (MPG), albeit revised.

For over two decades, the Maxima has been equipped exclusively with its well-respected six cylinder gasoline-powered engine. it’s time that Nissan expands the options to include either a hybrid choice (adopted from the Altima) or perhaps a fuel-efficient and torquey turbo-diesel (with a return of a manual transmission option as an added lure for the enthusiast).

Read more