rav4 v6 >

 

Here's a crazy idea.
How about something that isn't a soccer mom SUV on a unibody chassis?
None of these have the requisite strength for substantial off road work.

Dave, if you aren't hauling tons of gear and it's going to spend its life on pavement and gas is headed for $5 a gallon, why bother with a faux truck?

 

:eh: we got 25+mpg in ours. both are rated at 20 mpg / 26 mpg though. Boxy looks do not necessarily mean less aerodynamic. Some of the boxier vehicles are more slick than cool looking cars in a wind tunnel by large amounts.

 

You can get a used element insanely cheap. That's what I would do.

 

+1

My Fit looks boxy/clunky as hell but I'm getting 33 mpg's and rising.

 

How is Fit boxy? Fit is one of the more aerodynamic cars out there!

 

I had 07 Element EX for few month so I know directly what I am talking about. Those cars don't do well mpg wise. In fact, you go on the element forum and EVERYONE complains about mpg figures. You say you get 25mpg mixed driving? Most people get 20-22 and if you have AWD that figure goes to 18-19. Those are not good figures for 4 cylinder HONDA! Even scion xb get better mpg then element, which many people call a "toaster" because of its lack of it's aerodynamic performance.

 

I have no idea how people report such poor gas milage. They must drive them like they think they're race cars. Keep in mind though, down in FL, everything is 50+ mph and multiple lanes, so it might skew towards highway numbers.

James, what do you get for MPG?

 

I only average 22 mpg right now in my 240sx. thats with my granny shifting not double clutching like i should.

so why the faux truck you ask mr. otherdave? because i want something higher off the ground but not uncomfortable as a full blown truck. i want something 4wd so i can take it to tahoe without waiting for my friend in his tacoma. i want something more modern with side airbags and better crash test results than my current deathtrap :0. last thing i want to do is pay the ultimate price for skimping on a $12,000 dollar vehicle..or 200 a month

 

I think the new RAV-4s look pretty good. Not a big fan of the element just because they're so damned ugly. Can't go wrong with a honda, but the restyle isn't very attactive in my opinion.

Also, take a look at the Toyota Highlander. My neighbors recently got a nice new black one...looks pretty slick.