I'm intrigued by these new Mazda inline 6 turbo engines and still get mid 20s mpg:

The CX-90 has debuted with a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, making either 280 or 340 horsepower...

https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-90

^^^^^

That’s not going to get OP the 5000# towing capacity he wants. I’m not sure any small displacement turbo will.

A turbo charged 4 banger makes as much or more horse power and torque as a naturally aspirated V-6, except the torque starts a 1,000 rpm lower and has a wider torque curve than the NA V-6. The Toyota 2.4 liter makes 265hp and 309lbft of torque with 20/29 mpg in the Highlander. The Toyota 4.0 liter V-6 makes 270hp and 276 lbft of torque with 16/19 mpg in the 4Runner.

All the turbo 4s and 6s being discussed are rated to tow 5,000lbs or more provided you get the vehicle’s tow package.

The frame on my F350 was bent behind the engine sub-frame when it was t-boned by a PT Cruiser. $23k to fix, $3k for a rental, and one month to fix my truck. I’m not sure body on frame is all that much better than unibody.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: trapper189,

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
whoops

I appreciate all the info. Lots to mash. A don't want a 4 banger. Not enough power.
sorry to hear the highlander is a 4 banger now. Maybe it is still available with a six cyl?

If I were in your boat and to meet all your requirements I’d find a certified preowned 2022 Highlander.
I love that V6 motor, plenty of power for the vehicle hood gas mileage, and when maintained properly that motor just keeps going.

I am frustrated by all these smaller forces induction motors especially since they are all in the name of fuel economy and nothing more, yet their real world fuel economy really isn’t all that great.
I love me a turbo motor for sure when it comes to performance vehicles but not my daily.

The Lexus TX will keep their tried and true V6 but is adding a plug in hybrid to the mix. I am actually excited that combo as I think that will be perfect for our needs as my wife’s daily commute will fall in the electric range.
However I doubt the price (which will be announced in the fall) will fall in our budget. Though hopefully it will fall under the $7500 EV vehicle rebate which would be helpful.

We bought a Highlander last year. 2019 lease car with18,000 miles. So happy. Our old Volvo XC90 might be more plush and slightly nicer ride, but the idiot lights!!!
We don’t have a hitch yet, but getting 24+ around town, and 26+ on trip!
Just for comparison, we test drove several Rav4s including a limited, the Highlander is well worth the extra $5000.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
I am frustrated by all these smaller forces induction motors especially since they are all in the name of fuel economy and nothing more, yet their real world fuel economy really isn’t all that great.
I love me a turbo motor for sure when it comes to performance vehicles but not my daily.

The turbos do get their fuel economy numbers if you don't drive it like you stole it or like a NA engine. Drive it up into the higher RPMs and keep it there and you won't see a difference. If you use it more like reserve power, then you'll get the mileage. You do have to change your driving style, but it's also less destructive to the engine than going cylinder deactivation.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
A turbo charged 4 banger makes as much or more horse power and torque as a naturally aspirated V-6, except the torque starts a 1,000 rpm lower and has a wider torque curve than the NA V-6. The Toyota 2.4 liter makes 365hp and 309lbft of torque with 20/29 mpg in the Highlander. The Toyota 4.0 liter V-6 makes 270hp and 276 lbft of torque with 16/19 mpg in the 4Runner.

All the turbo 4s and 6s being discussed are rated to tow 5,000lbs or more provided you get the vehicle’s tow package.

The frame on my F350 was bent behind the engine sub-frame when it was t-boned by a PT Cruiser. $23k to fix, $3k for a rental, and one month to fix my truck. I’m not sure body on frame is all that much better than unibody.

Actually the new Highlander turbo 4 banger only makes 265 horsepower, the V6 in the Highlander makes 295 horsepower. 2023 specs from the Toyota site below:

Gasoline engine—2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) 16-valve D-4S injection Atkinson-cycle-capable engine with Stop and Start Engine System (S&S); * 265 hp @ 6000 rpm, 310 lb.-ft. @ 1700-3600 rpm


.

Nuts, I fat fingered the 3 instead of the 2. I’ll fix my post. I used the V6 from the 4Runner as the comparison and both motors are what is currently available from Toyota in a new vehicle. Look at that 1700-3600 rpm torque band. That’s towing power.

I've got no problems with the 4cyl in my Explorer.
300hp/310tq & great mileage for a 4400lb SUV

The TT V6 gets 365-400hp/385-415tq with a hit to the economy.

Shame we don't get the PHEV model. TT V6 Hybrid, 444hp/620tq

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
I am frustrated by all these smaller forces induction motors especially since they are all in the name of fuel economy and nothing more, yet their real world fuel economy really isn’t all that great.
I love me a turbo motor for sure when it comes to performance vehicles but not my daily.

The turbos do get their fuel economy numbers if you don't drive it like you stole it or like a NA engine. Drive it up into the higher RPMs and keep it there and you won't see a difference. If you use it more like reserve power, then you'll get the mileage. You do have to change your driving style, but it's also less destructive to the engine than going cylinder deactivation.

Thing is all these motors use such small turbos they are producing boost under 1500 rpm’s in most cases.
So you are correct you have to completely change your driving habits but also dependent upon where you drive it’s unsafe using that little amount of acceleration to stay out of boost.

Don’t get me started on the cylinder deactivation garbage! I disabled that crap in our Suburban the day we got it.

Fact of the matter is we don’t need all this crap! Emissions control and ethanol have killed gas mileage!
All the government regulations are the problem.

I have the '21 Pilot. Just turned 7000 miles. Got the oil changed, etc. yesterday at the Honda place (same price as other places and unlike Jiffy Lube, they don't try to sell me unneeded stuff).

Service Rep said it was like a new vehicle (which, I think, it should be with those
few miles).

I love everything about it, size, mileage, ability to haul bigger payloads, looks and the way it simply "feels" when driving it.

We rented a '23 Pathfinder when we saw Q and my daughter in Houston early last fall. Nice vehicle, just a bit smaller all around than the Pilot.

If I ever buy another new vehicle, which is doubtful at my age and with my health, it'll be another Pilot or a 4Runner. My buddy who now lives in Tallahassee has a Highlander his wife drives, and I'd consider that one, too.

Bob

I know I’m in the minority but we absolutely love the Jeep Grand Cherokees we’ve had, and we’ve had three of them over the last 20 years.

The interiors are among the best of any SUV under $100K. We compared them to BMW’s and Land Rovers and thought the GC were better.

The Limited we have has full time 4WD and that will het you through anything you’re likely to encounter on road.

The newest version is even available as a hybrid to increase your mileage.

Check them out. I think you’ll be surprised and the dealers should be ready to deal with you.

quote:

Originally posted by sigspecops:
Take a look at the Hyundai Pallisade and the Kia Telluride. They might meet your needs and have a 60k 5yr bumper to bumper warranty/ 100k 10yr powertrain warranty.

Beware when buying a used vehicle from Hyundai/Kia:
What Happens to Coverage of a Used Kia When Sold under Warranty?
Kia's limited powertrain warranty switches to a shorter version of the warranty when the car is sold. The remainder of the warranty under this new term length then transfers to the new owner. When sold, the Kia's original 10-year/100,000-mile term length becomes a five-year/60,000-mile term length.

I loved both the 4Runners I had however we have been looking at the new full size Broncos. I don’t trust Ford quality on new vehicles but they drive nice, way better than a 4Runner. I will have another 4Runner.

Don't get a white Explorer with blacked out trim. Everyone thinks you are deputy and slows down.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Don't get a white Explorer with blacked out trim. Everyone thinks you are deputy and slows down.

Or they just get out of the way.
The white DRL on the non PIU cars vs amber on the police models usually let's people know you're not likely to pull them over.
Forscan can switch the drl from white to amber, but then the blinkers don't work.

So far the (new) Honda Pilot seems like the best option for us.
I do not like the idea of buying the first year of a redesign but.

Lots of buy Japan people, Honda, Toyota, here, seem to take over any "what should I buy" threads.

Domestics have a lot of options and the gap on reliability and quality builds has closed significantly.

Anywho, a month ago we were in WV, nephew works at a dealership and got us a Used Chevy Traverse AWD to use. It was a base model, V6, AWD, with 55K miles asking price was $25K. If we were in the market I'd have bought it and driven it home.

I was actually surprised how well it hauled us up and down the mountain roads with 5 people, child seats, strollers, cooler, etc. We went up a gravel/dirt road up to the family cemetery (wifes side), never missed a beat. Put nearly 600 miles on it over 3-4 days so plenty of seat time.

Three rows of seats, lots of leg room, even with me putting the seat way back, excellent radio/nav system, several USB connections front, mid and back with room behind the back row which folds flat.

I'd put it up there with the Explorer as good USA alternative. Might be worth a look.

And a pretty decent looking rig too

quote:

FWIW, I am leaning towards RAV 4 or Ford Escape, or Edge,

and possibly the Honda Passport,

passport by a mile