looking at different autos on the road, i think the early kia suv would do much better in regards to aro, compared to the sidekick. but ive never driven one so ive not had the chance to find out the LBs of one....or what kind of mpg they get.
difference is the kia has a 2.0L engine versus the TBI 8V or EFI 16V 1.6L or in real early ones TBI 8V 1.3L in the sidekick
the kias 4wd hubs work on vac to engage, where the sidekick uses true old school auto hubs or manuals. after 15 years its easier just to change to manuals then deal with the VAC ones.
bolth use a rear drive, front engine lay out, just like a truck. makes working on it very easy. compared to front drive. granted my runner is stock with no A\C
also its not that bad to drive with the P\S belt off being a lighter auto
but man with 50psi it rides like a dang buck board. but i just live with it....
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1 86 T\D trooper with rare GEN 3 rods
TRANS FIXED 
NOW DD
1 86 4WD 5sp pup is 2.3L gas, but plan on 2.2L diesel repower
1 91 trop, long term plan is a group buy of imported Isuzu 4JB1-T 2.8L I-4 engines, hoping to get price down to 2K not 3K plus
1993 sidekick my MPG toy, epa rating 26.
i get 29/31 with stock drive train.