[elhigh]

That '97 'Runner was available with a 4-pot engine, the biggish 2.7l 3RZ. I'm not familiar with them but one would imagine it's going to be a bit thriftier than any comparably- or larger-sized V6. I see 2014s can be had with a four as well but I know even less about those than the 3RZ.

I see the Trail package is available only with the 4.0 V6, so right there she's picked up about 12% more engine displacement. That'll take a hit at the pump.

The new Runners weigh in at a solid 4400 lbs, the '97 is listed at just under 4000. That would make a big difference too.

Also, the new 4Runner is about a foot longer and as much as five inches wider than the old one. It's just a bigger hole to punch in the air. Extra mass, more cylinders, more drag...I guess that would do it.