The Impala Wins!
 

Heh, ok, so I might be exaggerating a little, but on a recent trip I had the chance to drive a 2009 Toyota Rav4 w/4x4 and 4speed auto and 4cyl engine. Overall I was favorably impressed with the feel of the vehicle, and the maneuverability. However....

Toyota 355miles - took 13.25gallons nonethanol fuel = 26.79mpg average
Impala 355miles - took 12.50gallons nonethanol fuel = 28.40mpg average
(numbers not exaggerated!!)

woohooo for my Impala... :thumbup:

The trip did include a generous portion of headwind, and a moderate load in both vehicles. The return trip was a lot better in the Impala, far less headwind, and no load, plus a more sedate and steady pace as well. Makes me wonder a little about the future when a 4cyl in a lighter weight vehicle (if memory is correct) is actually worse than the v-6 in the heavier vehicle. Ah well, I will simply enjoy my Impala till it dies, then figure out what to get next! Cheers.

4x4 of course it lost.

Weight's not going to matter that much in steady highway cruising, which it sounds like this was. Compare the CdA of the two. IIRC, the Toyota's a box-like thing to begin with, and you're pushing it into a headwind...

Which engine in that Impala?

Either way I'm not surprised, as GM's large cars are at home on the highway.

It probably has the 3800 series II, or the 3.4 L. i know the LS had the 3800, not sure about the base..

The Impala has the base 3.4L v-6. Still in my opinion a very good engine. Now if I could just figure a good way to spread the gearing a little and add 2 more... lol