4x4 with good (20+) gas mileage

[Martinjmpr]

I'll post the details later, but FYI I just got back from a whirlwind 2200 mile road trip through the southwest in my extended cab, v-6 taco. Average MPG was just a hair over 20mpg and that was with me, the dog and probably 500lb of gear. No "off roading" just a few dirt roads and a lot of highways.

Bottom line: Given that my Taco is a V-6 extended cab, a 4 cyl reg cab should have no problem giving you highway mileage in the 20s while still maintaining outstanding off-road ability.

 

[Superu]

Huge subi fan here (well I'm not huge, just my love of subies). Anyway, love yours and thought I'd throw this out there to add to the conversation

Thanks J.D.

I actually have half of my lift kit in the garage and the second package on the way from Ausubaru. Scorpion has a lot of great stuff, though they haven't released a kit for the 05 and newer Outbacks yet.

I'll be posting pics up as soon as I get the kit installed.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Thanks J.D.

I actually have half of my lift kit in the garage and the second package on the way from Ausubaru. Scorpion has a lot of great stuff, though they haven't released a kit for the 05 and newer Outbacks yet.

I'll be posting pics up as soon as I get the kit installed.

PM me when you do, I'd love to see that.

Does Ausubru have a website?

 

[Superu]

Ausubaru Lift kit info is on the menu at the left. I'm on there as Superu.

 

[DavidG]

Rav4's are similar to my wife's CR-V. Ideal city vehicle, ok for gravel, not at all designed for off-road. No flex, very road bias traction control, no limited slip or locking diffs. I would place it in the same capability league as your Outback, maybe even giving your Outback the edge.

With that said, a few members have pushed to the limits and fell in love with the Honda Element. The pop-top camper conversion that can be done is especially slick. I am sure they will chime in with their opinion soon or just do a search for Element.

Pete

While I can't disagree with all MP has to say, in the research I've done I found that the first gen 5-spd RAV4 (2000 and earlier) had a LSD available in the rear and a manual lock center diff. Sure, no low range and a fairly wimpy motor, but they aren't completely worthless

Check out this RAV4 'build' on Off-road.com

Rocky-Road offers an OME suspension too!
http://www.rocky-road.com/rav4sus.html