Even with Land Cruiser 80, you can aim for more than 11 MPG!
The Land Cruiser 80 has a charm that more than compensates for its poor fuel efficiency
In Japan, only hybrid cars and light cars are sold. Certainly, looking at the statistics, most of the top-10 domestic car sales in the past few years have been these models.
However, cars are not chosen solely for their economy. It is a good idea to choose a hybrid or a light car if you simply value economy and use it as a daily driver. But, Land Cruiser fans should look at the Land Cruiser from a different perspective.
The Land Cruiser, the representative of SUVs, is the world’s number one vehicle for its passenger and cargo space comfortable for long distances. Such practicality is only part of the Land Cruiser’s capabilities. The gasoline engine Land Cruiser 80 has been said to have poor fuel efficiency since its debut, but it has an appeal that more than compensates for its poor fuel efficiency.
Driving the Land Cruiser 80 is Eco-friendly
In the era of hybrid cars such as Prius and Aqua, the poor fuel efficiency of Land Cruiser 80 gasoline may be surprising. Compared to the Aqua, which can easily run 47 to 70 MPG of actual fuel consumption, the fuel consumption of the gasoline-powered Land Cruiser 80 is only about a quarter of that.
However, there is no reason to stop driving the Land Cruiser 80 because of poor fuel efficiency. Instead, change your driving habits rather than give up on the 4WD.
Land Cruiser’s fuel efficiency deteriorates when accelerating during start-up and overtaking
Poor fuel efficiency during accelerating and starting is not just a gasoline-powered engine issue; it is also true of diesel engines.
If you’ve ever seen an energy monitor on a hybrid vehicle such as the Prius, it looks good, but if you step on the accelerator pedal as deeply as possible, the monitor’s sign will immediately enter the red area. In addition, since hybrid vehicles such as the Prius start with the motor first, it is important to reduce fuel consumption when starting to improve fuel efficiency.
Three eco-friendly driving practices
Based on the above information, the first step towards driving more efficiently means to slowly accelerate and slowly shift into gear on a manual transmission car, and secondly maintain a steady speed once you reach your cruising speed.
Thirdly, keep your eye on the traffic signals and remove your foot from the accelerator before you reach the red light.
By practicing these three easy driving habit adjustments, your fuel efficiency will improve.
Early shift up and stable driving
The Land Cruiser 80 gasoline engine has a 3F-E type (4.0L) installed in the early model and a 1FZ-FE type (4.5L) after the middle model. In the used car market, both are often combined with an automatic transmission (AT).
If you want to save on fuel, you have to step on the accelerator a little harder when starting, but quickly shift up and release the acceleration once the speed increases.
You then slowly press the accelerator until you reach your desired speed.
When overtaking and accelerating on a highway, you want to avoid stepping on the accelerator pedal on the floor. The Land Cruiser weighs 2 tons, and the engine doesn’t have the appropriate power to match the car’s weight.
If you decide to pass on the road, depress the gas pedal early and gently. Ideally, when you look at the vehicle ahead sideways, it should be exactly at the target speed and steady. There is no need to force yourself to go faster.
In addition to driving style, daily maintenance also contributes to fuel efficiency
I want you to enjoy off-road driving to your heart’s content while practicing economical driving habits.
In addition, it is also important to pay attention to maintenance when trying to save money on fuel. I have introduced this in other blog posts, but there are points that users can check on their own on all of their vehicles, not just the Land Cruiser 80.
Check the air cleaner, engine oil and oil filter, tire wear condition, and loading condition (whether or not you are carrying unnecessary luggage).
If the air cleaner is clogged, the engine will not be able to take in enough air, and the fuel will be richer. If the engine oil and filter deteriorate severely, the frictional resistance inside the engine will increase, further deteriorating fuel efficiency. As for tires, it is important to remember that worn tires, especially mud-type tires with a large block pattern, are particularly prone to uneven wear, and when this happens, the rolling resistance becomes extremely large.
In general, it is said that the fuel efficiency of a Land Cruiser 80 gasoline vehicle is excellent if it runs 11 MPG. However, in reality, if you practice economical driving, you can reach 14 MPG to 16 MPG or more.
