The Toyota Vanguard is a mid-size crossover SUV that was primarily sold in Japan from 2007 to 2013. Toyota Vanguard Fuel economy is on of the best in its class. Primarily sold in Japan from 2007 to 2014 as the larger version of the popular Toyota Rav4. Toyota Vanguard comes with a 7 seater and Five seater configurations. It shares its platform with the Toyota RAV4 but is positioned as a slightly more premium and larger alternative, offering more interior space and additional features.
Toyota Vanguard Key features
- Engine Options: The Vanguard was typically offered with 2.0 , 2.4L or 3.5L petrol engines, providing a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. There was also a 2.4L hybrid option in some models.
- Drive Options: It was available in both two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations, giving buyers flexibility depending on their driving needs.
- Interior and Comfort: The Vanguard boasted a more refined interior compared to the Toyota RAV4, with better materials and a focus on comfort. It had seating for five to seven or five passengers, depending on the configuration, and offered ample cargo space.
- Technology: Features like a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera were available in higher trims. Some models also offered advanced safety features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
- Safety: The Vanguard, like many Toyota vehicles, emphasized safety, with multiple airbags, stability control, and ABS being standard across the range.
- Discontinuation: The production of the Toyota Vanguard ceased in 2014, and it was eventually replaced by other models like Toyota RAV4 in various markets.

Toyota Vanguard Engine Options and Performance
- 2.4L Inline-4 (2AZ-FE):
- Power: Approximately 170 horsepower (127 kW) and 224 Nm of torque.
- Acceleration: This engine offers good acceleration for its class, though it’s not as powerful as some of the larger engines available in other SUVs.
- Transmission: Often paired with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth power delivery and decent performance for city and highway driving. There was also a CVT gearbox with manual shifts.
- 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE):
- Power: Around 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 344 Nm of torque.
- Acceleration: The V6 provides significantly more power, making the Vanguard more responsive and capable of handling steep inclines and highway overtaking with ease. It’s more suited for those who prefer a more powerful engine in their SUV.
- Transmission: Typically mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth but relatively quick shift for enhanced performance.
Toyota Vanguard Engine Fuel Economy
- 2.4L Inline-4 (2WD):
- Fuel Economy: Around 10-14 km/L (23.5-30.2 MPG) on average, depending on driving conditions and driving style.
- The 2.4L engine offers the best fuel efficiency, especially in the 2WD configuration, making it a good option for daily commutes and city driving.
- On a smooth road, Vanguard can make up to 14KM/L
- 2.4L Inline-4 (4WD):
- Fuel Economy: Approximately 9-11 km/L (21-25.8 MPG). The 4WD version consumes a bit more fuel due to the added drivetrain complexity and weight.
- 3.5L V6 (2WD):
- Fuel Economy: Around 8-10 km/L (18.8-23.5 MPG), with the V6 engine being less fuel-efficient than the 2.4L engine due to the higher power output and larger engine displacement.
- 3.5L V6 (4WD):
- Fuel Economy: Generally between 7-9 km/L (16.5-21.1 MPG). The combination of the V6 engine and 4WD system tends to reduce fuel efficiency compared to the 2WD variants.
Real-World Driving:
- In real-world driving conditions, fuel economy can vary based on factors like driving habits, road conditions, and whether you’re primarily driving in the city or on the highway.
- The 2.4L 2WD version is the most efficient, offering a decent balance of power and fuel economy for everyday use.