Hi Scotty,
One of my friends is looking to buy an SUV. Since he has a long drive to work and since he works in a construction site. He is looking for an SUV with 4WD but at the same time quite balanced on Fuel economy since his work is 120 KM drive.
He has looked into Honda Pilot 2013 which has VCM and also into some GM products with Cylinder deactivation.
Another option is Toyota Prado with 4 cylinder but it cannot haul stuff. What is your opinion on VCM and Cylinder deactivation.
Thanks all for your comments. My friend is looking to get a 6cyl Prado Naturally aspirated 2012.
No. Cylinder deactivation is not efficient at all.
For more information, please see our FAQ on cylinder deactivation.
Scotty hates cylinder deactivation. It causes all kinds of long term problems, and doesn't really save that much fuel. Same with those goofy stop start technologies. V8s get the worst gas mileage in stop and go traffic, and if you drive like a maniac. Drive conservatively (at or slightly under the speed limit on the highway, in the right lane) and you can actually get decent mileage. Engine speed dictates efficiency, not just engine size.
It is efficient in ruining your engine.
Haha i just read it. It is good at running your engine.
Avoid cylinder deactivation in vehicles at all costs. Even if the rest of the vehicle had no issues, but having cylinder deactivation alone is a deal breaker. And most definitely stay away from GM products with that technology: they never quite sorted it out.
