4cyl vs 6cyl changes nothing for the snow.
Why would FWD not do well in the snow? Compared to RWD, more weight is over the drive wheels so you get more traction and 99% of the drivers out there that need to be able to point the steering wheel in a given direction and be pulled that way consistently.

Aside from that snow just isn't a consideration in many areas of the country. It's not here in Memphis more than maybe once or twice a year.

Maybe they have a couple kids and a dog and want the room and utility but don't own a boat?

A wave runner wouldn't likely be a problem... yeah it'd make it even slower but just be careful and don't try to pull directly out onto the highway with oncoming traffic and you'll be fine.

The highlander V6 will pull 5000 pounds with the tow prep kit... so I suspect a 4-cyl will still pull at least 3000 which is enough for most people.

 

I feel like this is a flashback to the 70's and early 80's when all other autos were cutting engines to get better MPG.

The HP creep we have been experiencing in the last decade has crested, V6's have gone from 150-300HP, 4CYL's have jumped from 90 to 200+! V8's under 300HP are considered weak!

My parents test drove an 86 Chevy Celebrity brand new with the then Iron duke 4cyl and instead bought the 2.8L v6 which was much more powerful! (130 hp tops???)

Think of the Diesel big GM cars that were a flop? People trying to milk 22-23MPG out of a road boat so they bought an engine that wasn’t right for the car?

My rant is because, if people are willing to sacrifice 4x4, and then sacrifice power, why don’t they buy a station wagon??? Oh I remember! Their is only about 5 on the market!

It's all about the SUV image, and I am glad it's trickling off.

I love it when I talk to co-workers and they talk about their "rugged" truck, and how it is such a pig on gas, and difficult to park and I find out it's a 4cyl Rav 4