Sienna mileage: 2WD vs AWD

[brow]

Hi all,
I am looking at replacing our VW Jetta Wagon with a Sienna (or Odyssey). The VW is a diesel so basically anything we end up getting will get "horrible" MPG... (relative to the TDI of course).
I've been looking at used Sienna's and am finding more AWD versions than 2WD. My question is how much worse fuel economy does the AWD version get than the regular FWD version?
Another question if anyone can help - the Odyssey comes with a cylinder deactivation program on some of their models. Anyone have experience with this and how well (or not) it works? Is it like the hemi where you have to be going downhill with a tailwind in order for the cylinders to deactivate?
Thanks!!

[AUtundra]

I have been looking to do the same thing you have only out of a Volvo R wagon. From the info I have seen the MPG's go down 1 with AWD. I live in the south and have had a hard time finding the AWD. I called on one that had sold minutes before I rang in. He said he never noticed the AWD working so other than more gas it was perfect.

As to the cylinder deactivation on the Honda. The ones I have tested you had to have no load on the engine. So if you were cruising on the highway or getting up to speed and let off the gas the ECON light would come one. That was the only way of knowing. I have run across several cases of Honda buybacks dealing with rough switch over. I think this happened on the first year but don't hold me to it. I would join a forum group and see what you can find.

I have gone back and forth on the two vans and don't see much difference. I hate dealing with Honda dealers and their attitudes. Most seem to think the longer the honda has been out there the better it becomes.

Stay in touch and maybe we can share our van research. Is your TDI a manual or automatic. I know someone looking for a stick in the wagon.

[wells service]

the odyssey cylinder deactivation only comes on cars with leather seats and honda does not have all wheel drive. window sticker says fwd gets 26 mpg and the awd gets 24 mpg. the 08 seinna has a bigger engine getting the same or better mileage and the extra power keeps the trans from shifting all the time.

[BAD BONEZ BJ]

I had a 2004 Sienna XLE AWD for two years, traded it for a used Tundra (needed the truck). My wife was into the Hybreds at the time (owned both the Prius and the Highlander) but she missed the Sienna (great riding van), so she traded the Highlander (owned 6 months) in on a 2006 Sienna XLE 2WD. She loves it.

Whenever I drive it (hers), I find that I still have the same heavy foot and spin the front tires. The AWD never did that. When you wanted to go, you went. To me, I always felt that I was driving a "sports car" and it responded the same.

The AWD also sits higher, which is something else I liked. Sitting higher, put the headlights right into the rear window of most passenger cars. And the headlights on these Seinna vans are probably the best headlights I've ever driven behind in 40 years of driving.

My MPG ranged from 14.7 to 29.43 MPG, still have the Excel spreadsheet. My Tundra gets about the same. Love the leather seats.

The AWD also comes with run-flat tires (cost a litlle more to replace) and no spare. The space was needed for the rear drive. Add the towing package, as I did, and pulled a 5x8 trailer without much notice that I had it behind me.

Not too many performance products available, but there some good tips on this forum.