Too true on the 'being relative' remark. I get co-workers all the time justifying their 20s car MPG..."it could be worse, like in my old SUV". Yeah, one step at a time! 40 plus is the threshold for me. Again, unless you're actually filling a vehicle with passengers/cargo, etc.

So far, in my own personal situation, I've accomplished all my Pathfinder did and more in the Prius. It never went off-road, and I engaged 4WD 2 times a year in snowstorms...

'04 Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear warn system, compass mirror, EV mode button, 8" subwoofer in right rear cubby & 6" subs under seats, power lumbar in the front seats, Coastaletech hitch w/ Aspen bike/snowboard rack. iPod2car, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, and DVD video, solid 47 MPG @ 70000 miles.