Fuel Consumption
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
one word: Aerodynamics 
they'll tell you to rent a honda because fuel efficiency and gas mileage isn't the top priority for people buying wranglers. you can get an engine that does 50 miles per gallon, but stick that same engine on a wrangler (or any other brick shaped vehicle) and there goes that 50mpg.
they'll tell you to rent a honda because fuel efficiency and gas mileage isn't the top priority for people buying wranglers. you can get an engine that does 50 miles per gallon, but stick that same engine on a wrangler (or any other brick shaped vehicle) and there goes that 50mpg.
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
I wonder how much better the fuel economy is with everything off in the summer. Totally topless, doors off. I know that is a lot of weight. I noticed when I drove around this summer with everything off the jeep felt much lighter and more responsive. I just never botherd to check the mileage.
Anybody look at it yet?
Anybody look at it yet?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
From: The Badlands (near Lafayette, IN)
I wonder how much better the fuel economy is with everything off in the summer. Totally topless, doors off. I know that is a lot of weight. I noticed when I drove around this summer with everything off the jeep felt much lighter and more responsive. I just never botherd to check the mileage.
Anybody look at it yet?
Anybody look at it yet?
At highway speeds, aerodynamics of a full hard top are far superior to top-off.
Like I said, I wasn't at a point in my tank where I could refill and calculate. It was only about a 40 mile round trip, but when I reset the trip computer to watch average mileage, it was MUCH worse (i.e. 17-18) than what I normally see at highway speeds. (23+) More responsive and better MPG in stop-start driving without hard top and doors would be an absolute yes. The added benefits of visibility and wind in your hair make top-off summer driving a given.
Using the trip computer, there seemed to be a sweet spot around 63 or 64 MPH that showed 25-28 MPG, but I haven't been able to check the actual with a refill calculation. This was on a long highway trip that was mostly at 75 MPH, with speed reduced as the interstate went through a town. Traffic was medium to heavy at all speeds, so drafting played a part.
As has already been said, Jeep is the wrong vehicle for anyone with MPG as a primary purchase factor
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
I didn't do any refill calculations in said mode, but the MPG average on the dashboard took a major hit with the top and doors off.
At highway speeds, aerodynamics of a full hard top are far superior to top-off.
Like I said, I wasn't at a point in my tank where I could refill and calculate. It was only about a 40 mile round trip, but when I reset the trip computer to watch average mileage, it was MUCH worse (i.e. 17-18) than what I normally see at highway speeds. (23+) More responsive and better MPG in stop-start driving without hard top and doors would be an absolute yes. The added benefits of visibility and wind in your hair make top-off summer driving a given.
Using the trip computer, there seemed to be a sweet spot around 63 or 64 MPH that showed 25-28 MPG, but I haven't been able to check the actual with a refill calculation. This was on a long highway trip that was mostly at 75 MPH, with speed reduced as the interstate went through a town. Traffic was medium to heavy at all speeds, so drafting played a part.
As has already been said, Jeep is the wrong vehicle for anyone with MPG as a primary purchase factor
At highway speeds, aerodynamics of a full hard top are far superior to top-off.
Like I said, I wasn't at a point in my tank where I could refill and calculate. It was only about a 40 mile round trip, but when I reset the trip computer to watch average mileage, it was MUCH worse (i.e. 17-18) than what I normally see at highway speeds. (23+) More responsive and better MPG in stop-start driving without hard top and doors would be an absolute yes. The added benefits of visibility and wind in your hair make top-off summer driving a given.
Using the trip computer, there seemed to be a sweet spot around 63 or 64 MPH that showed 25-28 MPG, but I haven't been able to check the actual with a refill calculation. This was on a long highway trip that was mostly at 75 MPH, with speed reduced as the interstate went through a town. Traffic was medium to heavy at all speeds, so drafting played a part.
As has already been said, Jeep is the wrong vehicle for anyone with MPG as a primary purchase factor
I sure wish we had the CRD...
Last edited by Gasser; Oct 26, 2007 at 03:20 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
Interesting and expected. I drive 100% in town. This spring, I will see what differance it makes when I get to take everything back off for summer. I bet the Jeep is 700 pounds lighter with all of that stuff off. I should get much better in town MPG. I understand the comments from most that economy is really a low priority if you bought a Jeep but that does not mean we need to completly ignore it. My wifes Excursion diesel 7000 lb truck gets 18 to 20 MPG Highway and its a brick for sure. But its hauling a lot more people and stuff doing it. I will also say, my race car only gets 2.5 MPG on track...
I sure wish we had the CRD...
I sure wish we had the CRD...
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Well that is easy enough to check. I just guessed by how heavy everything felt when I took it all off. Next time I will just weigh everything or even easier, take the Jeep to the scales and again stripped.\
You are probably right but just some thoughts as I did feel the jeep was definatly more responsive/ lighter feeling with everything out for my LINE-X job.