I recently purchased a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude Edition and was wondering about my average MPG. I am new to the Jeep family and was aware of the whole fuel economy of the Wrangler but my Jeep is averaging 12-13 mpg (stock). I live in Chicago where tons of lights, stop signs, and traffic can be found. I just want to get some feed back if this should be expected, and if so, then I will gladly accept it. Just want to take whatever measures if I should have my Jeep checked out or not.
And no need to comment if I was looking for a better fuel economy vehicle, I should have purchased a Toyota Prius, as I have another vehicle... Just curious if this should be expected.
How hard you accelerate from stops definitely has a large impact, but for me, the biggest factor is my highway driving. People here drive fairly fast, 80 mph is not uncommon. Runs like that on my way to work and back keep me at around 14 or so. On a long highway trip recently, I decided to keep it at 65 mph or less for the entire trip. I was blown away that I averaged 19.8 mpg over two tanks. For a Rubicon with 4.10s and KM2s, I was amazed. The out of state gas helped that some as well, but still, I never thought I'd see numbers like that.
I am glad I checked this posts, I have been averaging about 17 or so with my San Diego highway driving and to have better gas mileage [I have a talk with the lead foot, speed demon] and then I started using cruise control 90% of the time
Gas mileage for the bricks on wheels tanks as you go faster and faster past 55 as well as the more you use the brakes and speed up again...which, is pretty much the same for any vehicle with just an internal combustion engine.
Thanks for your reply. When I actually checked my average MPG i was surprised to have found that it was averaging around 12.5. I thought maybe I needed to take it in, especially after reading some threads where older models were getting 18-22 mpg.
I have a 2010 Sport and mine is normally anywhere from 12-16. It's been higher, impressive even, though it's not the norm for me. I just see it when it's low at 12 or 13 then laugh. Every time I check, it makes me laugh. I drive fast and aggressively, even in the Jeep, so I attribute it to this.
I also have a '12 Unlimited and the MPG is dependent on a couple items:
1) Driving style - the slower your starts, the more you can avoid stop/go traffic, etc. the better. If you really want to get the most mileage search for "hypermile". I did some of these techniques and it can make a difference, but then I got bored with it and gave up.
2) Tires, both size and style. When I had the stock Bridgestone's I was averaging ~19 on my mixed drive of highway/local streets. Stock sized Duratrac's dropped this to 17~18. Anything bigger or more aggressive will further impact your mileage.
3) Top on/off. I find that with the hard top off I get slightly worse mileage. I guess a topless brick has more drag than brick.
4) Reduce weight where possible. All those metal bumpers and recovery gear we all like to carry have a big impact. If you really want to maximize mileage leave all the heavy stuff at home when you do not need it. Obviously the bumpers, skid plates, etc are not going to be taken on/off, but just be aware that it will impact your mileage.
The best I ever had was when I still had stock tires, was driving down from the Upper Peninsula back to Chicago and I had a really nice tail wind. I was doing 65ish along with the big rigs and averaged 25 mpg on that trip home. Typically I get 15-18 now depending on local or highway.
I can't seem to get past 13 MPG, and that with watching how I drive.
-My driving style has shifted once I got the jeep, so it isn't as though I am accelerating hard or even going past 50-60 mph.
-I have stock tires
-Hardtop is currently on
-No added accessories just yet. I purchased the Jeep two weeks ago.
I'm just outside of Toronto, so plenty of traffic (worse than NY or LA), stop signs, etc. I have a '16 75th Anniversary with the steel bumpers, added heavier rock rails, etc, and I typically get 14.0-15.0mpg combined city and highway, with about a 50/50 split- and that's with 285/70/17 Duratracs, with 3.73 gears.
Oddly enough, my '14 with the lighter plastic bumpers and side steps, with 3.21s was about the same.
Check your tire pressures. 28-30psi give you much better ride quality and comfort, but fuel economy suffers. I run my Duratracs at 32psi, fwiw.
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