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Jeep Grand Cherokee Real World MPG

105 messages,  Last post on Mar 07, 2011 at 4:07 PM

You are in the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), SUV

Messages Page 11 of 11

#96 of 105 Re: My first Cherokee...mpg really that bad? [tacis72] by tuggajb

Jun 14, 2008 (9:49 am)

Replying to: tacis72 (Jun 14, 2008 9:30 am)
up your air pressure to 35lbs should help

#97 of 105 2007 GC Diesel update by sahara111

Jun 14, 2008 (12:36 pm)

Hello all, wanted to get a quick update to you on my diesel GC. I just recently returned from my first, true long roadtrip involving lots of real-world experience that will be applicable to anyone with the diesel GC.
 
My trip started in WA, and went thru OR, then NV, Utah and to Colorado. It was a total of 4422.8 miles. I purposely used as many dirt, gravel, mud roads and paved backroads as possible as this is what I like to do. I made tons of stops - I took over 1000 photos along the way - some idling, some engine off, on again, etc; setting up tripod, camera, changing lens, etc. Did 4 different National Parks in Utah, did 4x4ing at Great Sand Dunes NP, did 4x4ing up to Engineer Pass (near Silverton CO), passed people with great ease going up all passes, had windy days several times, etc. Lots of curvy roads, slow for the blind corners, accelerate out, etc. In other words, the first portion of my trip - to Colorado - took about 9 days and had tons of stop-n-go, and then returning I came straight back via Interstates in 2 days traveling from 75-85 mph in most places. So, I consider this the first real extensive test of the vehicle and mileage.
 
For the entire trip I have an average of 23.56 mpg (again, this is the actual calculated mpg, NOT the computer mpg reading as it has variable error - see some of my previous posts...). I now have a total of 23902 miles on the truck, I may hit about 28000 by the end of August (I had prev. estimated 30k for my first year...). This trip lowered my overall (since new) mpg to about 24.92 mpg - still outstanding in my opinion considering the far-from-perfect aerodynamics (compared to new Toy Highlander, and Saturn crossover rig I compared to originally), the super but heavy, inefficient 4x4 system and the rear-end ratio (oriented to heavy trailering and off-roading vs. fuel mileage...).
 
Additional notes:
1) the turbo-diesel and the Quadra-Drive II in deep sand is simply stupendous; I didn't even bother to lower the air pressure (although GSD N.P. has a air hose when re-entering the paved road from deep sand) on my still stock street tires; just amazed at how easily it pulled and dug and when I gave it a bit more throttle it just leaps to the top of the sand. Had prev. experience in same exact place with Toy LCs, and this vehicle is better in that condition. It also worked extremely well crawling up Engineer Pass in 4-low; needed only 1300-1600 rpm in 4-low; it has huge reserves of power for incredibly steep climbs - it only needs real off-road tires to go with further confidence. It never slipped on me - I was scrapping the right side mirror on the 5 foot wall of snow-ice to safely hug the mt and not slide off - but off road tires of course will provide much more maximum grip and safety.
2) the additional cruising range on the 'outback' roads of south-central OR and down into Nevada desert areas is also wonderful (I did carry a 5-gal jerry can to be safe, but never needed it...); really is great to not worry about fuel and to have that extra range in case you miscalculate the next nearest fuel stop (which is easy to do in outlying areas...).
3) I was extremely curious to - finally - see how it does at true high altitudes. It never missed a beat; this was perhaps my most surprising discovery/confirmation. I never even noticed any power loss, it feels the same and it just leaps going up the passes at 9, 10, 11000 feet, etc. Just awesome, and now I know it will easily pull a trailer at any altitude one is likely to be at here in North America. Easily the best - in terms of no noticeable power loss at higher altitudes - that I have driven in CO (been going there rather consistently since the 80's with numerous vehicles, a couple street bikes, etc).
4) Oh - I did one of those 'measured mile' sections on the Interstate somewhere - it confirmed that the speedometer and trip meters are spot on, which reconfirms my findings using a GPS last year...good to know. However, you need to check your own vehicle as each may certainly vary.
5) I'd like to re-iterate that this vehicle is a near-superb long distance, all-around touring machine. As configured - the stock tires, leather seats, diesel package - it is very quiet, very comfortable on my somewhat meager back, has great range, and steers/stays in a straight line very easily. It of course handlescorners the best of the several SUV's I've owned and/or driven/rented. Just darn impressive and will do everything (if only a few times/yr) I or most would ever need. Of course, it's not oriented to people hauling - larger families need not apply - but for 2 or 3 adults, or a family of 4 with 2 smaller kids - it is an excellent choice. It brings a lot to the table, period.
 
Well, happy trails and a nice summer to all.

#98 of 105 Re: My first Cherokee...mpg really that bad? [tacis72] by verdugo

Jun 14, 2008 (1:56 pm)

Replying to: tacis72 (Jun 14, 2008 9:30 am)
Freeway at speeds between 65 - 80 mph I averaged about 14 mpg max.
 
Let me get this straight. You run your HEMI at up to 80 mph and you complain about bad mileage?
 
Seriously, not sure what else you could expect at those speeds. Stick to 65mph and see your mileage improve.

#99 of 105 Re: My first Cherokee...mpg really that bad? [tacis72] by naatz1

Jun 16, 2008 (10:48 am)

Replying to: tacis72 (Jun 14, 2008 9:30 am)
You can read some of my posts earlier this Spring around #85-86: I have the 07 & 4.7L nonhemi V8 and did testing with E85 and 87 octane gas. E85 saves me money but I am back to gas since the price differential has narrowed and even in the midwest now that I am towing my boat (a nice small torquey V8 boat puller I might add) it's harder to find E85 in random small towns. Your hemi is only rated 1 mpg less than my 4.7 but with the system that cuts it to 4 cylinders on flat highway driving (MDS?) I have friends that claim they are getting 20mpg at 70mph with their Jeep hemis. I just checked my Jeep last week on a fairly level stretch of I-90 and in 40 miles got 20.0 mpg (no wind, not using AC). You should be able to get about that if you hold it to 70mph on a nonwindy day, no AC. In Wisconsin where the interstate is 65mph I actually drove that speed and got 22mpg. Speed kills gas mileage but I am sure unless it really gets bad like it did in the 70s any thoughts of a 55 or 60mph limit will cause riots in the streets .... now for in town or suburban you can expect to get low teens, I get around 14-15 in what I'd call suburban driving.

#100 of 105 Anyone have real world MPG on 2008 4.7L with 4WD? by cmdr17

Dec 21, 2008 (1:10 pm)

I am considering buying a 2008 Grand Cherokee 4WD with the 4.7L. I read how Jeep made some small tweaks from the 2007 model year to improve fuel economy while boosting horsepower pretty significantly.
 
I live in Chicago and will probably be doing mostly city driving.
 
Thanks!

#101 of 105 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L Limited by jeep4life0604

Jan 04, 2009 (7:48 pm)

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee v8 4.7L with 160,000 miles on it. I recently took a road trip and pushed 26.5mpg out of it on all highway. I divided my gallons by how many miles I drove and it matched up.
If I do normal driving I get anywhere from 17.5 - 18.5 mpg depending how much stop and go I do... I have noticed that changing my spark plugs every 35,000 miles and changing the fuel filter about every 20,000 really goes a long way in boosting my fuel mileage...
 
*** I do not have the all wheel drive model, I have the Selec-Trac which is able to go either from 2WD or 4WD... with 4WD I get around 11 - 13mpg.

#102 of 105 00 Grand Cherokee I-6 by uscJeepGirl

Jan 04, 2009 (11:46 pm)

I have the 2000 Inline 6 and i get great gas millage. My commute its bout 50/50 city/highway and off road couple times a month, and the computer in the Jeep says I get 19 MPG. I am not a slow driver by all means. I was around 21 MPG til I went over 120K miles im at 153K now and its still running fine. A few things have went bad, had to replace the fan assembly, and 2 tie rods and a part of the steering column from off road driving but thats a given some times. but just regular maintenance oil, trans fluid, and coolant and mine runs fine. For a 4x2 my Jeep can scare a few 4x4s. I can stay in line with them and still not break the bank at the pump, i really do not see why ppl think the 4x2 is so bad same set up as the 4x4 just smaller engine and front wheels are not engaged. and i love my inline it is such a smooth engine.

#103 of 105 Re: Flex fuel E85 mpg [naatz1] by clarkkent

Feb 26, 2011 (2:57 pm)

Replying to: naatz1 (Apr 07, 2008 5:20 pm)
Have you figured in the cost of an engine?? Running E85 your engine should last about 1/2 as long as running it on gas.
 
10%E is bad enought. Don't kill you engine for a few pennies a gal. And give the COWS a break. They need to eat too.
 
Your E85 may be 50cents cheaper per gal, but you beef will be $2 a lb higher!

#104 of 105 2011 Jeep GC gas mileage by heydudes

Mar 07, 2011 (10:38 am)

I'll bet there are many others besides myself who would like to hear what kind of gas mileage drivers of the new JGC are getting. V6 and Hemi and 2x4 vs 4x4.
 
Thanks

#105 of 105 Re: 2011 Jeep GC gas mileage [heydudes] by transpower

Mar 07, 2011 (4:07 pm)

Replying to: heydudes (Mar 07, 2011 10:38 am)
And it's a shame that you cannot buy a new Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Diesel!

Messages Page 11 of 11

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