4th Gen gas mileage question V6-4x4 vs V6-2WD

[digifoss]

I was just wondering if there is any difference in gas mileage, and how much, between the 4WD models and the 2WD or RWD with the 4.0L V6, 2006 - 2010 years. The dash indicator in mine pretty consistently shows 15.8 to 15.9 all the time. A couple of checks at fill-up time have shown 15.8 and 16.2. I'm just curious how much better the RWD ones get.

 

[MotorCityFats13]

the numbers the computer gives you depends on type of driving and how long since reset my 4.0 4wd usually sits between 17-18 as most of my driving is cruise control set 73mph and I never reset the computer.... i honestly dont think there will be a noticeable difference between 2 and 4 wheel drive versions unless you do alot of low speed stop and go driving when the added unsprung weight, more parts and added over all weight of the 4wd become more parasitic

kind of like how the 4.6 gets like 1-2 mpg more than the 4.0

 

[DiGiornoRisingCrust]

I've got a 4.0 RWD. Driving normally, without going above 2,500 RPM to accelerate, and with E10, I get about 16.5 city. Highway I get around 21, but depends on wind and speed.

I don't think there'd be much difference from RWD to 4WD unless you drive with 4WD on, but 4WD is a little more weight, so that might make a small difference. (Owners manual says +400 lbs = 1 MPG lost)

Also, I found I can get 1-1.5 MPG better if I use unleaded gas, but most of the time unleaded is $0.50 more, so it isn't cost effective.

 

[digifoss]

After realizing my MPG monitor in the instrument panel hasn't been reset since the PO owned it and then no telling how long ago, I reset it, and reset the A trip meter on fillup last Friday. Then we did a little 350 mile round trip to visit kids / grandkids over the weekend. On the highway now it shows 21.5 most of the time, 21.8 occasionally, and 21.3 once in a while. Filling up with gas again, using the actual miles from the trip meter, it calculated to 21.4.

Mine is 4WD and 4.0L

 

[Mbrooks420]

2wd would do better, always, everything else being equal. Rotating mass is several times more parasitic than static weight. Spinning the front axle shafts, differential, and front driveshaft will have a negative effect.

Comparing the 4.6 to the 4.0 doesn’t really have anything to do with this question.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Higher gear ratio in the 2wd and 4wd with no tow package will get you a little more from each gallon.