AWD Mileage

[haseltonk]

I recently bought a 01 Gr Caravan 3.8 awd, and have been a bit surprised at the gas mileage that I've been getting.

I drive 80%+ on the highway at speeds of no more than 65-70 and typically use cruise control. Best mileage I've seen is 19.9, worst is 17.9. I know the awd and bigger engine hurt mileage some but I really thought I'd get better than I have.

I have the ES so it has the computer which gives instant mileage reports, and cruising on the highway I do register 23 consistently but at a stoplight I can see my avg mileage drop constantly.

I have good tires inflated to 36 psi, air cleaner and plugs all look good. Sny other ideas of anything I could try to improve mileage? Also how does my mileage compare to others with similar models?

Thanks...
Keith

[Phoenixtsintsin]

You're right on with the mileage. You have a huge 3.8 (almost 4) liter engine running on AWD. 19 mpg is a good thing. Extended local driving, and you'll see that number under 15 mpg.

It's a trade-off. You get the high output engine for hauling family and goods, along with the improved traction of AWD. But you sacrifice mileage.

If you wanted mileage, then perhaps you would have been better off with a Civic wagon (or something like that).

But I'd be happy with 19 mpg with a 3.8 AWD.

I have the 3.3 FWD, and I average 25 highway, 15 local, and about 20 mixed.

Such is life. :(

[mfahey]

Before I accept those kind of numbers, remember that the FWD version of the 3.8L was rated at 24mpg on the highway and we consistently get that or a little better with ours. I had always heard that AWD shaved 1-2mpg so I would start by looking to see if your engine has had all of the routine things done to it to ensure maximum mileage. By that, I mean plugs, wires, fuel and air filters and front O2 sensor. All of these are usually dependent on vehicle mileage. You might also run some high quality fuel injector cleaner(not cheapo stuff you get at Wal Mart) through the gas tank.
As a double check on your true mileage, test your odometer against interstate mile markers as you may find that miles indicated are different from actual. Even a couple of % will make 0.5mpg difference.

[Tylus]

the trip computer in my Durango is off by 1.5 mpg...it'll say 15.5 consistently, by the by hand method pulls 13 mpg

19 mpg sounds great to me if you've got a 3.8 with awd.

[Rick99]

We're usually in the 14.7 range with our 3.8 FWD-- mostly just driving around town though. 19 sounds pretty good.

[haseltonk]

Guess I will be happy with 19 although it is still less than I thought I would get. I guess all things considered that's not too bad.

[77Utiline]

I have been constantly getting 16.0 MPG in town since I got my 97 T&C w/ AWD I now have over 220K miles on my 3.8 which in comparison to my 77 W100 (6 MPG) and my 85 B250 ( 12 MPG w/ 40 gallon tank) I'm pretty happy with lol.

[SpokaneCaravan]

Jeez, 15mpg. My LX470 gets that pushing 275's with AWD and a 4.7 v8. Can't be right...be a little more careful with the skinny pedal on the right