MPG through the years

[Bdiddy11]

When looking at Fueleconomy.gov comparing the various 3.5 Monteros, I'm getting mixed results and was wondering if anyone could clarify...

95/96 3.5 is showing 13/17
97 3.5 showing 15/18
98/99 showing 14/18
and newer Monty typically 13/16ish

Eventually I'd like to get a fullsize Montero due to an increasing family (only 1 kid atm) to have a third row, plenty of space, off-road ability and more comfort than my current XJ. I would prefer the gen 2.5 due to the body, but would be open to a 97 or possibly a Gen 3 for the right deal, I'm not as big on the Gen 3 body though. Just wondering if anyone has experienced these MPG differences with the 3.5 with different years so I can find the better MPG Montero (granted they aren't superb on gas anyways).

 

[KarmannMarco]

My 97 LS gets 15-18 mostly all highway miles being light on the accelerator for the most part. I also need to replace an 02 sensor so hopefully after doing so it will improve.

 

[eurosonic]

I average out at 16mpg with my 2.5Gen on 35s

 

[PirateMcGee]

My Sport 3.5 gets 18/22 typically. Averaging 19mpg mixed city/highway with highway speeds 75-80mph. I imagine you could squeak out 24 on the highway stock at 55-60mph. Even at 17-18mpg the full size Montero is way better on gas than it's competitors with similar abilities. I don't see the full size getting better mpg's than a sport although I believe some of the full size have more highway friendly ratios.

 

[4D55 Performance]

My 2000 consistently got 20 mpg with mixed driving and up to 24 mpg on the freeway. The gen 2.5 will get the best fuel economy because of its gearing and lighter weight.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

'95 33x12.50 tires, ARB bumper, roof rack, heavy foot 13/18-ish mileage.

 

[magoh76]

I was going to ask about this in it's own thread but since gas mileage is being discussed here, I hope it's ok to jump in. My '01 is averaging around 13mpg. Any other Gen 3 owners getting better gas mileage? The first tank after I bought it I put in premium and got about 15 mpg. Then I read on here or 4x4Wire, can't remember, that others were getting better mileage out of regular so I've been using that since but with worse results. I do have a check engine light on that I have not gotten read yet, so I'm thinking an O2 sensor might be bad and causing the less-than-anticipated mpg.

 

[off-roader]

I was going to ask about this in it's own thread but since gas mileage is being discussed here, I hope it's ok to jump in. My '01 is averaging around 13mpg. Any other Gen 3 owners getting better gas mileage? The first tank after I bought it I put in premium and got about 15 mpg. Then I read on here or 4x4Wire, can't remember, that others were getting better mileage out of regular so I've been using that since but with worse results. I do have a check engine light on that I have not gotten read yet, so I'm thinking an O2 sensor might be bad and causing the less-than-anticipated mpg.

The greatest factor in improving your gas mileage is your right foot. Most SUV drivers drive them like they're normal cars expecting the same acceleration/deceleration performance. By trying to accelerate at the rate of a car, their gas mileage suffers. Not saying this is what you're doing.

That said, I know I'm directly guilty of this to some degree. The difference really for me is I just like driving fast.:smiley_drive::ylsmoke:

 

[magoh76]

The greatest factor in improving your gas mileage is your right foot. Most SUV drivers drive them like they're normal cars expecting the same acceleration/deceleration performance. By trying to accelerate at the rate of a car, their gas mileage suffers. Not saying this is what you're doing.

That said, I know I'm directly guilty of this to some degree. The difference really for me is I just like driving fast.:smiley_drive::ylsmoke:

I'm a long-time SUV and pickup driver, but a Neon has been my daily driver for a couple of years now, so you may be onto something. :rally_guys:

 

[off-roader]

Tell me about it. For a time I was driving an Audi twin turbo S4 as my daily driver and my older v6 SOHC engine'd monty. Now that I've upgraded to the more powerful 3.5l DOHC SR engine, it only encourages me to drive it faster:ylsmoke:.

 

[magoh76]

Well, a Neon doesn't even compare to an Audi S4 but I manage to have a little fun in it on the twisties. Mainly I drive it for the good mpg's. It's a 96 2-door 5 speed so it does excellent in that arena and it's a bit of a shock to switch to the Monty where I can almost see the needle drop as I drive. :Wow1: I thinking about putting in K&N air filter but I've heard it's not good to use them offroad.

 

[off-roader]

Well, a Neon doesn't even compare to an Audi S4 but I manage to have a little fun in it on the twisties. Mainly I drive it for the good mpg's. It's a 96 2-door 5 speed so it does excellent in that arena and it's a bit of a shock to switch to the Monty where I can almost see the needle drop as I drive. :Wow1: I thinking about putting in K&N air filter but I've heard it's not good to use them offroad.

Well, I'm sure you know I wasn't trying to directly compare an S4 to a Neon but they are analogous I think. From what I hear Neon's are pretty decent and well behaved on a road coarse and quite competitive with comparable cars. I hear it also has lots of upgrade options available to improve performance. I guess in that sense, it's the same as my s4.:smiley_drive: